Leaf suspension mods from Juke?

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Eggroller

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2017
Messages
15
I'm a new owner of a used '13 SV and new to the forums, here is my 1st post.

I have searched and could not find any references to this relationship. The Nissan Leaf part codes for the major suspension pieces match those of the Nissan Juke. Sure the part numbers are going to be different since the vehicle weight and comfort tuning are going to be different. Or are they different? Many are NOT.

The big question: Can we can apply Juke (fwd) aftermarket pieces to the Leaf?!?!?


Part numbers/Part codes
Rear spring | part code: 55020M
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 550203NF0B superceded to 550203NF0CSAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 550203NF0B superceded to 550203NF0CSAME
Rear shock | part code: 56210K
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: E62103NF1JSAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: E62103NF1JSAME
Rear suspension beam | part code: 55501A I'm betting the different part number for the Juke is due to the size of the swaybar inside.
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2013 Part Number: 555013NF0A superceded to 555013NF0B SAME
  • Nissan Leaf 4/2013 to 4/2014 Part Number: 555013NF0B SAME
Nissan Leaf
053_ZE0U_0000000113.jpg

  • Nissan Juke (fwd) 9/2011 to 05/2014 Part number: 555011KA0D superceded to 555011KA1B

Nissan Juke (fwd)
038_F15_0000000418.jpg


Not only is the rear beam the same. I see other parts with the same part codes AND part numbers:
  • Bottom spring seat: Part code 55032m | Part number: 55032EN00A SAME
  • Spring: Part code 55020M | Part number: 550203NF0B superceded with 550203NF0C SAME
  • Top spring seat: Part code 55034 | Part number: 550343NA0A SAME
Lower subframe | part code: 54400M
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 544003NF0A SAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 544003NF0A SAME
Front suspension lower control arms | part code: 54500
  • [RH]Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 545003NF0A SAME
  • [RH]Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 545003NF0A SAME
  • [LH]Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 545013NF0A SAME
  • [LH]Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 545013NF0A SAME
Front suspension swaybar | part code: 54611
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 546113NF0A SAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 546113NF0A SAME
Front suspension swaybar link | part code: 54618
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 546183NF0A SAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 546183NF0A SAME
Strut mount | part code: 54320 & 54320+A
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: 543201KA0B SAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: 543201KA0B SAME
[RH]Front Strut | part code: 54302K
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: E43023NF1ASAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: E43023NF1ASAME
[LH]Front Strut | part code: 54303K
  • Nissan Leaf 12/2012 to 4/2014 Part Number: E43033NF1ASAME
  • Nissan Juke 9/2012 to 05/2014 Part number: E43033NF1ASAME

OEM Part number source: https://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanparts/index.cfm?action=replacement&groupid=G&jointvehid=19643&siteid=14 (toggle different years)

Edmunds suspension walkaround:
2011 Nissan Leaf https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/2011-nissan-leaf-suspension-walkaround.html
2011 Nissan Juke (unfortunately an AWD version)https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/2011-nissan-juke-sl-suspension-walkaround.html

----------------------------------------
General suspension tuning guide: http://www.rapid-racer.com/suspension-tuning.php

Front wheel drive tuning usually involves decreasing the understeer. So folks increase the roll stiffness of the rear with a bigger swaybar or higher spring rate. Some increase the front grip with more camber and/or less front swaybar (or less front spring rate).
 
Juke parts which could potentially fit the Leaf. All are FWD version of the Juke.


-------------------------------------
2013 Juke NISMO OEM suspension
  • [RH]Front strut. Part number: E43021KC2A | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • [LH]Front strut. Part number: E43031KC2A | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • Front spring. Part number: 540101KC3A | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • Front swaybar. Part number: 546111KC0A | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • Rear strut. Part number: E62101KC3A | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • Rear spring. Part number: 550201KA4B | Fits 09/2011 to 10/2014
  • NISMO’s springs are 10 percent stiffer

2015 Juke NISMO RS OEM suspension
  • [RH]Front strut. (same as standard Nismo)
  • [LH]Front strut. (same as standard Nismo)
  • Front spring. (same as standard Nismo)
  • Front swaybar. (same as standard Nismo)
  • Front lower brace. Part number: 544C41KA0B | Fits 10/2014 to 08/2016
  • Rear strut. (same as standard Nismo)
  • Rear spring. (same as standard Nismo)
No difference except the lower brace! It is the item on the far right (#544C4N (544C41KA0B))
i-5MJ9ZKJ-L.jpg


OEM Part number source: https://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanparts/index.cfm?action=replacement&groupid=G&jointvehid=19643&siteid=14 (toggle different years)

-------------------------------------
Cusco rear swaybar
  • 16mm bolt on. Part number: 271311B16

-------------------------------------
NISMO S-Tune Suspension springs
  • Lowering springs with new bumpstops for rear shocks. Part number: 54000-RNF50. Fits Juke 2011 to 2017.

