STEP-BY-STEP

The main steps are as covered in our photographs and captions, but there are some extra points worth noting:

It is wise to make notes and draw diagrams/take specific photographs as required, to help ensure correct component positioning/orientation when re-assembling.

While you are doing the job it is also a good idea to place, in clearly labelled clean containers, all parts and fasteners removed from the vehicle.

Some dismantling of the steering/front suspension is required, to enable removal and refitting of the driveshafts. Essentially each hub assembly needs to be freed to allow extrication of both driveshafts from the transmission unit – since this has to be removed from the vehicle to reach the clutch components.

Patience and care (to avoid damage) are required here during these time-consuming operations. If you are dismantling the suspension using a conventional balljoint separator tool to separate the hub assemblies from the lower suspension arms, there’s an attendant risk of damaging the balljoint gaiters. Sometimes this can result in the expensive necessity to renew the balljoints. An alternative method is to unbolt the hub assembly from the lower end of each suspension leg, so that the balljoints and gaiters are left undisturbed, thus avoiding possible damage and expense.

The 1.4-litre Note (E11 model designation, with engine code CR14DE) photographed for this article dates from 2010 (the E11/NE 11 series cars ran from 2004 to 2013, with facelifts in 2007 and 2010), and the steps we show apply to this version. The model was available in Britain with 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, as well as the 1386cc petrol unit fitted to the car being worked on here.

If your Nissan is earlier or later, and/or is fitted with a different engine/transmission, consult the relevant workshop manual(s) relating to your particular version for possible variations and data specific to your car.