Replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Note: a detailed guide for self-repair

Constant velocity joint (CV joint) is a critical transmission element Nissan Note, which transmits torque from the gearbox to the wheels at different angles. Wear of this part is manifested by a characteristic crunch when turning, vibrations at speed or jerking when starting. Unlike many European cars, Note (especially models E11 And E12) the design of drives has its own nuances: for example, internal CV joints here often fail due to the characteristics of the boots and operating angles.

This article will help you figure out how replace the CV joint on a Nissan Note yourself without contacting the service, saving up to 8,000–12,000 rubles. We will analyze in detail:

• 🔍 Symptoms of a problem (including “hidden” symptoms that even experts miss).
• 🛠️ Tools and spare parts: which brands of CV joints are best suited and which ones are not worth buying.
• 📸 Step-by-step photo report with disassembling the drive, removing the hub and installing a new part.
• ⚠️ Common mistakes, which lead to repeated repairs after 5–10 thousand km.

We will pay special attention unique problem of Nissan Note with “souring” of the internal CV joint in the box - This is a common cause of breakdown when attempting to dismantle. You will also learn how to check the condition of the gearbox seal after replacement to avoid oil leaks.

Signs of a CV joint failure on a Nissan Note: how not to confuse it with other breakdowns

Crunching when turning is the most obvious symptom, but it only appears when heavy wear outer CV joint. In the early stages, a breakdown can be identified by other signs:

• 🔊 Clicking noise when starting from a standstill or changing gears (especially when “cold”). More often it indicates wear of the inner CV joint.
• 🌀 Steering wheel vibration at a speed of 60–80 km/h, which disappears when accelerating or braking. The reason is drive imbalance due to play in the hinge.
• 🛑 Jerks during acceleration (as if the clutch is “slipping”). B Nissan Note this may be due to the balls being stuck in the inner CV joint cage.
• 💧 Traces of grease on the inside of the wheel or boot - a sign of a ruptured cover and dirt getting into the mechanism.

It is important to distinguish a CV joint malfunction from problems with wheel bearing or universal joint (on all-wheel drive versions Note). To diagnose, perform the test:

1. Turn the steering wheel all the way left and right, loading the drive.
2. If a crunch is heard only when turning left - faulty right outer CV joint (and vice versa).
3. If the sound appears when moving in a straight line (for example, when overcoming holes) - the problem is internal CV joint.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with an automatic transmission, wear on the inner CV joint can be disguised as “kicks” of the box. Before changing, check the oil level in the gearbox - if it is black or smells like burning, there may be a problem with the transmission.

Which CV joints are suitable for Nissan Note: selection of spare parts and brands

On Nissan Note E11/E12 (2006–2020) two types of drives were installed:

• 🔧 For gasoline engines (1.4/1.6 l, HR16DE/HR15DE): outer CV joint - 39101-4M000, internal - 39300-4M000.
• ⚡ For diesel versions (1.5 dCi, K9K): external - 39101-ED000, internal - 39300-ED000.

Original parts from Nissan They are expensive (from 6,000 rubles per piece), but their service life rarely exceeds 100 thousand km. Alternative brands with good price/quality ratio:

Brand	Article (external/internal)	Price, rub.	Features
GKN (Lobro)	ADG00102/ADG00103	3 200–4 500	The best analogue of the original, resource 120+ thousand km. High quality lubricant included.
SKF	VKJA 6636/VKJA 6637	2 800–3 900	Good geometry of the balls, but the anthers often break after 30–40 thousand km.
Febi	28500/28501	2 500–3 200	A budget option, but it requires mandatory reassembly before installation (checking for backlashes).
NTN-SNR	JR104/JR105	3 500–4 800	Optimal for diesel versions. Resistant to high loads.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📦 Complete set: the box should contain a CV joint, boot, clamps, lubricant (20–30 g) and a retaining ring.
• 🔄 Availability of tags on the inner CV joint - they must coincide with the marks on the drive (otherwise there will be vibration).
• 🛑 Boot condition: even a new one may have microcracks (check in the light).

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy branded CV joints Topran or Trialli - their resource rarely exceeds 20 thousand km. Also avoid “universal” Chinese analogues without article numbers: they do not take into account the operating angles of the drives Note.