Tanabe NF210 Lowering Springs
  • Lowering springs. Up to a 1.5” drop with a slightly raised (5%) spring rate. Part number: TNF157.
  • Front Spring Rate: 2.1 kg/mm | Rear Spring Rate: 3.4 kg/mm | Front Drop: 1.2 in. | Rear drop: 1.5 in.

Pro-Kit performance Springs
  • Lowering springs. Part number: 63104.540.
  • Front: 1.2 in | Rear: 1.2 in | Tested With Factory Dampers.

RS-R Down Sus Lowering Springs
  • Lowering springs. Part number: N311D
  • Front -30mm to -35mm (-1.2inch to -1.4inch) | Rear -35mm to -40mm (-1.4inch to -1.6inch) | Front 2.35kg/mm | Rear 5.10kg/mm

RS-R Down Sus Lowering Springs
  • Lowering springs. Part number: N311D
  • Front -30mm to -35mm (-1.2inch to -1.4inch) | Rear -35mm to -40mm (-1.4inch to -1.6inch) | Front 2.35kg/mm | Rear 5.10kg/mm

-------------------------------------
Eibach Front Camber bolts
  • Camber Bolts 14mm. Part number: 5.81260K.
  • Camber +/-1.75 Degrees Of Adjustment.
 
Interesting observation of the similar part numbers. Definitely a good post for reference :)

However, perhaps I am not following your rationale here...

If you are planning to rip-out the OEM stuff from the Leaf, why re-select OEM parts once again (from the Juke)?

If you are going through all that labor cost/trouble, just go with the best aftermarket suspension parts, right? It's a bit of effort (man power) to work on the suspension, so you'd want to do it right the first time around with the best aftermarkets installed.
 
Nice find Eggroller. I didn't even think about the Juke, but while looking through Nissan parts drawings I came accross '07-'13 Nissan Versa has very similar suspension to the Leaf. I bought a set of Versa springs to mess around with and attempt to lower my Leaf.

mxp, depends on what you are looking for. Used OEM parts can be had for pennies on the dollar for instance. Also OEM parts are engineered and built to a much higher tolerance than a lot of aftermarket parts. For me, I want OEM springs because I want an OEM ride, but lower ride height.
 
mxp said:
If you are planning to rip-out the OEM stuff from the Leaf, why re-select OEM parts once again (from the Juke)?
There is a stronger aftermarket support for the the Juke. Buy the parts from the Juke install on the LEAF.

Since the part numbers are the same across the board. We have a suspension system built for the 2900 lbs Juke on a 3300 lbs Leaf. No wonder it is soft and roll-y.
 
Eggroller said:
Since the part numbers are the same across the board. We have a suspension system built for the 2900 lbs Juke on a 3300 lbs Leaf. No wonder it is soft and roll-y.
I do not think the parts are actually the same between the cars, just similar design and same part numbers. The Versa also has the same spring part numbers but they are different. Also I noticed a Nissan Titan has the same part numbers for the large components even though they are obviously different. Still aftermarket Juke parts might be a good match, or those Nismo Juke parts sounds like they might be the ticket.
 
Anyone friends with a Nissan tech? Can we confirm any of this?
Lower suspension would increase aerodynamics which increases range. Plus, the leaf is ridiculously 'tall'. I think it could use a 1" drop.

While we are on the topic of suspension, has anyone ever weighed the wheels & factory tires? 17" wheels seemed strange over a lighter 15 or 16" option.
 
Juke Nismo springs and struts on ebay for $399 or best offer. Someone should get these and report back if they lower the car or change the handling. I would but I need to try my set of Versa springs first.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-NISSAN-JUKE-NISMO-RS-OEM-FR-RR-STRUTS-SHOCKS-SPRINGS-F15-FWD-6SPD-7082-/282157650443?hash=item41b1e8120b:g:5HIAAOSwxg5XyFNh&vxp=mtr
 
VitaminJ said:
Juke Nismo springs and struts on ebay for $399 or best offer. Someone should get these and report back if they lower the car or change the handling. I would but I need to try my set of Versa springs first.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-NISSAN-JUKE-NISMO-RS-OEM-FR-RR-STRUTS-SHOCKS-SPRINGS-F15-FWD-6SPD-7082-/282157650443?hash=item41b1e8120b:g:5HIAAOSwxg5XyFNh&vxp=mtr

Not gonna throw away $400 on used parts that we don't know for sure will work.

