Drilling discs on Nissan Note - one of the most popular modifications among owners of this compact hatchback. Correctly selected parameters not only transform the appearance of the car, but also affect handling, suspension wear and safety. However, errors in selection or installation can lead to vibrations, premature failure of wheel bearings, or even accidents.
In this article we will look at standard drilling parameters for all generations Nissan Note (E11, E12), permissible deviations when using adapters, and also give step by step instructions for replacing disks. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that owners make when modifying, and we will explain how to avoid them. If you plan to install wheels with non-standard drilling, this material will help you do everything correctly and without consequences.
Standard drilling parameters for Nissan Note
Factory Drill Specifications (PCD) for Nissan Note depend on the generation and configuration. For most models the following values are relevant:
- 🔧 PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter):
4×100- standard for all versions, including restyled ones. - 📏 Departure (ET): from
+35to+45mm (depending on the wheel width and year of manufacture). - ⚙️ Center Hole Diameter (DIA):
60.1 mm- a critical parameter for centering the disk. - 🔄 Mounting thread:
M12×1.25- standard for all wheel bolts.
Important: even if you find discs with a suitable PCD, DIA or departure mismatch may cause the steering wheel to wobble or cause uneven tire wear. For example, discs with offset ET20 visually look aggressive, but increase the load on wheel bearings and suspension arms. The manufacturer recommends sticking to factory settings, especially for cars with ABS and ESP.
- Standard steel
- Cast light alloy
- Forged
- Tuning with adapters
Tolerances: when to use adapters
If you want to install discs with non-standard drilling (for example, 4×114.3 or 5×112), will be required adapter rings. However, their use has a number of limitations:
- ⚠️ Adapters increase unbalanced mass, which can lead to vibrations at high speeds (from 120 km/h).
- 🔧 Allowable adapter thickness - no more
15–20 mm. Thicker rings reduce the reliability of fastening. - 📉 When using adapters necessarily reduce the disc overhang by their thickness (for example, if the adapter
15 mm, departure should beET20instead ofET35).
Critical point: adapters with an eccentric (asymmetrical) are categorically not recommended for Nissan Note due to the risk of the bolts self-loosening when driving over uneven surfaces. If you decide to use them, be sure to use bolts with cone fit and check the tightening torque every 500 km.
| Parameter | Standard (Nissan Note) | Permissible deviation | Risks when exceeded |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCD | 4×100 |
4×98 (with boring) |
Runout, uneven tire wear |
| DIA | 60.1 mm |
57.1–63.4 mm (with centering rings) |
Vibrations, disc play |
| Departure (ET) | +35…+45 |
+20…+50 (with camber adjustment) |
Accelerated wear of the suspension, deterioration in handling |
⚠️ Attention: PCD discs 4×114.3 (for example, from Honda or Toyota) can only be installed with adapters, but this will require replacing standard bolts to elongated ones with a conical head. Using flat bolts will lead to incomplete seating of the disc and the risk of tearing off on bumps.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing disks
If you decide to install new drives yourself, follow this algorithm. Before starting work, make sure you have:
Jack and supports (or lift)
Torque wrench (tightening torque 90–110 Nm)
Socket set and extension
Centering rings (if DIA does not match)
New bolts (if using adapters)
Anti-corrosion thread lubricant-->
Step 1. Preparing the car
Park Nissan Note on a level surface, engage the gear (or P for automatic transmission) and install supports for the rear wheels. Loosen the mounting bolts before the car is lifted - this will prevent the disc from spinning. Raise the car with a jack by removing the wheel.
Step 2: Clean the hub
Thoroughly clean the hub seating surface from dirt and rust with a wire brush. Do not use WD-40 or other lubricants - they can lead to the disc spinning on the hub. Check the condition of the bolt threads: if they are damaged, the bolts must be replaced.
Step 3: Install a new drive
Place the disc onto the hub, aligning the holes. If a centering ring is used, make sure it fits snugly into the groove. Tighten the bolts criss-cross in 2-3 approaches to avoid distortion. Final tightening torque - 100 Nm (for Note E12 since 2012 - 110 Nm).
After installing all the wheels, lower the car and check the tightening torque again after 50–100 km. This compensates for possible shrinkage of the metal.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when drilling. Here are the most common:
- 🔩 Incorrect tightening torque. Weak tightening leads to self-unscrewing of the bolts, excessive tightening leads to disc deformation. Always use a torque wrench.
