Replacing rear springs on a Nissan Note E11: a complete guide with nuances

Rear springs Nissan Note E11 - a critical element of the suspension, which over time loses elasticity, sags or breaks. If your car begins to “sag” at the rear, a knocking sound appears when driving over bumps, or handling has deteriorated, most likely it’s time to replace them. In this article we will walk through the entire process from fault diagnosis to final assemblyincluding selection of spare parts, necessary tools and unique nuances of a particular E11 model, which are often missed even by experienced craftsmen.

Unlike the front struts, replacing the rear springs with Note requires less effort, but has its pitfalls - for example, correct positioning compression buffer or the tightening torque of the fasteners. We will go into detail at each stage so that you can do the work yourself without resorting to the services of a service station. And if you still decide to turn to professionals, this article will help you control the process and avoid the masters’ mistakes.

Signs of Wearing Rear Springs: When to Replace

The first signal about problems with springs is uneven clearance between the wheels and arches. On Nissan Note E11 standard rear clearance is approx. 150–160 mm (measured from the center of the wheel to the edge of the arch). If the difference between the right and left sides exceeds 10 mm, this is a reason for diagnosis. Other symptoms:

• 🚗 Body sagging when loading the trunk (even light weight).
• 🔊 Knocking or squeaking in the rear suspension on uneven surfaces, especially during rebound.
• 🛣️ Deterioration in directional stability: The car “steers” to the side or it sways at speed.
• 🔧 Visible damage: cracks, corrosion or deformation of the spring coils.

Feature Note E11 — asymmetrical load on the springs due to the location of the fuel tank. The right spring often wears out faster than the left. To accurately determine the malfunction, carry out a test: press the rear bumper with force 30–40 kg and let go. If the body “bounces” more than 2 times, the springs have lost their elasticity.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with ABS And ESP Worn springs can cause false alarms due to changes in suspension geometry. This is especially true for Note E11 2013–2017 release.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

Original springs for Nissan Note E11 have an article number 54310-4M000 (right) and 54310-4M001 (left). Their average cost is 4,500–6,000 rub. for a couple. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands:

Brand	Article	Price per pair (RUB)	Features
Sachs	315 514	3 800–4 200	Increased service life, suitable for severe operating conditions.
Lesjöfors	543104M000S	3 500–3 900	Softer than the original, improves comfort on uneven surfaces.
TRW	JGS1049	4 000–4 500	The rigidity is identical to the original, high quality coating.
Febi	22616	3 200–3 600	Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to color coding: on Note E11 original springs have green mark (standard hardness) or yellow (reinforced). Analogues may have different markings - check with the seller. Also check the contents: the box should contain compression buffer (if they are worn out, they also need to be replaced).

Necessary tools and vehicle preparation

To replace the rear springs with Nissan Note E11 no specialized equipment is required, but there are some nuances with suspension fixation. You will need:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (minimum 2 pieces) - it is strictly forbidden to work on one jack!
• 🔩 Socket wrenches on 17 mm And 19 mm (for attaching the shock absorber).
• 🔧 Head with extension for the lower strut bolt.
• 🛠️ Clamps to compress the springs (if you plan to disassemble the rack completely).
• 🧲 Magnet — will simplify the installation of the upper spring cup.
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly) for rusty bolts.

Before starting work:

1. Park your car on flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the rear wheel nuts (but do not remove them completely!).
3. Disable batteryif you plan to work with sensors ABS (on some versions Note E11 they are attached to the stand).

Loosen the rear wheel nuts|

Place chocks under the front wheels|

Disconnect the battery (when working with sensors)|

Treat bolts with penetrating lubricant|

Prepare a tool for fixing the springs -->

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) a raised wheel may cause the sensor to trigger falsely. After replacing the springs, it may be necessary to reset the error via on-board computer console or scanner ELM327.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear springs

Replacement process Nissan Note E11 takes 2–3 hours for a beginner and 1–1.5 hours for an experienced master. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time. Let's look at the process using the left side as an example (the right side changes similarly).

1. Removing the wheel and accessing the rack

Raise the car with a jack and place a support under body threshold (not under the suspension arm!). Remove the wheel and clean the stand from dirt. Please note brake hose - it must not be pulled or twisted.

2. Disconnecting the shock absorber

Unscrew the two bolts securing the shock absorber to fist (lower - on 19 mm, top - on 17 mm). If the bolts are stuck, use a penetrating lubricant and impact wrench (but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread!). After this, lower the rack down, releasing the spring.

What to do if the bolt does not come off?