We need to talk to a Nissan technician that has worked on both and can tell us if they are interchangeable.
 
Deathwater said:
Not gonna throw away $400 on used parts that we don't know for sure will work.

We need to talk to a Nissan technician that has worked on both and can tell us if they are interchangeable.
Firstly, it wouldn't be throwing away anything, if they don't fit put them back on ebay. Secondly, Eggroller's research is sound and parts commonality is 99% certain. I did the same research on Nissan Versa parts and came up with the same answer, bought the parts, and am waiting for spring to install them. They are sitting on my shelf. I have measured the Versa springs with a caliper and they will fit as if they were engineered to fit. The only uncertainties are A) what will the ride-height be and B) the handling. If A is too tall, that's easily solved. Otherwise, back to the drawing board. As I said before I didn't even think of the Juke but now I am kicking myself.

A Nissan technician is probably the 3rd to last person I would ask. No offense to any Nissan employees personally, but car dealerships of any make of car are bottomless pit of despair.
 
Yes, indeed. Ironically, the dealership tech approach is to start replacing parts until they hit, accidentally or on purpose, on the one that actually needed it. That's another way to throw away money.
 
Deathwater said:
Anyone friends with a Nissan tech? Can we confirm any of this?
Lower suspension would increase aerodynamics which increases range. Plus, the leaf is ridiculously 'tall'. I think it could use a 1" drop.

While we are on the topic of suspension, has anyone ever weighed the wheels & factory tires? 17" wheels seemed strange over a lighter 15 or 16" option.

The factory 17" wheels on the Leaf are incredibly heavy at 28lbs each. And of course they have a slightly wider/taller tire too making them nearly 50lbs ea. I just ordered a setup that is 15" and is about 31lbs per corner for $316 total for wheels and tires after rebates. PM me for details. Sale is still on!

Regarding a rear sway bar...if anyone has a lead on one, I'm totally interested. I have a camber kit up front and the car handles amazing with the 17x9" wheels with the 245's I run on it now, but the rear is a bit soggy. Could use a rear sway bar for sure.
 
pointlomadave said:
The factory 17" wheels on the Leaf are incredibly heavy at 28lbs each. And of course they have a slightly wider/taller tire too making them nearly 50lbs ea. I just ordered a setup that is 15" and is about 31lbs per corner for $316 total for wheels and tires after rebates. PM me for details. Sale is still on!

Regarding a rear sway bar...if anyone has a lead on one, I'm totally interested. I have a camber kit up front and the car handles amazing with the 17x9" wheels with the 245's I run on it now, but the rear is a bit soggy. Could use a rear sway bar for sure.
That is a great price for wheels and tires. Question is what tires and what wheels? It wouldn't be for me since I re-used the 16x7 Enkei wheels from my Subaru (dual bolt pattern) with some 205/55-16 Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires (not LRR). My setup is 37.6 lbs each. Just curious what you have to get that low weight.

How much negative camber you have up front? I have some camber bolts to be installed. I was thinking of starting with -1.5° :D

I cited a rear swaybar which fits the Juke. Maybe you could be the first to try it? I found it at Amazon for $293 (https://www.amazon.com/Cusco-271-311-B16/dp/B00EO1O6QA)

Eggroller said:
Juke parts which could potentially fit the Leaf. All are FWD version of the Juke.
Cusco rear swaybar
  • 16mm bolt on. Part number: 271311B16
 
Wheels: Konig Zero-in 15x6.5" @ 13.4 lbs
Tires: Hankook 195/65/15 @ 17.2 lbs.

Purchased from http://www.discounttiredirect.com Sale runs thru Monday, but they do these sales about 5 times a year on the major Holidays.

Total of 30.6 lbs. There were some Continental PureContact in 195/65/15 that were supposedly 16.3 lbs ea, but they would have cost $150 more or so. Fig'd the Hankooks would be close enough.

I measured OEM setup on New Leaf S @ 40.5 lbs

Interesting about the sway bar. I need to go catch a visual of the underside of my Leaf and see what it looks like regarding the rear sway bar potential.

