Spacers for <em>Nissan Note e-Power</em>: how to choose and install correctly

Nissan Note e-Power - a popular hybrid with a unique system e-Power, combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor. But even such a technologically advanced car is not without typical suspension “diseases”: low ground clearance, soft springs and a tendency to roll when cornering. Solution? Spacers - a budget way to increase ground clearance, improve handling and protect the body from damage.

In this article we will look at which spacers are suitable for Note e-Power (including restyled versions 2020+), how to choose them correctly by material and size, and we will also give step-by-step installation instructions taking into account the features of the hybrid platform. We will thoroughly analyze the reviews of owners and warn against typical mistakes that can lead to accelerated wear of wheel bearings or violation of suspension geometry.

Why are spacers needed? Nissan Note e-Power?

The main reason is insufficient clearance. Ground clearance as standard Note e-Power is only 150–155 mm (depending on the year of manufacture). This is enough for urban conditions, but on primers, snow slush or high curbs the risk of “striking” the crankcase protection or bumper is extremely high. Spacers allow you to raise the car by 20–40 mm without major changes to the suspension.

The second problem is soft suspension. Due to the heavy hybrid powertrain (e-Power weighs on 100–150 kg more classic Note with an internal combustion engine) the car “sags” a lot when fully loaded. Spacers compensate for subsidence while maintaining wheel alignment geometry. In addition they:

• 🔧 Improve road stability by reducing body roll.
• 🛡️ Protect lithium battery (located under the floor) from impacts.
• 💰 Cheaper than alternatives: lifting springs or completely replacing shock absorbers.
• ⚡ Compatible with Nissan Safety Shield (driver assistance systems are not disrupted).

However, there is also pitfalls. For example, spacers are more 30 mm require camber adjustment, and cheap aluminum models can become deformed over time. More on this later.

Types of spacers: which ones are suitable for Note e-Power?

Spacers are divided into front And rear, as well as on the material of manufacture. For Nissan Note e-Power (including restyling E12 2020–2026) the following types are suitable:

Type	Material	Thickness (mm)	Pros	Cons
Front	Polyurethane	20–30	Durability, vibration isolation	More expensive than aluminum
Front	Aluminum	15–25	Lightweight, do not rust	May crack under load
Rear	Steel	25–40	High strength	Heavier, require anti-corrosion treatment
Universal	Plastic (PVC)	10–20	Cheap, light	Short service life

For Note e-Power the best option is polyurethane spacers thick 20–25 mm. They support the weight of the hybrid system, do not deform and do not require frequent replacement. Steel rear spacers (30 mm) are relevant if you often transport cargo or drive on dirt roads.

⚠️ Attention: Spacers thickness more than 30 mm on the front axle Note e-Power may lead to premature wear of CV joints due to changes in the operating angle of the drives. We recommend not to exceed 25 mm front and 35 mm behind.

What happens if you put spacers on only one axle?

If you install spacers only at the front or only at the rear, the balance of the car will be disrupted. For example, when raising only the rear by 30 mm:

- The load on the front suspension will increase.

- Handling at high speeds will deteriorate (the car will “yaw”).

- There may be problems with the system operation ProPilot (if installed), since the sensors are oriented towards the horizontal position of the body.

We recommend raising both axles symmetrically or the difference should not exceed 10 mm.

How to choose spacers: 5 key parameters

When choosing spacers for Nissan Note e-Power consider the following criteria:

1. Year of manufacture and modification. For dorestayla (2016–2019) and restyling (2020+) shock absorber mountings may differ. Check compatibility by VIN code.
2. Thickness Optimal: 20 mm front and 25 mm behind. If you need more height, take it 25/30 mm, but get ready to adjust the camber.
3. Material. For the front axle - polyurethane or aluminum, for the rear - steel with anticorrosive.
4. Equipment. The kit must contain bolts and nuts (often it is necessary to replace standard ones with extended ones).
5. Certification. Look for markings TÜV or JIS is a guarantee of compliance with safety standards.

Popular brands for Note e-Power:

• 🏆 H&R — premium polyurethane spacers (Germany).
• 💰 Eibach - aluminum, light and durable.
• 🛠️ Tanabe — steel, for aggressive driving.
• 🌍 KYB — universal, suitable for most Japanese cars.

Step-by-step instructions for installing spacers

You can install it yourself, but you will need jack, set of keys And torque wrench (to tighten to the correct torque). Average work time - 2–3 hours.

Raise the car on a lift or securely fix it on jacks|Remove the wheels and clean the shock absorber mounts from dirt|Check the condition of the bolts (if rust occurs, treat with WD-40)|Prepare new extended bolts (if required)|Mark with a marker the position of the shock absorber for reassembly-->

Procedure:

1. Unscrew the nuts securing the shock absorber to the body (use a wrench on 17 mm).
2. Remove the shock absorber together with the spring (on Note e-Power Spring tensioning is often required).
3. Install a spacer between the body and the shock absorber support. For the front axle, follow the marks FRONT.
4. Tighten the bolts to torque 40–50 Nm (for polyurethane spacers) or 60–70 Nm (for steel).
5. Repeat the procedure for the second axis. After installation, check the play with the steering wheel and test drive at a speed of up to 60 km/h.