If the bolt does not budge even after applying lubricant, try:

1. Heat it with a hair dryer (do not overheat the rubber elements!).

2. Use spanner wrench instead of carob, it breaks the edges less.

3. Apply liquid key (For example, PB Blaster) and leave for 10–15 minutes.

As a last resort, the bolt can be cut off with a grinder, but then you will need to replace the fastening kit (part number 08922-4M00A).

3. Removing the old spring

Carefully remove the spring along with compression buffer And anther. Inspect them for cracks or deformations. On Note E11 buffers often “dull” over time - if they have lost their elasticity, replace them (article no. 54517-4M000).

Please note upper spring cup - she has asymmetrical shape and must be installed strictly in a certain position (projection forward). If the cup is deformed, it also needs to be replaced (article number 54318-4M000).

4. Installing a new spring

Before installing a new spring, check its markings - they should match the old ones (label color, number of turns). Install the spring on the lower cup, then install the upper cup protrusion in the direction of travel. The compression buffer should fit tightly, without distortions.

Observe tightening torque bolts:

• Bolt securing the strut to the knuckle: 80–100 Nm.
• Shock absorber rod nut: 40–50 Nm.

Tighten the bolts only after the car has been lowered onto the wheels (otherwise the suspension will work skewed).

5. Assembly and testing

After installing the spring, reassemble the strut in reverse order. Make sure that:

• 🔹 The brake hose is not stretched.
• 🔹 Sensor ABS (if any) secured and not damaged.
• 🔹 All rubber bushings are in place.

Lower the car and press firmly on the rear a few times to settle the spring. Take a test drive at speed 40–60 km/h, paying attention to knocks and behavior of the car on uneven surfaces.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing springs with Note E11. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect installation of the upper cup - if you mix up the sides, the spring will “walk” and knock.
• 🔩 Bolt tightening — can lead to deformation of the silent blocks of the levers.
• 🚗 Ignoring compression buffers - worn buffers will quickly destroy a new spring.
• 🛠️ Operation without spring fixation — a compressed spring can “shoot” and cause injury.

Another typical problem is spring stiffness mismatch. If you are installing reinforced springs (for example, from Nissan Juke, which are sometimes placed on Note to increase ground clearance), be sure to replace them in pairs. Different hardness will lead to uneven tire wear and deterioration in controllability.

Cost of work in the service vs independent replacement

In official services Nissan for replacement of rear springs they charge from 3,000 to 5,000 rub. per pair (excluding the cost of spare parts). In unofficial service stations the price may be lower - 1,500–2,500 rub., but the quality of work varies. Replacing it yourself will only cost the cost of springs and, possibly, new buffers (500–800 rub. per set).

The savings when repairing yourself are obvious, but consider the risks:

• 🔧 Possibility of damage brake hoses or ABS sensors.
• 🔩 Incorrect tightening of bolts, which will lead to backlash.
• 🚗 No guarantee for work (unlike a service station).

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals, but control the process using these instructions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing springs on Nissan Note E11

Is it possible to replace only one spring if the second one is in good condition?

Not recommended. Even if the second spring is visually intact, its elasticity decreases over time. Different spring stiffness will lead to uneven tire wear and deterioration in controllability. The exception is if the second spring is new (for example, it was recently changed).

What will the ground clearance be after replacing the springs with reinforced ones (for example, from Juke)?

Reinforced springs from Nissan Juke (article 54310-4M200) raise the ground clearance Note E11 on 20–25 mm. However, this will increase the load on the shock absorbers, so it is also recommended to replace them with more powerful ones (for example, Kayaba or Monroe).

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacing the springs?

Definitely! Even if you haven't touched the suspension arms, changing the spring height affects wheel alignment angles. On Note E11 this is especially critical due to the short wheelbase - incorrect angles will lead to severe wear on the inner or outer edge of the tires.

Is it possible to drive with a broken spring?

Short term - yes, but with caution. A broken spring may:

• 🔹Damage shock absorber or boot.
• 🔹 Lead to loss of control on uneven surfaces.
• 🔹Provoke body distortion and uneven tire wear.

If the spring breaks on the way, move at a speed no more than 40 km/h and avoid sudden maneuvers.

Which springs are best for heavy use (for example, frequently loading the trunk)?

For Nissan Note E11 Suitable for constant loads:

• 🔹 Sachs 315 514 - reinforced, withstands up to +200 kg on the axis.
• 🔹 TRW JGS1049T - with increased service life and corrosion protection.
• 🔹 Lesjöfors 543104M000H - “gold standard” for commercial use.

Also consider additional spring spacers (article 54310-4M010), which increase the load capacity without replacing the main springs.