Replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Note: a detailed guide with photos and expert advice

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Note (especially in bodies E11 And E12) is a consumable that requires attention every 80–120 thousand km mileage Their wear is manifested not only by a deterioration in comfort, but also by dangerous “yaw” of the car at speed, an increase in braking distance and uneven tire wear. Car service centers charge from 6 to 12 thousand rubles (depending on the region), but if you have the tools and minimal skills, you can do the work yourself - saving up to 70% cost.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from diagnostics to running-in new shock absorbers, including a selection of spare parts (original vs analogues), a list of tools and unique design nuances Nissan Note, which are often missed even by experienced craftsmen. For example, why when replacing the rear struts on this model necessarily check the condition of the support cups and how to avoid breaking the springs during removal.

Signs of faulty rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Note

The first symptoms of wear on the rear struts Nissan Note often attributed to “suspension features” or poor-quality road surface. However, ignoring problems leads to chain of breakdowns: silent blocks of levers, wheel bearings and even transmission elements suffer. Pay attention to the following signals:

• 🚗 Body rocking after driving over bumps (the car “nods” bow or stern for a long time).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance - worn shock absorbers do not keep the wheel in contact with the road.
• 🔧 Knocks in the rear suspension when driving over small bumps (often confused with faulty wheel bearings).
• 💨 Uneven rear tire wear - “spots” or “saw” along the inner/outer edge.
• 🌊 "Wave" on the body during a sharp maneuver (for example, going around a hole) - a sign of a complete loss of damping properties.

On Nissan Note with over mileage 150 thousand km common oil leak from shock absorbers — it can be found by looking under the boot of the strut. If oil smudges are visible on the body, the part must be mandatory replacement, even if outwardly she is still “holding on.”

⚠️ Attention: On models Note E12 (2013–2020) rear shock absorbers are integrated with springs into a single unit (McPherson). When replacing, be sure to check the condition support bearings — their wear leads to squeaks when turning the steering wheel in place.

Which shock absorbers to choose: original or analogues?

Original rear struts for Nissan Note supplied by the company Kayaba (labeling Nissan 54501-EM00A for right and 54500-EM00A for the left). Their average price is 8–12 thousand rubles per piece. However, many owners choose analogues that are not inferior in quality, but are cheaper 30–50%.

Brand	Article	Price (for 1 piece), ₽	Features
Kayaba (KYB)	344387 / 344388	7 500–9 000	Original supplier, 10–15% tougher than standard ones
Monroe	E3546	6 200–7 500	Softer than the original, suitable for a quiet ride
Boge	S12-0506	5 800–6 900	Good price/quality ratio, resource 100+ thousand km
Sachs	315 314	8 000–9 500	Sports tuning reduces body roll when cornering
TRW	JGM504T	5 500–6 700	Budget option, suitable for urban use

When choosing shock absorbers for Nissan Note take into account driving style:

• 🏙️ Suitable for the city and rare trips to the highway Monroe or TRW - they are softer and more comfortable.
• 🏁 For active driving (frequent acceleration/braking) it is better Sachs or Kayaba — they are tougher, but they hold the road more accurately.
• 💰 Optimal price/quality balance - Boge or Febi (article 23530).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) C-pillars shorter than on E12. Install shock absorbers from E12 on E11 it's impossible - this will lead to incorrect suspension geometry and accelerated tire wear.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the rear shock absorbers yourself Nissan Note will be required specialized tool. Without certain devices (for example, a spring remover), the risk of damage to parts or injury increases significantly. Here's the full list:

Jack and supports (or lift)

Socket set (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm)

Socket wrench with extension

Spring puller (required!)

Hammer and chisel (for removing stuck nuts)

WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant

Torque wrench (for tightening to the correct torque)

New nuts and bolts (recommended to replace)

Rubber boots and bump stops (if worn)

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Pay special attention spring puller. On Nissan Note the rear springs are under high tension, and attempting to disassemble the strut without a lock may result in injury or spring damage. Also prepare wheel chocks — the car must be parked on a level surface with the front wheels blocked.

In addition to shock absorbers, consumables you may need:

• 🔩 New strut nuts (article Nissan 08922-60010) - old ones often “lick off” when unscrewed.
• 🛡️ Anthers and bumpers (set Nissan 54520-EM000) - if they are cracked or have lost their elasticity.
• 🔧 Thread lubricant (For example, LIQUI MOLY LM47) - prevents sticking of nuts.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers

Replacement process Nissan Note takes 2–3 hours (on both stands) if tools are available. It is better to carry out work in a garage or on an overpass. Follow the algorithm:

1. Preparing and removing the wheel

Jack up the rear of the car and place jack stands on the front wheels. Remove the wheel from the side of the shock absorber you are replacing. For convenience, you can loosen the nuts securing the rack before getting up cars - this makes it easier to unscrew them.

2. Detaching the strut from the body

In the passenger compartment or trunk, remove the plastic trim above the wheel arch to gain access top rack mount. Loosen the stem nut (you will need a wrench 17 mm and the head on 6 mm to keep the rod from turning). Don't unscrew it completely - just loosen it.

Disconnect from below lower bolt securing the strut to the arm (key to 19 mm). If the bolt is stuck, use WD-40 and a hammer and chisel for accurate tearing.

3. Removing the rack and disassembling

After unscrewing both fasteners, the stand will remain hanging on the spring. Carefully remove it from the arch. Now it is necessary disassemble the rack:

1. Install the rack in spring puller and compress the spring until the upper support is released.
2. Unscrew the rod nut completely and remove the support bearing, cup and spring.
3. Check status anther And bumper - Replace if worn.

