How to install spacers on a Nissan Note E12: a complete guide with photos and tips

Nissan Note E12 is a compact and maneuverable hatchback, but its ground clearance of 150 mm often leaves much to be desired, especially on Russian roads. Installing spacers is one of the most affordable ways to increase ground clearance without major suspension modifications. In this article we will look at how to correctly select and install spacers on Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) to avoid mistakes and extend the life of the chassis.

Spacers for springs or shock absorbers allow you to raise the body by 20–50 mm, but their installation requires precision: improper installation can lead to accelerated wear of struts, silent blocks and even deformation of the body. We will take a detailed look at the process from preparation to final inspection, and also answer key questions: what size spacers are optimal for Note E12, what tools you will need and how to avoid common problems.

Why install spacers on Nissan Note E12?

The main reason is increased clearance. Standard 150 mm for Note E12 often insufficient for comfortable driving on gravel, snow or city speed bumps. 30mm spacers add up to 25-30mm of clearance, making the car more versatile. But there are other advantages:

• 🔧 Improved suspension geometry: Properly selected spacers correct wheel alignment angles, reducing tire wear.
• 💰 Budget solution: installation costs 3–5 times less than replacing springs or shock absorbers with reinforced ones.
• 🚗 Maintaining factory hardness: Unlike lift kits, spacers do not change the characteristics of the suspension.
• ⚡ Reversibility: If necessary, they can be removed, returning the car to stock condition.

However, there are also disadvantages. For example, spacers with a height of more than 30 mm require replacement of the stabilizer struts and adjustment of the brake hoses, otherwise they will work to the limit, risking tearing. The load on CV joints and wheel bearings also increases.

Which spacers to choose: types and materials

Spacers for Nissan Note E12 are divided into two types according to the installation location:

1. Under springs — mounted between the spring coils and the shock absorber cup. Suitable for small lifts (up to 30 mm).
2. For shock absorbers — installed between the strut support and the body. They allow you to raise the car by 30–50 mm, but require camber adjustment.

Based on the material:

Material	Pros	Cons	Price (set, rub.)
Polyurethane	Lightweight, corrosion resistant, vibration absorbent	Less durable, may “sag” over time	2 500–4 000
Aluminum	Durable, not deformed, long service life	More expensive than polyurethane, requires anti-corrosion treatment	4 000–7 000
Steel	Maximum strength, suitable for harsh conditions	Heavier, may rust without protection	3 500–6 000

For Note E12 optimal choice - polyurethane spacers 25–30 mm high under the springs. They do not require suspension modifications and retain factory handling. Aluminum ones are suitable for aggressive driving or installation of off-road tires.

⚠️ Attention: Spacers with a height of more than 30 mm require the mandatory replacement of stabilizer struts with elongated ones (for example, from Nissan Juke). Otherwise, they will work at a critical angle, which will lead to their breakdown after 5–10 thousand km.

Necessary tools and vehicle preparation

To install spacers on Nissan Note E12 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
• 🔨 Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14, 17 mm).
• 🛠️ Spring ties (required! Without them it is impossible to disassemble the rack).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner for rusty bolts.
• 📏 Vernier caliper to check the height of the spacers.
• 🔩 Torque wrench (preferably for precise tightening).

Before starting work:

Remove the wheels and clean the arches from dirt|

Check the condition of the springs and shock absorbers (replace if worn!) |

Mark with a marker the position of the camber bolts for reassembly |

Prepare new nuts and bolts (it is recommended to replace old ones) -->

Important: It is better to install spacers on an unloaded suspension. To do this, after lifting the car with a jack, place stops under the levers so that the springs relax. This will facilitate installation and prevent deformation of the spacers.

Step-by-step instructions for installing spacers

Let's look at the process using an example polyurethane spacers for springs (height 25 mm). For the front and rear axles, the algorithm is similar, but there are some nuances.

Front axle

1. Raise the car and remove the wheel. Unscrew the nut securing the strut to the hub (17 mm wrench).

2. Disconnect the brake hose from the bracket on the rack (do not bend it!).

3. Loosen the three nuts securing the strut to the body (12 mm wrench). There is no need to unscrew it completely.

4. Place the ties on the spring and compress it until a gap appears between the coils.

5. Carefully remove the stand from the cup. Install the spacer strictly in the center, aligning with the hole for the shock absorber rod.

