Replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Note: step-by-step guide with photos and videos

Constant velocity joint (CV joint) is a critical transmission element Nissan Note, on which the smooth transmission of torque to the wheels depends. Wear of this part is manifested by a characteristic crunch when turning, vibrations at speed or twitching during acceleration. If you ignore the symptoms, the consequences may come back destruction of the axle shaft and blocking of the wheel while driving - especially relevant for models with a mileage of more than 150,000 km.

In this article we will look at how to replace inner or outer CV joint on Nissan Note (including restyled versions E11 And E12) with your own hands. Without unnecessary theory - only steps tested in practice, selection of original and analog spare parts, as well as life hacks, which will save you time and nerves. If you have never repaired a chassis, don’t worry: with the right approach, the work will take no more than 3–4 hours.

Signs of a CV joint failure on a Nissan Note

First call - crunch when turning, which intensifies when the car is loaded (for example, when going up a hill). But there are also less obvious symptoms:

• 🔊 Clicks when starting off or changing gears (especially when cold).
• 🌀 Steering wheel vibration at a speed of 60–80 km/h, which disappears when accelerating or braking.
• 🚗 Jerks When you sharply press the gas, you feel as if the car is “pulling” backwards.
• 💨 Lubricant leak from the boot (visible by greasy spots on the inside of the wheel).

On Nissan Note fails more often outer CV joint (from the wheel side), since it experiences heavy loads when turning. The internal one suffers less often, but its wear and tear is evident with a dull thud when driving over uneven surfaces. You can check the condition of the part yourself:

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse the crunch of a CV joint with the sounds of worn-out wheel bearings! The bearing “howls” at speed, and the CV joint crunches only when turning or under load.

For an accurate diagnosis:

1. Drive the car onto a pit or lift.
2. Engage first gear and drive off slowly, while turning the steering wheel left and right.
3. If a crunch is heard from the side right wheel when turning left (and vice versa), the outer CV joint is to blame.

Which CV joints are suitable for Nissan Note: original vs analogues

On Nissan Note E11/E12 (2004–2020) two types of CV joints were installed:

• 🔧 Outdoor (original article number: 39310-4M000 for the right side, 39310-4M001 for the left).
• 🔧 Internal (item: 39300-4M000).

Original parts from Nissan will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles per set, but there are proven analogues:

Brand	Article (outer)	Article number (internal)	Price, rub.	Features
GKN (Loebro)	501 006	501 007	4 500–6 000	The best price/quality balance is often established in services.
SKF	VKJA 7603	VKJA 7604	5 000–7 000	Long service life, but requires mandatory lubrication during installation.
Febi	28216	28217	3 800–5 000	Budget option, suitable for low mileage.
NTN-SNR	R154.10	R154.11	6 000–8 000	Premium segment, warranty up to 2 years.

When choosing, pay attention to completeness: the box should contain the CV joint itself, boot, clamps and lubricant (usually Molykote BR2 Plus). If there is no lubricant, buy it separately (about 500 rubles per tube).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with automatic transmission, the internal CV joints have a different design (article number 39300-4M010)! Please check this when ordering.

Tools and preparation for replacing the CV joint

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Head set (10–19 mm) and knob.
• 🔧 32 mm socket wrench for the hub nut (required) percussion!).
• 🔧 Hammer And copper drift (to knock out the CV joint from the hub).
• 🔧 Pliers for clamps and flat blade screwdriver.
• 🔧 Jack And supports (working on one jack is dangerous!).
• 🔧 WD-40 or an analogue for unscrewing stuck bolts.

Also prepare:

• 🧴 Grease for CV joints (if it is not included).
• 🧤 Gloves and rags - dirty work.
• 📦 Plastic bag for the old CV joint (so as not to dirty the garage).

Before starting work:

Loosen the hub nut (while the car is on the ground)|

Remove the wheel and brake caliper (hang it on a wire)|

Clean the area around the CV boot from dirt |

Prepare new clamps (old ones cannot be reused)|

Check the presence of lubricant in the new CV joint -->

If you change internal CV joint, you will additionally need to drain the oil from the gearbox (about 1 liter). For this you need 24 mm wrench and a container for processing.

How to drain oil from a Nissan Note gearbox?

1. Start the car and warm up the transmission (5-10 minutes drive).

2. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located at the bottom of the gearbox housing).

3. Unscrew the plug with a 24 mm wrench and wait until the oil is completely drained.

4. After replacing the CV joint, add new oil (recommended Nissan KE908-99931) to the level of the control hole.

Step-by-step replacement of the outer CV joint on a Nissan Note

Let's start with outer CV joint — it’s easier to replace it, since you don’t need to completely remove the axle shaft.

Step 1: Removing the hub nut and wheel

Loosen the hub nut on the ground (it is tightened with a large torque - up to 200 Nm). Then jack up the car, remove the wheel and finally unscrew the nut. If it doesn't work, use extension for wrench or impact wrench.

