Owners Nissan Note Models of 2012 are often faced with the need to replace rims - be it due to wear and tear of the stock ones, a desire to improve their appearance, or a transition to winter tires. However, incorrect selection of bolt pattern parameters can lead to vibrations, accelerated wear of the suspension, or even emergency situations. In this article we will analyze in detail standard bolt pattern characteristics, permissible deviations and compatibility nuances for Nissan Note E11 (second generation), Released in 2012.

The peculiarity of the model is its compactness and lightness, which imposes strict restrictions on the weight and geometry of the disks. For example, exceeding the permissible overhang (ET) by just 5 mm can lead to friction between the wheel and the arch when the car is fully loaded. We analyzed manufacturer data, owner reviews, and technical bulletins to provide up-to-date information—without speculation or outdated information.

Standard bolt pattern parameters for Nissan Note 2012

For Nissan Note 2012 (body E11) the manufacturer has established the following key parameters of wheel rims:

  • 🔧 PCD (bolt pattern): 4×100 - four holes for bolts located on a circle with a diameter of 100 mm. This option safety critical - use of PCD discs 4×114.3 (for example, from Honda Jazz) will lead to uneven tightening and wheel runout.
  • 📏 Departure (ET): from +35 mm to +45 mm. The optimal value for most configurations is ET40. Reducing the overhang (for example, up to ET30) will widen the track, but will increase the load on the wheel bearings.
  • ⚙️ Center Hole Diameter (DIA): 66.1 mm. Drives with large DIA will require the use of centering rings (hubs), otherwise an imbalance will arise.
  • 🛞 Disc width (J): from 5.5J to 6.5J. Width exceeding 7J may require rolling out the arches or installing spacers.

It is important to note that parameters may vary slightly depending on the configuration. For example, versions with engine 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp) were often equipped with discs 6J×15 ET40, while basic modifications with 1.4 K4M (98 hp) had 5.5J×15 ET45.

📊 What type of wheels do you prefer for Nissan Note?
  • Steel (stamping)
  • Cast (light alloy)
  • Forged
  • Another option

Wheel and tire compatibility table

Below is a summary table of acceptable wheel and tire combinations for Nissan Note 2012, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and data from certified tire centers. Please note: parameters ET And DIA must strictly comply with the specified values, while the width of the disk (J) and diameter (R) have a slight backlash.

Disk size Width(J) Departure (ET) Recommended tire size Notes
R14 5.5J +45 175/70 R14 or 185/65 R14 Standard size for basic versions. Suitable for winter tires.
R15 6J +40 185/60 R15 or 195/55 R15 The most common size. Tires 195/55 improve handling, but increase fuel consumption.
R16 6.5J +38 195/50 R16 or 205/45 R16 Requires checking the gaps in the arches when fully loaded. Not compatible with versions without ESP.
R17 7J +35 205/40 R17 Allowed only for modifications with sports suspension (Nismo or Acenta Sport).

⚠️ Attention: Installing disks R17 on a standard suspension will lead to a reduction in shock absorber life by 30–40%. In addition, low profile tires (40 and below) increase the risk of wheel damage on rough roads.

How to check the bolt pattern yourself

If you are buying used wheels or are in doubt about the markings, bolt pattern PCD 4×100 can be measured without specialized tools. You will need a caliper or ruler with high accuracy (up to 0.1 mm). Follow the instructions:

  1. Remove the wheel and clean the hub from dirt.
  2. Measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent bolt holes (let's call it A).
  3. Multiply the resulting value by 1.414 (factor for 4 holes). The result should be close to 100 mm (permissible deviation ±0.5 mm).

To check departure (ET):

  1. Place the disc face down on a flat surface.
  2. Place a rack or ruler on the rim, then measure the distance from the surface to the mating plane (point of contact with the hub).
  3. Divide the width of the disk (J) by 2 and subtract the result from the measured value. For example, for a disk 6J with measurement 50 mm: (60 mm / 2) – 50 mm = 40 mm (ET40).

Measure PCD (should be 4x100)

Check the diameter of the central hole (66.1 mm)

Make sure there are no cracks on the spokes

Check offset (ET) with compatibility table

Check the balancing marks (usually marked with paint) -->

Common mistakes when selecting disks

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to expensive repairs. Here are the most common ones:

  • 🚗 Ignoring DIA: Installing a disc with a center hole 67.1 mm (for example, from Toyota Yaris) without a hub will lead to steering wheel wobble at speeds above 80 km/h. Centering rings should be made of aluminum or steel - plastic ones are deformed when heated.
  • ⚖️ Departure mismatch: Discs with ET30 visually look aggressive, but shift the center of gravity of the wheel outward, which increases the load on the bearings by 20–25%.
  • 🔩 Incorrect bolt tightening: Bolts for Nissan Note have a thread M12×1.25 with cone 60°. Using bolts from Renault (with a different cone angle) will lead to self-unscrewing.
  • ❄️ Failure to take winter conditions into account: Tires 195/55 R15 in combination with discs ET35 may hit the wheel arch liners at low temperatures due to the narrowing of the rubber.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the disks, knocking in the suspension on small bumps, the probable cause is too much overhang (ET > 45). In this case, the wheel hits the brake caliper.

Compatible with other Nissan models

Wheels from other cars Nissan theoretically may be suitable, but require careful testing. Below is a list of models with identical bolt patterns 4×100, but with different parameters ET And DIA:

  • 🔄 Nissan Micra K13 (2010–2017): same PCD And DIA, but the standard departure is ET45. Discs from Micra can be installed on Note without modifications.
  • ⚠️ Nissan Juke F15 (2010–2019): despite PCD 4×100, central hole - 66.6 mm. Centering rings 0.5 mm thick will be required.
  • ❌ Nissan Qashqai J10: has PCD 5×114.3 — incompatible without adapters, which is strictly not recommended for safety reasons.

