Rear suspension of a compact hatchback Nissan Note often experiences increased loads, especially if the car is operated on poor road surfaces or is used to transport goods. Over time, metal elements lose their elastic properties, which leads to changes in ground clearance and deterioration in handling. Many owners notice that the car begins to “sag” in the rear even after a small load.
Timely replacing rear springs allows you to restore the factory suspension characteristics and restore driving comfort. Ignoring this procedure can lead to accelerated wear of shock absorbers and other chassis components. In this article we will look in detail at how to correctly diagnose the problem, choose the right spare parts and do the work yourself.
The procedure does not require highly complex equipment, but it does require care and compliance with safety precautions. Incorrect installation may result in the spring breaking during movement, which is extremely dangerous. Let's look at all stages of work from diagnostics to final assembly.
Diagnosis of wear and signs of need for replacement
The first step before any repair work is a thorough diagnosis. Spring wear not always visible to the naked eye, especially if there is a layer of dirt or rust on them. However, there are a number of indirect signs that clearly indicate a problem.
The most obvious symptom is visual sagging of the body at the rear. If you see that the distance from the arch to the wheel is less on one side than on the other, or the car is not level, it means that the spring has lost its height. Also pay attention to the characteristic knocking noises in the rear suspension when driving over bumps, although they often indicate shock absorbers.
- 🔍 Visual subsidence of the body on one or both sides
- 📉 Increased vehicle roll during turns and sharp maneuvers
- 🚗 Deterioration of directional stability and “floating” of the rear axle
Sometimes the problem is disguised as a faulty shock absorbers. If shock absorber leaks, it may not cope with damping vibrations, but the reason may lie precisely in the spring. Both elements must be checked at the same time.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice a sharp change in ground clearance after loading the trunk, do not delay your visit to the service center. Loss of elasticity may cause the body to hit the arch and damage the paintwork or plastic of the bumper.
Selection of spare parts: original or high-quality analogues
The auto parts market offers a wide range of options for Nissan Note. Original parts with manufacturer's code ensure exact compliance with factory specifications. However, they are often overpriced and may not last as long as some specialty brands.
Many owners choose products from companies such as Kayaba, Tech or Mapco. These manufacturers produce springs with improved characteristics that often last longer than the original. The main condition is to buy spare parts only from authorized dealers or trusted stores to avoid counterfeits.
- 🏆 Original Nissan springs (perfect balance, but high price)
- 💰 High-quality analogues (Kayaba, Mapco, Optimal - the best value for money)
- ⚠️ Cheap Chinese analogues (risk of rapid sagging and breakage)
When choosing, pay attention to the spring color and markings. U Nissan color coding is often used to indicate spring rate. Do not buy springs from different directions, if they have different load characteristics, this will disrupt the suspension geometry.
- Original Nissan
- Kayaba
- Mapco
- Other brand
Necessary tools and vehicle preparation
Before starting work, you need to prepare a workplace and all the required tools. You will need a standard set of sockets and wrenches, a jack and, most importantly, spring ties. Without special ties, safe dismantling of the spring is impossible, since it is under enormous pressure.
Park the car on a flat, hard surface, preferably on a viewing hole or overpass. If you are working on a level floor, make sure that the jack and safety stands can support the weight of the machine. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid accidental shorting when working on the suspension electronics.
- 🛠 Socket set (usually 12, 14, 17, 19 mm)
- 🔨 Hammer and pry bar for removing jammed elements
- 🔒 Paired spring ties (necessarily with a reliable lock)
Clean the mounting points from dirt and rust before starting work. Treat the bolts with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40 or equivalent and let them stand for 15-20 minutes. This will greatly facilitate the unscrewing process and reduce the risk of thread breakage.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to loosen a spring without using special ties. Attempting to do this manually or using improvised means may result in serious injury and failure of the part.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation
We begin work by lifting the rear of the car. Remove the rear wheel and unscrew the lower shock absorber mounting bolt. If you have version with engine 1.2 or a turbocharged engine, the process may have slight nuances in access to the mount.
Once the shock is disconnected from the bottom, lower the bottom of the strut to release the spring. Paste screeds into the spring and slowly compress it until it stops pressing on the upper support. Now you can unscrew the nut securing the shock absorber rod from above.