- 📉 Ignoring crash. Discs with offset
ET20may touch the arches when fully loaded or on bumps. Check the gaps using plasticine glued to the edge of the disk. - ⚠️ Lack of balancing. Even new wheels require balancing with the tire. An unbalanced wheel at a speed of 100+ km/h creates a runout comparable to driving on a washboard.
- 🔧 Use of used bolts. The threads of the bolts wear out and they may break when tightened. The cost of new bolts (~500 rubles) is not commensurate with the risk of an accident.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the discs, vibration appears on the steering wheel when braking, the likely cause is DIA mismatch or deformation of the brake disc. In this case, it is necessary to re-align or replace the brake discs (on Note E11 The problem is less common with rear drums).
Impact of drilling on controllability and safety
Changing disk parameters directly affects the behavior of the car:
- 📈 Increasing rim width (for example, with
6Jto7.5J) improves grip, but increases the load on the suspension and fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km. - 🔄 Overhang reduction (For example,
ET20instead ofET40) widens the track, which has a positive effect on stability, but accelerates wear of the wheel bearings. - ⚠️ Non-compliance with PCD even 1–2 mm leads to uneven tightening of the bolts and the risk of the wheel coming off during emergency braking.
On Nissan Note with the ESP system, a discrepancy between the wheel weights (for example, if one wheel with an adapter is heavier than the others) can cause false positives stabilization systems. In this case, a flashing of the ABS unit or a return to standard parameters is required.
What to do if the disc does not fit on the hub?
If the disc does not fit on the hub even with the centering ring, check:
1. Presence of burrs on the hub (remove with a file).
2. The diameter of the central hole of the disk (must be no less 60.1 mm).
3. Adapter thickness (use spacers if necessary).
If the problem remains, the disk is defective or does not fit in geometry.
Recommendations for choosing wheels for tuning
For those who want to highlight their Nissan Note, but not ready to sacrifice reliability, we have selected the best options:
| Style | Options | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports (JDM) | 7J×15 ET38, PCD 4×100 |
Light weight, improved brake cooling | High price, risk of damage on bad roads |
| Classic | 6J×16 ET42, PCD 4×100 |
Versatility, low cost | Boring design, limited selection |
| Offroad | 6.5J×15 ET35, PCD 4×100 |
Increased ground clearance, disc protection | Poor handling at high speeds |
For Note E12 (2012–2020) discs will be the best choice 6.5J×16 ET40 with tires 195/50 R16. This combination retains the factory odometer readings (error < 1%) and does not require modifications to the arches. If you prefer low-profile tires, keep in mind that the suspension stiffness Note not designed for wheels with a lower profile 45 - this will lead to impacts on the body on bumps.
When choosing wheels for winter, give preference to steel or lightweight cast models with PCD 4×100 and departure ET40–45. This minimizes the risk of corrosion and makes balancing easier.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drilling on Nissan Note
Is it possible to install Renault Clio wheels on a Nissan Note?
Yes, Renault Clio (2005–2012) has identical drilling 4×100 and D.I.A. 60.1 mm. However, departure to Clio often amounts to ET45–50, which can lead to a shift in the track. Before installation, check rim width and diameter compatibility.
What bolts are needed for adapter discs?
When using adapters up to thickness 15 mm Extended bolts will do M12×1.25 length 30–35 mm with cone head (cone angle 60°). For adapters thicker 20 mm You will need flat-fit bolts with separate cone washers.
How to check disk runout after installation?
Raise the car on a lift and spin the wheel until 80–100 km/h. Beat more 0.5 mm will be noticeable by vibration. Alternative method: Attach a pointer (such as a dial gauge) to the post and measure the rotation deflection.
What should I do if the ABS light comes on after replacing the disks?
Most likely a misaligned DIA or adapters caused the ABS sensor to become misaligned. Check the gap between the sensor and the comb (should be 0.8–1.2 mm). If the problem persists, the unit needs to be reflashed or returned to standard disks.
Is it possible to drive with one adapter on the front axle?
No. Different weights of wheels on one axle lead to uneven braking and ESP activation. If you install adapters, they must be on all four wheels.