Hood of the <em>Nissan Almera G15</em>: design, typical problems and step-by-step repairs

Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan that is valued for its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even this model has vulnerabilities, and one of them is hood. Over time, it may sag, creak, or become deformed after an accident. In this article we will analyze the structure of the hood, typical faults and methods for eliminating them - from adjustment to complete replacement.

Feature Almera G15 (2012–2018) - aluminum hood, which is lighter than steel, but more susceptible to corrosion in places where it breaks. We will tell you how to remove it correctly so as not to damage the hinges, which spare parts choose a replacement and how to avoid installation errors. You will also find instructions for eliminating squeaks and adjusting gaps - with photos and step-by-step tips.

Hood structure Nissan Almera G15: design and materials

Hood Almera G15 made of aluminum alloy, which reduces the weight of the car, but requires a special approach when repairing. Unlike steel hoods, aluminum does not lend itself to traditional straightening - it is more difficult to straighten after dents. Structurally, the hood is mounted on two hinges with gas stops (shock absorbers), which ensure smooth opening.

Key elements:

• 🔹 Loops — steel, with plastic bushings to reduce friction. Over time, the bushings wear out, which leads to play.
• 🔹 Gas struts - maintain the hood in the open position. Their service life is about 50–70 thousand opening cycles.
• 🔹 Hood lock — mechanical, with a cable drive. Often jams due to corrosion or broken cable.
• 🔹 Sealant — rubber, prevents the ingress of water and dust. Over time it becomes dull and cracks.

Important: aluminum hood Almera G15 It is not recommended to paint in artisanal conditions - due to the difference in thermal expansion of aluminum and paint, the coating may peel off. For painting, use specialized primers and paints for non-ferrous metals.

Typical hood problems Nissan Almera G15 and their reasons

Owners Almera G15 Most often they encounter the following problems:

1. Creak when opening/closing - caused by wear of plastic bushings in hinges or corrosion of metal parts.
2. Hood sagging - occurs due to weakening of the hinges or breakage of the gas stops.
3. Lock jammed — the cable breaks or the lock mechanism rusts.
4. Dents and chips — aluminum is softer than steel, so even small impacts leave marks.
5. Loose fit - deformation of the hood or wear of the seal leads to cracks.

Critical feature: gas struts on Almera G15 are not interchangeable with stops from other Nissan models (for example, Note or Tiida). They have different lengths and fighting force. Installing non-original stops may result in the hood closing spontaneously!

⚠️ Attention: If the hood Almera G15 started to close with a bang, this is a sign of wear on the gas stops. Operating a car in this condition is dangerous - the hood may suddenly fall on your hands or head.

How to remove the hood Nissan Almera G15: step by step instructions

To remove the hood you will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for loops).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing plastic clips).
• 🔧 Marker (for marking the position of the loops).
• 🔧 Assistant (the hood weighs ~12 kg, it’s inconvenient to hold it alone).

Procedure:

1. Open the hood and secure it with a support (such as a wooden block).
2. Disconnect the lock cable: pull it towards the radiator and remove it from the lock lever.
3. Mark with a marker the position of the hinges relative to the body - this will help with reinstallation.
4. Unscrew 2 bolts on each hinge (key on 10 mm).
5. Carefully remove the hood along with the gas struts (they can be removed later).

Disconnect the battery (to avoid short circuit when working with the cable)

Check availability of all tools

Enlist the help of a second person

Prepare a place for laying the hood (soft bedding)

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Important: When installing a new hood, do not immediately tighten the hinge bolts until they stop. First adjust the gaps, then finally secure the fasteners.

What to do if the lock cable breaks?

If the cable breaks inside the passenger compartment, you can open the hood through the radiator grille:

1. Remove the plastic grille (it is attached with clips).

2. Reach into the lock and pull the lever manually.

3. After opening, replace the cable (original article number - 28510-BM40A).

Hood adjustment: eliminating distortions and cracks

If the hood Almera G15 If it closes crookedly or cracks appear, it needs to be adjusted. To do this:

1. Loosen the hinge mounting bolts (do not unscrew completely!).
2. Raise or lower the hood, achieving uniform clearance (~3–5 mm) around the entire perimeter.
3. Adjust the position of the lock: it should click into place without force, but securely fix the hood.
4. Check the operation of the gas stops - they should hold the hood in any position.