- 🔧 Unscrew the shock absorber mounting bolt from below and remove it
- ⚙️ Compress the spring with zip ties and remove the upper support
- 🔩 Remove the old spring and clean the seats
Installing a new spring occurs in the reverse order. Be sure to check the condition of the upper cushion and shock absorber boot. If they are worn, replace them immediately to avoid noise and premature failure of the new spring. Make sure the spring is seated correctly.
Common mistakes when replacing
Incorrect spring orientation may cause it to jump off. Make sure the bottom coil of the spring fits snugly into the seat on the lever. Often the springs have offset coils, which must be oriented strictly according to the body marks.
After installation, ensure that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque. Do not fully tighten the shock absorber bolt until the vehicle is on the ground and the tires are loaded. This will ensure the correct tension on the rubber bushings.
Correct installation of the spring requires the simultaneous use of two ties and strict control over the position of the coils in the seats.
Comparison of characteristics and technical nuances
When replacing springs, it is important to understand the difference between the various modifications Nissan Note. Cars with all-wheel drive or reinforced suspension have springs of different stiffness and length. The use of incompatible parts will lead to poor alignment and rapid failure.
Below is a table to help you navigate the types of springs for different generations and configurations. Always check the part numbers before purchasing, as the manufacturer may have changed the specifications during production.
| Generation/Model | Spring type | Original number | Analogue (Kayaba) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Note E11 (2005-2012) | Standard | 55020-ET000 | 465020-ET000 | Average |
| Nissan Note E12 (2013-2020) | Standard | 55020-1HT0A | 465020-1HT0A | Increased |
| Nissan Note e-Power | Reinforced | 55020-3YF0A | 465020-3YF0A | High |
| Nissan Note (Sports versions) | Sports | 55020-1HM0A | 465020-1HM0A | Maximum |
Please note that springs for hybrid versions e-Power differ due to the weight of the batteries and the electric motor. Installing a conventional spring on a hybrid will lead to critical sagging of the rear axle. Springs for e-Power are always marked "E-Power" on the body or in the catalog.
It is also worth considering seasonality. Metal becomes more brittle in winter, so sudden temperature changes can accelerate metal fatigue. If you change springs in the fall, choose spare parts with an increased safety margin.
Features of operation after repair
After replacing the springs, it is recommended to perform a wheel alignment procedure, especially if you removed the levers or changed the shock absorbers. Even a slight shift in suspension geometry can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling.
For the first 500-1000 kilometers after repair, try to avoid sudden maneuvers and driving on very bad roads. Rubber suspension elements, such as silent blocks and bushings, must “get used to” the new springs. This will ensure their durability and quiet operation.
- 🎯 Be sure to visit the wheel alignment stand after replacement
- 🚫 Avoid deep holes and sudden braking during the break-in period
- 🔍 Re-inspect the fastenings after 1000 km
If you notice that after replacement the machine begins to behave differently, for example, extraneous sounds appear, stop immediately and check the tightness of all fasteners. Sometimes the problem lies in an incorrectly installed gasket or cushion.
Before starting to drive after replacing the springs, press the rear of the car several times with different forces so that the springs fall into place and fit into their seating sockets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change only one spring?
Strongly not recommended. Springs tend to sag equally. If one spring breaks, the second is most likely in a pre-break state. Replacing only one spring will result in body distortion and uneven load on the suspension.
How long does it take to replace rear springs?
For an experienced technician, replacing a pair of springs takes from 1.5 to 2 hours. If you are doing this for the first time and do not have a special tool, allow 3-4 hours. The main thing is not to rush when working with ties.
Do shock absorbers and springs need to be replaced?
Preferably. If the shock absorbers are worn, they will not properly absorb the vibrations of the new spring. This will lead to rapid failure of the new spare part. It is better to replace the suspension unit as a kit.
Can springs from other Nissan models be used?
No. The suspension geometry differs between models. Even if the spring physically fits, its stiffness and length may not meet the requirements Nissan Note, which will lead to problems with controllability and safety.
What to do if the spring does not fit into place?
Don't use force. Check the correct orientation of the coils and the presence of foreign objects in the seat. Make sure you are using the correct spring model for your setup.