6. Reassemble the stand in reverse order. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench (torque for the upper nuts - 25–30 Nm).

Rear axle

On the rear axle Note E12 Spacers are installed similarly, but there are two key differences:

• 🔧 No zip ties: The spring can be compressed using a jack by lifting the lever.
• ⚠️ Brake pipes: They need to be removed carefully, as they are shorter than the front.

After installing spacers on both axles be sure to check:

• 🔄 Play in hub bearings (lift the wheel and rock it).
• 🔧 Tightening all bolts (check again after 100 km!).
• 🚗 Camber angles (even 20 mm spacers change the geometry!).

What happens if you don't do the camber after installing the spacers?

Unadjusted camber will lead to uneven tire wear (especially the inner edge), poor directional stability and increased load on the wheel bearings. With 30+ mm spacers, tires can be “eaten up” in 5–7 thousand km.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

1. Mismatch between the centers of the spacer and spring. If the spacer is installed crookedly, the spring will be deformed, which will lead to its breakage.

2. Ignoring camber. Many people believe that 20mm spacers do not require adjustment, but this is not true: even a 15mm change in height affects the angles.

3. Bolt tightening. Excessive tightening torque can deform the spacer or strip threads in the body.

4. Using used spacers. Polyurethane spacers “get tired” and lose their elasticity, which leads to suspension sag.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing the spacers there is a knock in the suspension, immediately check:

• Tightening the upper strut nuts (a common cause of knocking noise).
• Condition of the support bearings (they may not withstand the increased load).
• Integrity of spacers (cracks or chips).

After installation: what will change in the behavior of the car

Increasing ground clearance will affect several key characteristics Nissan Note E12:

Parameter	Spacers 20 mm	Spacers 30+ mm
Clearance	+15–20 mm	+25–35 mm
Controllability	Minimal changes	Increased roll in corners
Suspension stiffness	Saved	“Hardness” may appear on uneven surfaces
Tire wear	Minor (with proper camber)	Expedited (requires frequent checking)

With spacers of 20–25 mm, the car will pass speed bumps more smoothly, but at high speeds (120+ km/h) a slight “yaw” may appear. 30+ mm spacers will noticeably worsen handling, especially on wet roads, so it is recommended to combine them with reinforced stabilizers.

Also note that the car's center of gravity will rise, which will slightly increase the risk of capsizing during sudden maneuvers. However for Note E12 With its low rise, this is not critical.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about spacers for Nissan Note E12

Is it possible to install spacers only on the front axle?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Different heights of the front and rear axles will disrupt the balance of the car: the rear will “sag” when loading, and the front will “ride up” at speed. This will worsen handling and increase wear on the rear shock absorbers.

Do I need to change shock absorbers after installing spacers?

If the shock absorbers are in good condition (no leaks or knocks), it is not necessary to change them. However, spacers with a height of 30+ mm increase the load on the racks, so their life will be reduced by 20–30%. It is optimal to install new shock absorbers with increased travel (for example, Kayaba Excel-G or Monroe).

How often should I check my camber after installing spacers?

Make the first check after 500 km (the spacers may “shrink”). Then - every 10-15 thousand km or when signs of uneven tire wear appear. Also, the camber needs to be adjusted after replacing any suspension elements (levers, silent blocks, etc.).

Is it possible to drive with spacers in winter?

Yes, but please note that center of gravity the car has become higher, so on slippery roads Note E12 may behave less predictably. Recommended:

• Install winter tires with soft tread (e.g. Nokian Hakkapeliitta).
• Avoid sharp turns at high speed.
• Check wheel balancing (spacers can shift the center of mass).

Where to buy quality spacers for Note E12?

Optimal options:

• 🛒 Official dealers (For example, Nissan or Toyota — universal spacers).
• 🌍 Foreign stores: Eibach, H&R (delivery 2-3 weeks).
• 🏬 Russian manufacturers: "Avtodetal", "Track-Tuning" (in stock).

The cost of sets (4 pieces) is from 2,500 to 8,000 rubles. depending on the material. Avoid "non-name" spacers from AliExpress - they are often made of low-quality polyurethane that crumbles after a year.