How to properly remove and install the front bumper on a <em>Nissan Note E11</em>: step-by-step guide with photos and diagrams

Front bumper Nissan Note E11 - This is not only an element of the exterior, but also an important part of the safety of the car. It protects the body from minor damage, absorbs energy during collisions and serves as the basis for mounting headlights, fog lights and parking sensors. However, over time, the bumper may crack, become deformed, or simply require replacement due to an accident. In this article we will look at all the nuances of fastening the front bumper on Note E11: from preparing tools to final adjustment of gaps.

Many car owners are afraid to remove the bumper themselves for fear of breaking the plastic clips or damaging the fasteners. In fact, the procedure is not as complicated as it seems - the main thing is to know precise attachment points and sequence of actions. We have collected all the necessary information, including unique fastening schemes for restyled and pre-restyled versions Note E11, as well as typical mistakes that beginners make. If you are planning repairs or tuning, this guide will save you time and money.

Preparing for work: tools and materials

Before you begin removing the bumper, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one tool can delay the process for hours. Here minimum setwhich will be required:

• 🔧 Socket wrenches by 10 mm and 12 mm (for bolts securing the bumper to the side members).
• 🔨 Flat head screwdriver or a special plastic remover for clips (so as not to damage the plastic).
• 🔩 Phillips screwdriver (for self-tapping screws at the bottom of the bumper and wheel arch liners).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder or a bowl for small parts (clips, bolts are easily lost!).
• 🔦 Flashlight or carrier — lighting under the hood and below the bumper is often insufficient.
• 🧴 Silicone grease (for processing rubber seals and clips before installation).

If you are planning complete bumper replacement, additionally prepare:

• 🔄 New bumper (original or high-quality analogue, for example, from Febi or Hella).
• 🛠️ Set of new clips and pistons (old ones often break when removed).
• 🎨 Color corrector (if the bumper is painted and the shade needs to be adjusted).

⚠️ Attention: On restyled versions Nissan Note E11 (since 2010) the fastenings of the bumper to the wings have been changed - instead of self-tapping screws, plastic caps with a metal core are used. They cannot be unscrewed with a screwdriver!

Also in advance disconnect the battery, if you plan to work with parking sensors or fog lights. This will prevent short circuit. If the bumper is removed for painting, prepare masking tape and covering film to protect adjacent body elements.

Front bumper mounting diagram Nissan Note E11

Bumper on Note E11 attached to the body in 12–14 points, depending on the configuration. Main fastening points:

1. Top bolts — 2 pcs. under the hood (attach the bumper to the side members).
2. Side screws — 2–3 pcs. on each side (attach the bumper to the fenders).
3. Lower pistons — 4–6 pcs. (attach the bumper to the lower cross member).
4. Radiator grille clips — 2–4 pcs. (if the bumper is removed along with the grille).

Below is a table with the exact location of the fasteners for pre-restyle (2006–2009) and restyle (2010–2013):

Mounting type	Quantity (dorestyle)	Quantity (restyle)	Removal tool
M8 bolts (side members)	2	2	Socket wrench 10 mm
Self-tapping screws (wings)	4	2 (replaced with pistons)	Phillips screwdriver
Pistons (lower part)	4	6	Flathead screwdriver or puller
Grill clips	2	4	Plastic puller
Fog light mounting bolts	2 (if installed)	2 (if installed)	Socket wrench 12 mm

On restyled versions Note E11 the manufacturer strengthened the bumper mount at the bottom by adding two additional pistons. This is due to stricter crash test requirements. If you are installing a bumper from Restayl to Pre-Restayl, you will have to modify the attachment points or use adapter plates.

Where to look for hidden fasteners?

On Nissan Note E11 There are two little-known mounts:

1. There are plastic latches under the headlights, which often break during careless removal.

2. In the wheel arches there are screws or pistons hidden under the fender liners. They can only be seen if the wheels are turned all the way.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the front bumper

Removing the bumper starts with car preparation. Install Note E11 on a level surface, lock the handbrake and engage first gear (or “P” on automatic transmission). If possible, use a lift or overpass - this will greatly facilitate access to the lower mounts.