Tools for replacing CV joint on Nissan Note: complete list

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Specialized tools:
  • CV joint puller (for example, Kukko 204-2 or equivalent).
  • Torque wrench (hub nut tightening torque - 200–220 Nm).
  • Boot clamp pliers (e.g. Knipex 13 95 200).
• 🔨 General tool:
  • Heads for 17, 19, 30 mm (for the hub nut).
  • Socket wrench with extension (for lever mounting bolts).
  • Hammer and wooden spacer (for knocking the drive out of the hub).
• 🧴 Consumables:
  • Grease for CV joint (Molykote BR2 Plus or LIQUI MOLY LM47).
  • Thread sealant (Loctite 243).
  • Brake cleaner (ABRO Brake Cleaner).

For diesel versions you will additionally need special puller for inner CV joint (article Nissan KV10115800), since it sits tighter in the box due to increased loads.

If you plan to work without a pit or lift, prepare jack with stop (a regular “diamond” will not work - you need support under the threshold) and safety stands.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing the outer CV joint on a Nissan Note

The process takes 2-3 hours if you have experience. If this is your first time doing this type of work, allow 4-5 hours.

1. Removing the wheel and hub nut:
   • Loosen the hub nut (30 mm) on a stationary car (tightening torque - 200 Nm).
   • Raise the car, remove the wheel and finally unscrew the nut.
   • Remove the caliper (unscrew the 2 bolts on 17 mm), hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose.
2. Removing the drive from the hub:
   • Unscrew the ball joint mounting bolts (19 mm).
   • Knock the drive out of the hub with a wooden spacer and a hammer (strike in the center!).
   • If the drive does not come out, use a puller or apply gentle pressure with a pry bar.
3. Replacing the CV joint:
   • Clamp the drive in a vice using soft spacers.
   • Remove the old clamps, cut off the boot and clean the shaft of old grease.
   • Using a puller, remove the old CV joint (if it is jammed, heat the part with a hair dryer).
   • Put on a new boot, lubricate the CV joint (20–25 g lubricant) and install it on the shaft until it clicks.
4. Assembly:
   • Secure the boot with clamps, making sure there are no distortions.
   • Install the drive back into the hub and tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench.
   • Assemble the caliper and wheel, check the play.

After replacement be sure to check:

• 🔄 Wheel rotation angle - it should be smooth, without biting.
• 🛑 No play in the drive (shake the wheel in a horizontal plane).
• 💧 The seal of the boot (pump it with air through a syringe - if you hear a whistle, there is a crack).

What to do if the new CV joint crunches after installation?

This may be caused by:

1. Insufficient amount of lubricant (add another 5–10 g).

2. Distortion of the boot (disassemble and reinstall).

3. Defective part (check the play of the balls in the separator).

If the crunch remains, return the CV joint to the seller under warranty.

Replacing the inner CV joint: difficulties and nuances

Inner CV joint on Nissan Note It is more difficult to change due to its location in the box. Main problems:

• 🔧 Jamming in the gearbox seat (especially on runs over 100 thousand km).
• 🛢️ Risk of oil leakage if the seal is damaged.
• ⚙️ The need to drain the oil from the box (about 2 l).

Work order:

1. Drain the oil from the gearbox (through the plug M24 on the crankcase).
2. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the inner CV joint to the differential (14 mm).
3. Use a puller to pull the CV joint out of the box. Never hit the shaft with a hammer - this will deform the seat!
4. After installing a new CV joint, check the condition of the gearbox seal. If it is cracked, replace it (38345-4M000).
5. Fill with new oil (Nissan Matic S ATF for automatic transmission or 75W-80 GL-4 for manual transmission).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with automatic transmission (RE0F10A) after replacing the inner CV joint, it may be necessary box adaptation (reset errors via Nissan Consult or Launch X431). Otherwise, there may be jerks when switching.

Typical mistakes when replacing CV joints and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that reduce the life of the new CV joint. Common mistakes:

• 🔧 Insufficient lubrication — leads to accelerated wear of the balls. Needed 20–25 g to the outer CV joint and 30–40 g to internal.
• 🛠️ Re-stretching clamps — the anther cuts. Optimal force: the clamps should fit tightly, but not deform the rubber.
• 🌀 Ignoring backlash in the hub bearing. If there is one, the new CV joint will last a maximum of 10 thousand km.
• 🔄 Label mismatch on the inner CV joint and drive - causes vibration at speeds of 80+ km/h.