For the rear axle on Note e-Power may be required brake hose adjustment - they should not be stretched. If after installation there is creaking, process the spacers graphite lubricant (not silicone!).

⚠️ Attention: After installing spacers with a thickness from 25 mm definitely do it wheel alignment! On Note e-Power violation of the angles leads to uneven tire wear (especially on the front axle) and increased fuel consumption per 5–7%.

Owner reviews: pros and cons of spacers

After analyzing the reviews on Drive2, Nissan-Club And Yandex.Market, we have highlighted typical opinions of owners Note e-Power:

Pros (according to reviews)	Cons (according to reviews)
The ground clearance increased by 3–4 cm and stopped catching the protection on bumps.	After installing the spacers 30 mm There was a slight roll in corners.
Handling on the highway has improved (less “rolling” to the sides).	You have to pump up your tires more often (the pressure drops faster).
Cheap solution compared to lift kits (savings up to 50%).	After a year, the aluminum spacers began to “creak.”
Steel spacers support the weight of the hybrid battery without deformation.	After 20,000 km I had to change the wheel bearings.

Interesting point: the owners Note e-Power with spacers 20 mm note that fuel consumption has not changed, but those who put 30+ mm, there was an “appetite” for 0.5–1 l/100 km. This is due to changes in aerodynamics and increased load on the hybrid system.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when installing spacers. Here are the most common:

• 🔨 Using standard bolts. Extended bolts (M12×1.25) are required for thick spacers from 25 mm!
• 🔧 Failure to comply with the tightening torque. Overtightened bolts deform the polyurethane, and weak tightening leads to play.
• 🚗 Ignoring the collapse. On Note e-Power even 20mm spacers can throw off the corners if there have been problems with the suspension before.
• 🛑 Installation on one axis only. This upsets the balance and increases the load on the CV joints.

Another mistake - purchasing spacers without taking into account the weight of the hybrid system. Note e-Power heavier than classic Note on 100–150 kg, so cheap aluminum models may not withstand the load. Optimal choice - polyurethane or steel with anticorrosive.

What should I do if vibration appears after installation?

Vibration at speed 60–80 km/h after installing spacers is usually associated with:

1. Uneven tightening of bolts — check the torque with a torque wrench.

2. Deformed spacer - Inspect for cracks.

3. Wheel imbalance - rebalance.

If the vibration remains, remove the spacers and check the shock absorber support bearings.

Alternatives to spacers: which is best for Note e-Power?

Spacers are not the only way to increase ground clearance. Let's look at the alternatives with their pros and cons:

Method	Cost (₽)	Pros	Cons
Spacers	3 000–8 000	Fast installation, low price	May impair handling
Lift kit (springs + shock absorbers)	30 000–60 000	Retains factory hardness	Expensive, requires professional installation
Air suspension	100 000+	Adjustable ground clearance	Difficult to install, high risk of breakdowns
Crankcase protection + bumper	15 000–25 000	Protects without changing suspension	Does not increase ground clearance, only prevents damage

For Note e-Power provide an optimal balance of price and quality spacers + reinforced shock absorbers (For example, KYB Excel-G). If your budget allows, consider lift kit - it retains factory handling characteristics, which is important for a hybrid system with its specific weight distribution.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about spacers on Nissan Note e-Power

Is it possible to put spacers on Note e-Power with the system ProPilot?

Yes, but with reservations. System ProPilot uses sensors that are calibrated to the factory body height. If you install spacers thick more than 25 mmmay be required recalibration of sensors at the service center. When rising to 20 mm problems usually do not arise.

How do spacers affect the warranty?

Official dealers Nissan may remove the car from warranty if the spacers lead to damage to the suspension or transmission. However, if you use certified spacers (for example, H&R or Eibach) and install them in a trusted service, the risk is minimal. The main thing is to save receipts and certificates.

Do I need to change brake hoses after installing spacers?

If the thickness of the spacers does not exceed 25 mm, the hoses do not need to be changed, but be sure to check them for tension at full suspension travel. For spacers 30 mm or more it is recommended to install extended hoses (for example, from Nissan Juke) to avoid tearing during heavy braking.

How long will spacers last? Note e-Power?

Service life depends on the material:

- Polyurethane: 80,000–100,000 km (not afraid of moisture and stress).

- Aluminum: 50,000–70,000 km (may crack when driving off-road).

- Steel: 100,000+ km, but requires anti-corrosion treatment once every 20,000 km.

Driving style also affects wear: with aggressive driving or frequent trips on dirt roads, the service life is reduced by 30–40%.

Is it possible to install the spacers yourself or is it better to go to a service center?

If you have experience with suspension and the necessary tools (jack, spring ties, torque wrench), installation can be done independently. However for Note e-Power there are some nuances:

- On the hybrid version heavier front, therefore, reliable fixation of the car is required.

- When installing spacers from 25 mm need to check camber angles, which is difficult to do without a stand.

- Risk of damage lithium battery (located under the floor) if jacked up incorrectly.

If in doubt, it is better to contact the service. Average cost of installing spacers in Moscow: 2 500–4 000 ₽.