Removing the rear seat Nissan Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2013) is a task that every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: from banal cleaning of the interior after children or animals to electronics repair, replacement of upholstery or even installation of a subwoofer. However, many car owners are afraid of damaging the fastenings or electrical wiring (if any), so they postpone this procedure “for later.”
In fact, dismantling the rear sofa on Almera Classic does not require special skills or expensive tools. The main thing is to know attachment points, the procedure and a few tricks that will make the process easier. In this article, we will analyze step-by-step instructions, taking into account the nuances of a specific model, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes. If you have never removed car seats, don’t worry: with our help you can do it in 20–30 minutes.
Preparing for dismantling: tools and safety precautions
Before you begin removing the rear seat, prepare everything you need. This will save time and eliminate the need to run to the garage for a forgotten key or screwdriver. Here's what you'll need:
- 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (medium size) - for prying off plastic plugs.
- 🔨 10 or 12 mm socket wrench (depending on the year of manufacture) - for unscrewing the fastening nuts.
- 🧲 Magnetic holder or a piece of tape - so as not to lose small parts (nuts, washers).
- 📸 Smartphone — for photographing the location of the fasteners (useful during reassembly).
- 🧹 Vacuum cleaner or brush - to clear the space under the seat from debris.
Also keep in mind a few important points:
- 🚗 Place the machine on a level surface and secure the front wheels with the hand brake.
- 🔋 Disconnect the battery, if you plan to work with electrical wiring (for example, when replacing heated seats).
- 🧤 Put on gloves — dust, rust or sharp metal edges often accumulate under the seat.
⚠️ Attention: If your Almera Classic equipped heated rear seats, do not pull the wires when dismantling! Disconnect the power connectors first, otherwise the contacts may be damaged.
- For interior cleaning
- Subwoofer/acoustic installation
- Electronics repair
- Sheathing replacement
- Other
Nissan Almera Classic rear seat design: what you need to know
Back seat on Nissan Almera Classic consists of two main parts:
- Lower part (sofa) — attached to the body with 4–6 bolts (depending on the configuration).
- Backrest — fixed on hinges and can be folded back to increase the luggage compartment.
In most cases, to access the luggage compartment or for cleaning, it is enough to remove only bottom part. However, if you need to get to the fuel tank, electronics, or completely replace the trim, you will have to remove the backrest as well.
| Seat element | Number of fasteners | Fastener type | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower part (sofa) | 4–6 | M8 or M10 bolts | 10/12 mm socket wrench |
| Back (if removable) | 2–4 | Bolts + plastic clips | Screwdriver + 10 mm wrench |
| Headrests | 2 | Metal rods | Hand puller or pliers |
On models 2010–2013 release under the rear seat there may be a heating control unit or a seat belt sensor. Be careful when working with wiring!
Where are the hidden fasteners?
On some versions Almera Classic Additional bolts are hidden under the plastic plugs at the feet of the rear passengers. They are easy to miss if you don't know about them in advance.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the lower part of the rear seat
Now let's move on to practice. Follow these instructions and you will remove the sofa without damage:
- Lean your back forwardto gain access to the lower part fastenings. To do this, pull the lever (located on the side or under the seat).
- Remove the plastic plugs from bolts. They are located in the front of the sofa (from the side of the passengers' feet). Pry them off with a flathead screwdriver.
- Unscrew the bolts socket wrench. On Almera Classic usually used size
10 mm, but on some versions it may be required12 mm. - Gently lift the sofa and slide it forward. It should come out of the grooves without effort. If the seat is stuck, check that all bolts are loose.
If the seat does not give way, do not use force! You may have missed one of the fasteners or forgotten to disconnect the seat belt (on some versions it is attached to the seat frame).
☑️ Checklist before removing the sofa
⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with side airbags In the rear seats (optional for some markets), it is strictly forbidden to disconnect the power connectors without first disconnecting the battery! This may cause the squib to fire.