Disconnect the battery (if you are working with electrics)|Turn the wheels all the way (to access the mounts in the arches)|Remove the fog lights (if installed)|Put a soft cloth under the bumper (so as not to scratch the paint if dropped)-->

Next, follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the radiator grille. It is attached with 2–4 clips (depending on the year of manufacture). Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver or plastic puller, starting from the top edge. On a restyle, the clips can be hidden under a decorative overlay.
2. Unscrew the top bolts under the hood. They are located on the sides, près des phares (next to the headlights). Use a 10mm socket wrench. Don't lose pucks!
3. Remove the fender liners. To do this, unscrew the screws with a Phillips screwdriver (usually 3-4 pieces for each wing) and carefully bend the plastic. Under the fender liners you will find screws or caps securing the bumper to the fenders.
4. Disconnect the lower fasteners. Pistons are most often used here. To remove them, press the center of the piston with a screwdriver and pull the bumper towards you. If the piston does not budge, try turning it counterclockwise.
5. Turn off the electrics. If fog lights or parking sensors are installed on the bumper, disconnect the connectors. On Note E11 they are usually located on the inside of the bumper, près des phares (near the headlights).
6. Remove the bumper. Gently pull it towards you, starting from one of the corners. If the bumper is “bitten”, check that all fasteners are disconnected. If necessary, help with a flathead screwdriver, but do not use excessive force - the plastic may crack.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with the system Around View Monitor (all-round cameras) there may be additional sensors in the bumper. Their connectors are often hidden under a layer of sealant - do not pull on the wires so as not to tear off the contacts!

If the bumper is removed for painting, Label all clips and bolts (for example, tape with numbers). This will make reassembly easier. Also take a photo of the location of the fasteners - on Note E11 left and right mounts may differ!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with a bumper. Here the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Broken clips. Most often, the plastic latches of the radiator grille and the pistons in the lower part break. To avoid this, use plastic puller and heat the clips with a hairdryer (the plastic becomes more elastic).
• 🔩 Lost bolts. The mounting bolts to the side members have unique length - if you lose it, you will have to buy the original from the dealer. Store them in a magnetic bowl.
• 🎨 Scratches on the paint. When removed, the bumper may rub against the fenders. To avoid scratches, cover the edges of the wings with masking tape or place a soft cloth.
• ⚡ Damaged connectors. If you jerk the bumper sharply, you can tear off the wires from the foglights or parking sensors. Always unplug the connectors to removing the bumper!
• 🔄 Gap mismatch. When installing a new bumper, people often forget to adjust the gaps between the bumper and the fenders. On Note E11 optimal clearance - 3–5 mm.

Another common problem is skewed bumper after installation. This happens if the bolts are not tightened evenly. Correct tightening diagram:

1. First tighten all the bolts and pistons without full tightening.
2. Align the bumper with the gaps with the fenders and hood.
3. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern (top first, then bottom, then side).

Installing a new bumper: nuances and adjustments

Installing the bumper is in reverse order, but there are a few key pointsthat are often missed:

1. Check the package. The box with the new bumper should contain all the necessary clips and pistons. If you don’t have them, buy them separately (for example, a set of clips Nissan art. 08915-4B000).
2. Process the fastenings. Before installation, apply silicone grease on rubber seals and pistons - this will make future removal easier and protect against squeaks.
3. Connect the electrical. If there are sensors or lights on the bumper, connect the connectors to final fixation of the bumper. This will allow you to check the functionality without removing it again.
4. Adjust the gaps. On Note E11 the bumper should be flush with the fenders, and the gap between the bumper and the hood should be 2–3 mm. If the gaps do not match, loosen the bolts and adjust the position.

Pay special attention fog light fixtures. On Note E11 they are fixed not only with bolts, but also with plastic latches on the bumper itself. If the latches are broken, the headlights will wobble. In this case you can use 3M double sided tape for additional fixation.

After installation, check:

• 🔦 Job fog lights And parking sensors.
• 🚗 Absence extraneous sounds (creaks, knocks) when moving.
• 📏 Symmetry gaps on both sides.

Bumper repair: when can it be restored and when can it only be replaced?