Step 2: Disconnecting the Brake Caliper

Unscrew the two caliper bolts (usually 14 mm), remove it and hang it on a wire to the spring - do not leave hanging on the hose! Then remove the brake disc (if it is in the way).

Step 3. Knocking the CV joint out of the hub

Carefully knock the CV joint out of the hub copper drift (strike in the center to avoid damaging the thread). If it fits tightly, use a puller. After this, pull the shaft towards you - the CV joint should come out of the box.

Step 4. Replacing the boot and CV joint

Cut off the old boot clamps, remove it and clean the shaft of old grease. Place a new boot on the shaft, then install a new CV joint (after putting grease into it). Secure the boot with clamps, making sure it is not twisted.

Step 5. Assembly

Insert the CV joint back into the hub, tighten the nut (tightening torque - 180–200 Nm) and reassemble everything in reverse order. After replacement, check wheel angle — if an imbalance is noticeable, a wheel alignment is required.

Replacing the inner CV joint: nuances and difficulties

Inner CV joint on Nissan Note changes are more difficult, as it requires complete removal of the axle shaft. Here are the key points:

1. Removing the axle shaft

After dismantling the outer CV joint (as described above), pull the shaft out of the gearbox. To do this:

• Pry off the inner CV joint with a pry bar (carefully so as not to damage the gearbox seal!).
• Pull the shaft towards you with force - it should come out of the box.

2. Replacing the inner CV joint

Cut off the clamps, remove the boot and retaining ring (use round pliers). Then hammer the old CV joint through the wood spacer. Install a new one, having previously lubricated the splines thread locker (For example, Loctite 270).

3. Reinstalling the axle shaft

Insert the shaft into the gearbox until it clicks (it should be secured with a locking ring). Make sure the boot is not twisted and the clamps are tight. no gaps. After assembly, add oil to the gearbox (if drained).

⚠️ Attention: If resistance is felt when installing the axle shaft - don't force it! The CV joint probably did not fit into the differential splines. Try again, turning the shaft left and right.

Common mistakes when replacing CV joints and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear new CV joint. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Overtightened hub nut — leads to bearing overheating and vibrations. Solution: use a torque wrench (torque - 180–200 Nm).
• ❌ Damaged boot during installation. Solution: check it for cracks to installation
• ❌ Lack of lubrication — The CV joint works “dry” and quickly fails. Solution: apply lubricant to the brim (about 80–100 grams per outer CV joint).
• ❌ Using old clamps. Solution: The clamps are disposable, always use new ones.

Another typical problem is Incorrect installation of the retaining ring on the inner CV joint. If it is not locked, the shaft may fly out of the gearbox while driving! To avoid this, after installation, pull the axle shaft towards you - it should not come out of the box.

How much does it cost to replace a CV joint on a Nissan Note at a service center?

Prices for replacing CV joints in car services in Moscow and the regions (for 2026):

Type of work	Cost, rub.	Opening hours
Replacement outdoor CV joint (1 side)	2 500–4 000	1.5–2 hours
Replacement internal CV joint (1 side)	3 500–5 000	2–3 hours
Replacement axle shafts assembled (with both CV joints)	5 000–7 000	3–4 hours
Diagnostics of the chassis (checking CV joints)	500–1 000	30 minutes

The cost of spare parts in the service is usually 10–20% higher than when purchasing them yourself. For example, an original outer CV joint in a car dealership will cost 10,000–12,000 rubles, and in an online store – 8,000–9,000 rubles.

If you decide to go to a service center, choose one where:

• 🔧 They give work guarantee (minimum 6 months).
• 🔧 Use torque wrench for tightening the nuts.
• 🔧 Offer free diagnostics after repair.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

Short-term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but not worth the risk. A worn CV joint may break apart when turning sharply, which will lead to loss of control. It is especially dangerous at speeds above 60 km/h.

Which CV joint breaks more often: left or right?

On Nissan Note right outer CV joint wears out faster due to higher loads when turning (in Russia, right-hand traffic). Inner CV joints fail equally on both sides.

Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil after replacing the inner CV joint?

Necessary if you drained the oil for convenience. Even if you haven’t drained it, check its level - when removing the axle shaft, some of the oil may have leaked out. Recommended gearbox oil change interval Nissan Note - every 60,000 km.

Is it possible to restore the CV joint instead of replacing it?

Theoretically yes - some workshops offer bulkhead CV joint with replacement of balls and separator. But in practice, this is unprofitable: the cost of work is comparable to the price of a new CV joint, and the service life of the restored part is 2–3 times less.

How to check a new CV joint before installation?

Twist it with your hand and it should rotate. smoothly, without jamming. Also check:

• The integrity of the boot (no cracks or punctures).
• The presence of lubricant inside (it should be thick, without lumps).
• Marking on the case (must match the article number).

If anything is in doubt, ask the seller for a replacement.