At this stage it is often discovered that support bearing (Nissan 54525-EM000) is worn out - it is better to replace it immediately, even if outwardly it looks normal. Bearing cost - approx. 1,500 rubles.

4. Installing a new shock absorber

Assembly occurs in reverse order:

1. Install the new shock absorber into the puller and put the spring on it (follow the marks - the upper coil should fit into the groove of the cup).
2. Tighten the stem nut firmly 40–50 Nm (use a torque wrench!).
3. Reinstall the strut by aligning the bottom bolt with the hole in the arm.
4. Tighten the upper nut securing to the body to a torque 35–45 Nm.

What to do if you can’t unscrew the stem nut?

If the shock absorber rod nut is loose or won't budge, try the following method:

1. Clamp the rod in a vice through soft spacers (for example, wooden blocks).

2. Heat the nut with a hair dryer (up to 200–250°C) - this will help destroy the corrosion.

3. Use a socket wrench with extension to increase leverage.

Important: Do not apply excessive force - there is a risk of breaking the rod!

5. Running in and checking

After replacing both shock absorbers need to run-in:

• 🚗 Drive 20–30 km on a flat road without sudden maneuvers.
• 🔧 Through 500 km Check the tightness of all nuts - they may “sag”.
• 🔍 Inspect the racks for oil leaks (if there are any, the part is defective).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear struts with Nissan Note. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening of nuts - leads to backlash in the stand or shearing of the thread. Always use torque wrench!
• 🔄 Confused racks (right/left) - on Note E12 they are not interchangeable! Check the labeling.
• 🛠️ Ignoring the support bearing — its wear accelerates the destruction of the new rack.
• 🔩 Reusing old nuts - they are deformed when twisted. Always take new ones!
• 🚫 No break-in — new shock absorbers first 100–200 km are not working at full capacity.

Another typical problem is incomplete spring compression before disassembling the rack. This causes the spring to “shoot out” when the rod nut is unscrewed, damaging parts or causing injury. Always check that the spring completely fixed puller

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with the system ESP After replacing shock absorbers, an error may light up C1130 (rotation angle sensor malfunction). To reset it, calibrate the sensors by driving in a straight line at speed 30–40 km/h without turning the steering wheel.

Cost of work in the service vs independent replacement

Prices for replacing rear shock absorbers Nissan Note in car services vary depending on the region and level of the service station. On average:

Service type	Cost (for 1 rack), ₽	Cost (set), ₽	Opening hours
Official dealer	4 500–6 000	9 000–12 000	3–4 hours
Unofficial service	2 500–4 000	5 000–8 000	2–3 hours
Garage craftsmen	1 500–2 500	3 000–5 000	2–4 hours
On your own	0 (spare parts only)	15 000–25 000*	3–5 hours

* Cost of spare parts (2 shock absorbers + supports + boots).

The savings when replacing it yourself is up to 12,000 rubles (if you take into account labor + spare parts). However, is it worth taking on the matter yourself? Answer the questions:

• Do you have spring puller and a torque wrench?
• Are you ready to spend 4–5 hours to work (taking into account possible difficulties)?
• Are you confident in your abilities when working with tense springs?

If the answer to at least one question is “no,” it is better to contact the service. Errors when replacing shock absorbers can result in accident or expensive suspension repairs.

Frequently asked questions about replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to replace only one shock absorber if the second one is still “alive”?

No, this is absolutely not recommended. Rear shock absorbers Nissan Note must be replaced a couple, even if the second one is visually fine. Different stiffness of the racks leads to:

• Uneven adhesion of wheels to the road (especially dangerous on wet asphalt).
• Accelerated wear of the second shock absorber.
• I pull the car to the side when braking.

The exception is if the second shock absorber is new (replaced less than a year ago).

How to check if a shock absorber is leaking if there are no visible leaks?

On Nissan Note Oil leaks often start inside the boot, so the strut may look dry on the outside. Take the test:

1. Press the rear bumper of the car firmly 30–40 kg and release quickly.
2. If the machine does more than 1–2 swings - the shock absorber is faulty.
3. Remove the boot and inspect the rod - if there is an oil film on it, the rack must be replaced.

Also note rod corrosion - if it is, the shock absorber will soon begin to leak.

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

On Nissan Note replacing rear shock absorbers no effect to camber/toe angles directly, since the struts are not adjustable. However:

• If before the replacement there were The silent blocks of the levers are worn out, replacing them will require adjustment.
• If you notice that the car is pulling to the side, check tire pressure And wheel balancing before visiting the service station.

In most cases, a wheel alignment is not required, but a check wouldn't hurt (diagnostic cost - approx. 500 rubles).

Which shock absorbers are better - gas or oil?

For Nissan Note The choice depends on your driving style:

• Oily (Monroe, TRW) - softer, more comfortable for the city, but less resistant to overheating (for example, during long driving on the highway).
• Gas (Kayaba, Sachs) - stiffer, hold the road better, but transmit more vibrations to the body. Suitable for active driving.
• Gas-oil (Boge) - the golden mean, recommended for most owners.

Original racks on Note - gas-oil, so to maintain factory characteristics, choose a similar type.

What happens if you don't change the rear shock absorbers?

Ignoring wear on rear struts Nissan Note leads to cascade of problems:

1. Increased braking distance on 20–30% due to poor wheel grip on the road.
2. Tire wear — the treads wear off in spots, the tires have to be changed twice as often.
3. Breakage of silent blocks of levers - due to excessive loads, they tear after 10–15 thousand km.
4. Risk of aquaplaning - at speeds above 80 km/h The car may lose control on wet roads.
5. Damage to wheel bearings - due to vibrations they fail after 20–30 thousand km.

In a critical situation (for example, during a sharp maneuver), faulty shock absorbers can lead to capsizing car.