I have 1.75 degree camber bolts. Most cars have approx -.5 up front anyway from the factory. So I should be about in the -2 range or so. I do my own alignments and just zero the toe using a tape measure to measure in front of and behind the front tire and just make sure the measurements are even while the car is on the ground. For the Leaf, exactly 2 turns on each side for the toe adjuster was perfect and got the car to 0 toe.
 
Eggroller said:
mxp said:
If you are planning to rip-out the OEM stuff from the Leaf, why re-select OEM parts once again (from the Juke)?
There is a stronger aftermarket support for the the Juke. Buy the parts from the Juke install on the LEAF.

Since the part numbers are the same across the board. We have a suspension system built for the 2900 lbs Juke on a 3300 lbs Leaf. No wonder it is soft and roll-y.
@eggroller did you end up trying the Juke Lowering springs?
 
I am more than likely to try the OEM NISMO Juke struts and shocks with the OEM springs before I get some aftermarket springs.

The existing LEAF struts and shocks are woefully under damped already. Definitely would be worse with higher rate lowered springs.
 
After reading this thread, I figured I'd go ahead and look for some craigslist specials. Sure enough, a set of used Juke FWD Eibach springs the neighboring town over! Hurray for $100.

Results:

The springs are physically similar- rears drop right in. The fronts, however, while larger diameter and not interfering with anything, are wound in reverse of the Leaf's (2015 S). This results in a non-factory-secure arrangement. This having not been my first rodeo with this sort of thing, deemed it secure enough to load up and reinstall. I wouldn't recommend this though for someone to go out and purchase as it's not a proper fitment and may slide out of place over time.

The car sits ~1" lower. The ride is about the same- the '15s ride a little firmer than most factory vehicles I've driven. Dampening profile does not match spring rate from the factory so this really isn't any different. Some impacts might be slightly harsher but I drove it about 70 miles today and completely forgot that the springs were installed. I don't register any bounciness at this time.

I think having Juke coilovers as an option (better range of options) is really the benefit of the two vehicles having similar suspension. As for regular drop springs, I would not use the Juke options unless different years of Leaf have different spring design.

I'll post up some pictures tomorrow, don't have them on this PC.

Leaf specifics: 2015 S, 51500 miles, all factory original other than OEM replacement wiper blades!
 
Sterling said:
After reading this thread, I figured I'd go ahead and look for some craigslist specials. Sure enough, a set of used Juke FWD Eibach springs the neighboring town over! Hurray for $100.

Results:

The springs are physically similar- rears drop right in. The fronts, however, while larger diameter and not interfering with anything, are wound in reverse of the Leaf's (2015 S). This results in a non-factory-secure arrangement. This having not been my first rodeo with this sort of thing, deemed it secure enough to load up and reinstall. I wouldn't recommend this though for someone to go out and purchase as it's not a proper fitment and may slide out of place over time.

The car sits ~1" lower. The ride is about the same- the '15s ride a little firmer than most factory vehicles I've driven. Dampening profile does not match spring rate from the factory so this really isn't any different. Some impacts might be slightly harsher but I drove it about 70 miles today and completely forgot that the springs were installed. I don't register any bounciness at this time.

I think having Juke coilovers as an option (better range of options) is really the benefit of the two vehicles having similar suspension. As for regular drop springs, I would not use the Juke options unless different years of Leaf have different spring design.

I'll post up some pictures tomorrow, don't have them on this PC.

Leaf specifics: 2015 S, 51500 miles, all factory original other than OEM replacement wiper blades!

Very nice work! Looking forward to the pictures.
 
Wasn't sure if that worked as it appears Photobucket, the bastion of car forums, no longer allows photo links from what I'm told.

The prior picture is the stock Leaf spring against a Juke Eibach spring as I posted before.

The ride definitely loosened up as time went on (aka, shocks wearing out) as the car is bouncier now than before. Need more dampening.

SO

Along the same lines as the springs working, BEHOLD

23659431_10155928828538259_7456702582079320690_n.jpg


Another excellent Craigslist find in the way of lightly used 2014 Juke Nismo RS full suspension. I'll swap the Eibach springs onto these which should dampen the spring rate better. Also, they're fairly new versus my current units, OEM at 55k.

These are the part numbers written on the shocks...

23632612_10155928828548259_6277319013864554037_o.jpg


The strut tops and everything appear to be the same- swaybar mounts, ABS clips, etc. Before I swap the Eibach springs on these, I'll insert the entire assembly into the Leaf as proof that we'll be able to pick up full aftermarket Juke coilovers as bolt-in replacements.

Hurray!
 
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