Another common mistake is use of unsuitable lubricant. For example, Litol-24 or Solid oil are not suitable: they cannot withstand high temperatures and are “squeezed out” of the CV joint. Use only specialized compounds:

Lubrication	Temperature range	Features
Molykote BR2 Plus	from –40° to +180°С	The best choice for outer CV joints. Contains molybdenum disulfide.
LIQUI MOLY LM47	from –30° to +160°С	It is universal, but requires replacement every 50 thousand km.
Castrol LMX	from –25° to +140°С	Budget option, but does not hold up well on diesel engines Note.

After replacement be sure to check:

• 🔄 Wheel balance - imbalance will accelerate wear of the new CV joint.
• 🛑 Camber angle (even if you didn't touch the levers, the drive could move).
• 💧 No leaks from under the boot (wipe the part and check after 100 km).

How much does it cost to replace a CV joint on a Nissan Note at a service center?

The cost of work depends on the type of CV joint and region:

Type of work	Price, rub. (Moscow)	Price, rub. (regions)
Replacement of outer CV joint (one side)	3 500–5 000	2 500–3 500
Replacing the inner CV joint	5 000–7 000	3 500–5 000
Replacing the boot (without removing the CV joint)	1 500–2 500	1 000–1 800
Removing/installing the drive assembly	6 000–9 000	4 000–6 000

Included in price not included:

• 🛢️ Changing the oil in the gearbox (if required when replacing the internal CV joint) - +1,500–2,000 rub.
• 🔧 Diagnostics of the chassis (if the technician detects play in the bearing or ball) - +500–1,000 rub.
• 🔄 Wheel alignment (required after replacing the internal CV joint) - +1,500–2,500 rub.

Replacing it yourself is cheaper, but requires tools. If you do not have a puller or torque wrench, it is cheaper to contact a service center. For example, renting a pit for 4 hours in Moscow costs 1,000–1,500 rub., and purchasing a puller costs from 3,000 rub.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

Short-term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but not worth the risk. A worn CV joint can:

• 🔧 Get blocked while turning (especially dangerous at speed).
• 🛑 Damage the axle shaft, which will lead to replacement of the drive assembly (~15,000 rub.).
• 💥 Tear the boot and contaminate the gearbox, which will require washing it.

If the CV joint has been crunching for 3-4 months, there is a high risk that it will “fall apart” while driving.

Which CV joint breaks more often on a Nissan Note: internal or external?

On Nissan Note internal CV joint fails 2–3 times more often than the external one. Reasons:

• 🔄 Large operating angles (up to 20° versus 7° for the external one).
• 🛢️ Poor ventilation of the boot - condensation accumulates, corroding the lubricant.
• 🛑 Higher starting load (especially on diesel versions).

Average resource of internal CV joint - 80–100 thousand km, external - 120–150 thousand km.

Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil after replacing the inner CV joint?

Yes, if:

• 🛢️ The oil has not been changed for more than 60 thousand km.
• 🔧 When removing the CV joint, dirt got into the box.
• 💧 Old oil has darkened or has metal shavings.

For manual transmission Nissan Note suitable oil 75W-80 GL-4 (For example, Ravenol MTF-2 or Motul Gear 300). Volume - 2.3 l.

Is it possible to restore the CV joint (rebuild) instead of replacing it?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is:

• 🔧 Expensive: a new set of balls and a separator is worth ~2,000 rub., plus work.
• ⏳ Unreliable: the resource of a restored CV joint rarely exceeds 30 thousand km.
• ⚠️ Dangerous: If the balls are not selected correctly, the CV joint may fall apart while driving.

It is more profitable to buy a new CV joint in the middle price segment (for example, GKN or NTN-SNR).

How to check a new CV joint before installation?

Before installation:

1. Turn the CV joint in your hands - it should rotate smoothly, no snacking.
2. Rock the shaft in the radial direction - the play should not exceed 0.5 mm.
3. Check the boot for leaks (pump it with air).
4. Make sure the kit contains retaining ring (if it is not there, the CV joint will fly off the shaft).

If at least one point is not fulfilled, return the part to the seller.