Typical errors when adjusting:

• ❌ Tightening the hinge bolts deforms the aluminum.
• ❌ Adjusting only one loop - always adjust both.
• ❌ Ignoring the seal - if it is worn out, even a perfectly adjusted hood will let water through.

Problem	Reason	Solution
The hood closes with a bang	Wear of gas stops	Replacing the stops (item number - 28540-BM400)
Gap between hood and fender	Hinge or body deformation	Adjusting hinges or straightening
Creak when opening	Wear of plastic bushings	Lubrication or replacement of bushings (part number - 28515-4M000)
The lock does not lock	Corrosion or wear of the mechanism	Cleaning, lubricating or replacing the lock

Replacing hood gas stops: selection of parts and installation

Gas struts (shock absorbers) of the hood Almera G15 They fail on average after 5–7 years of operation. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔴 The hood falls when opening.
• 🔴 The stops do not fix the hood in intermediate positions.
• 🔴 The appearance of oil drips on the stop rods.

The original stops are suitable for replacement Nissan 28540-BM400 (left and right are the same) or analogues:

• 🔹 Sachs 191 017 — a reliable analogue with a resource of up to 100 thousand cycles.
• 🔹 Stabilus 0805NJ - German quality, but more expensive than the original.
• 🔹 Monroe G1105 - a budget option, but less durable.

Replacement instructions:

1. Open the hood and secure it with a support.
2. Remove the plastic plugs from the stop mounts (pry them out with a screwdriver).
3. Disconnect the stops from the hood and body (you will need a key for 10 mm).
4. Install new stops, starting with the bottom mount.
5. Check operation - the hood should open smoothly and lock in any position.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing stops, do not confuse left and right! They are symmetrical in design, but have different stem orientations. The stop with a shorter rod is installed on the driver's side.

Repairing dents and chips on an aluminum hood

Aluminum hood Almera G15 more difficult to repair than steel. Basic methods:

• 🔧 Removing dents without painting - Suitable for minor damage. Use suction cups or adhesive systems (e.g. PDR).
• 🔧 Straightening with heating — aluminum is plastic at a temperature of ~200°C. Use a hair dryer and wooden straightening hammers.
• 🔧 Panel replacement — in case of severe damage (cracks, through holes), it is cheaper to install a new hood.

For painting aluminum:

1. Clean the damaged area down to metal (abrasive P120–P180).
2. Apply special primer for aluminum (For example, PPG DP40).
3. Paint in 2-3 layers, drying in between.
4. Cover with varnish (preferably with UV protection).

Important: Do not use polyester-based putty - it is not compatible with aluminum and will flake off over time. For aluminum, only epoxy putties are suitable (for example, 3M 05887).

Frequently asked questions about the hood Nissan Almera G15

Can I install a hood from another Nissan model?

No, hood Almera G15 unique in shape and fastenings. Even the hoods are from Almera N16 or Tiida won't fit. The exception is hoods from restyled versions (2015–2018), but they also need to be checked by catalog numbers.

How to remove creaking hinges without replacement?

The creaking is eliminated by lubricating the plastic bushings. Use silicone grease (For example, Liqui Moly Silicone-Fett). Do not use lithol or grease - they attract dust. Also check the tightness of the hinge bolts - play can cause friction.

What to do if the hood does not open due to a broken cable?

There are two ways:

1. Remove the radiator grille and manually pull the lock lever.
2. Through the interior, get to the cable (you will need to remove the glove compartment or panel under the steering wheel).

After opening, be sure to replace the cable (part number - 28510-BM40A).

What is the weight of the hood Almera G15?

The aluminum hood weighs approx. 12 kg. It is 30–40% lighter than steel, but removal still requires an assistant due to the inconvenient center of gravity.

Is it possible to drive with faulty gas stops?

Technically possible, but extremely unsafe. When opening, the hood may suddenly fall, damaging paint or injuring your hands. A temporary solution is to secure the hood with rope or a stop, but replace the stops as soon as possible.