Not always cracks or dents on the bumper Nissan Note E11 require complete replacement. In many cases it can be repair, saving up to 70% of the cost of a new one. Here are the criteria by which to make a decision:

Type of damage	Is repair possible?	Recovery method	Approximate cost
Minor scratches (to ground level)	Yes	Polishing or local painting	1 500–3 000 ₽
Cracks (no deformation)	Yes	Plastic welding + fiberglass reinforcement	3 000–6 000 ₽
Dents (no breaks)	Yes	Vacuum extraction or heating with a hairdryer	2 000–4 500 ₽
Severe tears (more than 10 cm)	No	Replacement only	8,000–15,000 ₽ (new bumper)
Damage to fasteners (broken lugs)	Partially	Installing metal trim or replacing a bumper	4 000–10 000 ₽

To repair a plastic bumper Note E11 use special adhesive for polypropylene (For example, 3M Plastic & Emblem Adhesive) and fiberglass mesh for reinforcement. Regular superglue will not work - it cannot withstand vibrations and temperature changes.

If the bumper is warped from an impact, but there are no cracks, it can be straighten using a hair dryer. Heat the deformed area until 80–90°C (the plastic will become soft) and gently pull it out by hand or using a vacuum suction cup. After cooling, the shape will be retained.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use open fire (lighter, blowtorch) for heating! Polypropylene from which the bumper is made Note E11, ignites when 300°Cand also releases toxic gases.

Tuning and modifications: what can be done with the bumper Nissan Note E11

Bumper Nissan Note E11 - an excellent platform for tuning. Here are some popular modifications you can do yourself:

• 🔥 Splitter installation. The front splitter improves aerodynamics and gives the car a sporty look. For Note E11 universal models or splitters from Nismo (article 26530-4M000).
• 💡 LED backlight. You can embed an LED strip into the lower part of the bumper (for example, Philips LEDstrip). The main thing is to properly seal the connections so that moisture does not get into the power supply.
• 🚗 Safety net. Metal or plastic mesh (for example, from Hepco) will protect the radiator from stones and insects. Attached with self-tapping screws to the inside of the bumper.
• 🔊 Additional air intakes. You can cut holes under the side parts of the bumper and install decorative grilles. This will improve brake cooling.
• 🎨 Vintage style. The bumper can be repainted in a contrasting color (for example, matte black on a white body) or covered with vinyl film with a carbon pattern.

When tuning, it is important not to overload the bumper with unnecessary elements. For example, a splitter that is too heavy may deform fastenings or worsen clearance. Before installation, check whether the plastic can withstand the additional load.

If you install non-standard headlights or fog lights, don't forget about adjusting the light. On Note E11 For this purpose, there are screws on the back of the headlights. Adjust the beam of light so that it does not blind oncoming drivers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the bumper Nissan Note E11

Is it possible to install a bumper from Restayl on Dorestayl? Note E11?

Theoretically yes, but some improvements will be required. Main differences:

• On the Restyle, the shape of the fastenings to the wings has been changed (pistons are used instead of self-tapping screws).
• The lower part of the bumper is 20 mm wider, so the fender liners will have to be trimmed.
• The holes for the fog lights may not match.

If you are ready for alterations, then installation is possible. But it’s easier to buy a bumper from your own version.

What glue is best to use to repair cracks?

For bumper Note E11 (material - polypropylene) suitable:

• 3M Plastic & Emblem Adhesive - universal glue for plastic.
• Loctite Plastics Bonding System — two-component adhesive with activator.
• Permatex Plastic Weld - a budget option, but requires fiberglass reinforcement.

Do not use epoxy resin or superglue - they do not provide sufficient elasticity.

How much does a new original bumper cost? Nissan Note E11?

Prices for original bumpers (2023):

• Dorestyle (2006–2009): 12 000–15 000 ₽ (article 62100-4M000).
• Restyle (2010–2013): 14 000–17 000 ₽ (article 62100-4M100).

Analogues from Febi or Hella They are 30–40% cheaper, but may differ in the quality of the plastic.

How to remove the bumper if all the clips are broken?

If the clips break off, try the following methods:

1. Carefully drill a hole in the center of the clip and pull it out with wire.
2. Use self-tapping screws with a wide head - screw them into the holes of the clips and pull them towards you.
3. Heat the plastic with a hairdryer - sometimes the clips “move away” from the body.

If all else fails, you will have to cut off the bumper with a grinder (leaving 1–2 cm of plastic at the fasteners) and install a new one.

Do I need to remove the bumper to replace fog lamps?

No, on Nissan Note E11 Fog lamps can be replaced without removing the bumper. Enough:

1. Turn the wheels towards the headlight to be replaced.
2. Remove the plastic plug in the wheel arch (held on by 2 clips).
3. Unscrew the lamp socket counterclockwise and remove it.

For convenience, you can remove the fender liner, but this is not necessary.