How to remove the rear seat back (if required)
If you need to dismantle not only the sofa, but also the backrest (for example, to replace the upholstery or repair the folding mechanism), proceed as follows:
- Remove the head restraints. Press the release button at the base and pull the rod up. If the head restraints do not come out, try rocking them from side to side.
- Unscrew the backrest mounting bolts. They are located in the lower part (under the sofa) and can be hidden with plastic covers.
- Disconnect the folding cable (if any). It is attached to a lever on the side of the backrest.
- Remove the backrest, carefully removing it from the grooves. If necessary, ask a helper to support it - the back is heavier than it looks!
On models with separate backrest (40/60) each part is removed separately. The mounting bolts may vary in size, so prepare a set of wrenches in advance.
If the backrest does not want to return to place after removal, check the condition of the plastic bushings in the hinges. Over time, they wear out and require replacement.
Cleaning and maintenance: what to do after removing the seat
Once the seat is removed, you have a great opportunity to do some general cleaning and maintenance:
- 🧹 Remove debris and dust under the seat. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle - coins, sand and even lost keys often accumulate there.
- 💦 Clean the trim a special product for fabric or leather (depending on the material). To remove stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush.
- 🔧 Check the condition of the fasteners. If the bolts are rusty, treat them
WD-40or replace with new ones. - 🔌 Inspect the electrical wiring (if there is heating or sensors). Make sure there are no exposed wires or signs of oxidation.
If you removed the seat for installation subwoofer or acoustics, make sure that the new speakers do not block the ventilation openings or interfere with the operation of the seat belts. Also check whether the standard wiring is long enough for the connection.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the apparent simplicity of the procedure, many car owners make mistakes, which then result in additional expenses. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔩 Lost bolts or nuts. Always put fasteners in one box or tape them to the body.
- ⚡ Wiring damage when removing the backrest. Before dismantling, disconnect all connectors!
- 🔧 Using the wrong tool. For example, trying to unscrew bolts with an open-end wrench instead of a socket wrench often results in the edges “licking off.”
- 🚫 Use of excessive force when removing the plugs. Plastic on Almera Classic fragile and may crack.
Another common problem is incorrect seat installation. If the sofa or backrest is crooked, this can lead to squeaks or even breakage of the fasteners. To avoid this, check before building:
- Are all bolts tightened with the same force?
- Are the seat belts twisted?
- Are the plastic plugs closed (they protect the fasteners from moisture).
If a squeak appears after installing the seat, most likely you forgot to tighten one of the bolts or did not install the sealing rubber correctly.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the rear seat on a Nissan Almera Classic
Is it possible to remove the rear seat without tools?
No, you cannot remove the seat without tools. The minimum you will need is a 10 or 12mm socket wrench to remove the bolts. A flathead screwdriver is needed to remove the plastic plugs. As a last resort, you can try using a coin instead of a screwdriver, but this is inconvenient and can damage the plastic.
How long does dismantling take?
If this is your first time, it will take about 30-40 minutes (including cleaning and inspection). Experienced car owners can do it in 15–20 minutes. What usually takes the longest is searching for hidden bolts and dealing with stuck nuts.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the seat?
It is necessary to disconnect the battery only in two cases: if your car is equipped heated rear seats or side airbags in the back. In other cases this is not required, but is recommended for general safety.
Can the removed seat be washed with water?
It is possible, but with caution. Do not direct a high-pressure stream of water at the foam filling - it can get wet and take a long time to dry, which will lead to mold. It is better to use a damp cloth and special cleaning products for car dealerships. After washing, be sure to dry the seat in the sun or with a hairdryer.
What to do if the bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed?
If the bolts do not budge, proceed as follows:
- Treat them with penetrating lubricant (
WD-40,Liquid Moly). - Wait 10–15 minutes.
- Try unscrewing again using a socket wrench with an extension for more leverage.
- If that doesn't help, gently tap the bolt with a hammer (don't overdo it to avoid stripping the threads!).
As a last resort, you can drill out the bolt, but this will require subsequent replacement of the fasteners.