Discs from Renault Clio IV (2012–2019) also have PCD 4×100, but their DIA = 60.1 mm, which will require the use of hubs with an outer diameter 66.1 mm. At the same time, the flight Clio often amounts to ET50, which can lead to a narrowing of the track.

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Before buying used wheels from disassembly, check them for wheel-size.com — the service will show all compatible models and possible problems.

Recommendations for choosing tires

The correct selection of tires is no less important than the selection of wheels. For Nissan Note 2012 the priorities are:

  1. Load Index: Minimum value - 82T (475 kg per wheel). For a fully loaded vehicle (4 passengers + luggage) it is recommended 86H.
  2. Speed index: Factory set limit T (190 km/h), but enough for Russian roads H (210 km/h).
  3. Seasonality:
    • ☃️ Winter tires: 175/70 R14 or 185/65 R14 with markings M+S and a snowflake symbol.
    • ☀️ Summer tires: 185/60 R15 or 195/55 R15 with an asymmetric tread pattern for better water drainage.

⚠️ Attention: Using speed rated tires V (240 km/h) on Nissan Note impractical - they have a stiffer sidewall, which worsens comfort on rough roads.

To save fuel, tires with low rolling resistance are recommended (marking A or B according to EU standard). For example, Michelin Energy Saver+ or Continental EcoContact 6 reduce consumption by 2–3% compared to budget models.

What is a load index and why is it important?

The load index is the maximum weight that one tire can support at maximum pressure. For example, index 82 corresponds to 475 kg. For Nissan Note with a mass of 1.1 tons the minimum index is calculated as follows:

(1100 kg × 0.5) / 4 wheels ≈ 137.5 kg per wheel static. However, under dynamic loads (braking, turning), the weight is redistributed, so the load margin should be at least 20–25%.

Modifications and tuning: what is acceptable?

Many owners Nissan Note strive to improve the appearance of the car through non-standard wheels. However, it is important to strike a balance between aesthetics and safety. Acceptable modifications:

  • 🎨 Alloy wheels: Weight should be 10–15% less than standard steel ones (for example, 6.5J×15 weighing up to 6.5 kg). Excess weight impairs acceleration and braking.
  • 🔧 Spacers: Spacers up to a thickness of 10 mm (with appropriate bolt adjustments). Thicker spacers require rolling out the arches.
  • 🛠️ Wide tires: Maximum width without modifications - 205 mm (For example, 205/45 R16). Wider tires (215+) will require the installation of arch extensions.

❌ Prohibited modifications:

  • Installing disks with PCD 4×114.3 through adapters - this violates the suspension geometry.
  • Using eccentric bolts to "fit" incompatible rims.
  • Reducing the disc diameter below R14 (For example, R13) - this will lead to incorrect operation of the ABS.
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When tuning, priority should be given to safety. Even visually attractive offset wheels ET20 may lead to loss of control at high speed.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note 2012 bolt pattern

Is it possible to install 4x114.3 drives using adapters?

Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. Adapters change the center of gravity of the wheel, which leads to:

  • Accelerated wear of wheel bearings (2-3 times faster).
  • Increased load on suspension elements.
  • Risk of wheel tearing off in the event of a severe side impact (for example, in an accident).

If you need a non-standard PCD, consider replacing the hubs (for example, with analogues from Honda Fit), but this will require re-registration with the traffic police.

What bolts are needed for Nissan Note 2012?

Standard bolts have the following characteristics:

  • Thread: M12×1.25.
  • Length: 28–30 mm (for steel wheels) or 35–40 mm (for cast ones with spacers).
  • Head type: conical turnkey on 17 or 19.
  • Tightening torque: 90–110 Nm.

⚠️ Using bolts with a flat washer (instead of a cone) will lead to self-unscrewing!

What is the maximum diameter of discs that can be installed without modifications?

Without modifications to the suspension and arches, the maximum diameter is - R16 with tires 195/50 or 205/45. For R17 you will need:

  • Installing spacers ET25–30.
  • Rolling out the front and rear arches (10–15 mm).
  • Replacing shock absorbers with shortened ones (for example, from Nismo).

At the same time, the ground clearance will decrease by 15–20 mm, which can cause problems on uneven roads.

What should I do if vibration appears after replacing the disks?

Vibration at speed 60–90 km/h usually associated with:

  1. Imbalance: Re-balancing is necessary and checked on the machine.
  2. Incorrect DIA: Missing or incorrectly sized centering rings.
  3. Disc deformation: Alloy wheels may be bent if subjected to a strong impact (such as a curb).
  4. PCD mismatch: Even deviation in 1 mm will cause beating.

If vibration occurs when braking, check brake discs - they could become deformed due to overheating.

Can I use wheels from Renault Sandero?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔹 Renault Sandero II (2012–2020) has PCD 4×100 And DIA 60.1 mm. Centering rings required 66.1→60.1 mm.
  • 🔹 Departure Sandero often amounts to ET50, which will narrow the track on 10 mm on each side.
  • 🔹 Bolts from Renault do not fit - use original ones M12×1.25 with cone 60°.

Before purchasing, check the disc labeling - some versions Sandero equipped with disks 5.5J×14 ET50, which will be visually “recessed” in the arches Nissan Note.