<em>Nissan Sunny</em>hood: structure, repair and typical malfunctions

Nissan Sunny is a legendary Japanese sedan that has gained popularity due to its reliability and simplicity of design. However, even such time-tested models eventually develop problems with dome elements, and the hood is no exception. Creaks, distortions, problems with the lock or corrosion can cause a lot of trouble for the owner. In this article we will figure out how to independently diagnose and repair hood faults. Sunny (including models B13, B14, B15), and also give recommendations on the selection of spare parts and prevention.

Hood feature Nissan Sunny — its relatively light weight and simple fastening design, which simplifies repairs. But there are also nuances: for example, on models with aluminum hood (restyled versions) special care is required when adjusting so as not to damage the metal. Also, many owners face the problem jamming of the lock due to dirt or corrosion of the mechanism. We will look at all these aspects in detail so that you can save on a service station and handle the task yourself.

Hood structure Nissan Sunny: design and key elements

Hood Sunny consists of several main components, each of which performs its own function:

• 🔧 Main panel - a metal (steel or aluminum) part that forms the appearance. On early models (B13) steel was used, in later (B15) - aluminum for weight reduction.
• 🔑 Hood lock — a cable-driven mechanism that secures the hood in the closed position. Often fails due to corrosion or cable breakage.
• 🔄 Hinges and shock absorbers — provide smooth opening/closing. On Sunny gas struts (shock absorbers) were usually installed, which lose their tightness over time.
• 🛠️ Rubber seals — prevent water and dust from entering the engine compartment. Over time they become tanned and crack.
• 🔩 Mounting bolts and latches - fix the hood to the body. They often rust or break off due to careless handling.

Particular attention should be paid gas shock absorbers. On Nissan Sunny B14 And B15 they are located symmetrically and have a standard length 320 mm. If the hood begins to fall or opens jerkily, this is a sure sign that the stops require replacement. Plastic ones also often break. travel limiters, which prevent excessive opening of the hood (their catalog number is 62610-4M000 for most modifications).

It is important to understand that the hood design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the market. For example, on European versions Sunny additional ones were often installed soundproofing pads, which are not included in the basic configurations for Asia. This should be taken into account when purchasing spare parts.

How to remove the hood Nissan Sunny: step by step instructions

Removing the hood may be necessary for painting, replacing hinges, or repairing a lock. The procedure is not complicated, but it requires care. You will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for hinge fastenings).
• 🔨 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing plastic clips).
• 🧲 Magnet or assistant (to hold the hood when detaching).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Open the hood and secure it in the open position (for example, using a wooden block).
2. Disconnect lock cable from the lever (it is secured with a plastic clamp - gently squeeze it and pull out the cable).
3. Remove plastic linings from the hinges (they are held on by clips - pry them off with a screwdriver).
4. Unscrew four bolts fastening the hinges (two on each side) with a key on 10 mm.
5. Using an assistant or a magnet, carefully remove the hood, lifting it up and slightly towards you.

Disconnect the battery (to avoid short circuit)

Prepare a place for laying the hood (soft surface)

Mark the bolts and hinges (so as not to confuse them during assembly)

Check availability of all tools -->

When reinstalling the hood, make sure that the hinges sat in place without distortion. Tighten the bolts crosswise to avoid deformation. If the hood does not close well after installation, you will need adjustment (more on this in the next section).

⚠️ Attention: On models Nissan Sunny B15 With an aluminum hood, the hinge bolts often stick. Don't put too much effort into it - process it better WD-40 10–15 minutes before unscrewing.

Hood adjustment: eliminating distortions and loose fit

If the hood Sunny does not close well, touches the wings or requires force when pressed, it needs to be adjusted. The causes of the malfunction usually lie in:

• 🔧 Hinge wear (play in connections).
• 🚗 Hood deformation after an accident or careless opening.
• 🔑 Malfunction of the lock (sticks or does not lock).
• 🌡️ Temperature deformations (especially relevant for aluminum hoods).

To adjust you will need:

• Key on 10 mm And 12 mm.
• Flathead screwdriver.
• Ruler or gap gauge.

Procedure:

1. Check clearances between the hood and fenders. Optimal clearance - 3–5 mm around the entire perimeter. If there is more or less somewhere, adjustments will be required.
2. Loosen the hinge bolts (do not unscrew completely!). This will allow you to move the hood in the desired direction.
3. Adjust position:
   • For offset left/right — loosen the bolts on the corresponding hinge and slide the hood.
   • To change heights — place washers under the hinges or bend them.
   • For adjustments front/back tilt — adjust the position of the lock (it is secured with two bolts).

After adjustment, tighten the bolts and check the operation of the lock.

Problem	Possible reason	Remedy
The hood does not close the first time	Worn lock or cable	Lubricate the mechanism or replace the cable (part number: 73210-4M000)
Creak when opening	Dry hinges or shock absorbers	Process lithol or replace the stops
The hood touches the fender	Skewed hinges	Adjust the position of the hinges (see instructions above)
The lock does not lock	Bent tongue or corrosion	Straighten the tongue or replace the lock (item: 62600-4M000)

If the problem persists after adjustment, you may need to replacing hinges or the hood itself. On Nissan Sunny B14 a common problem with hood sagging due to wear of the rubber bushings of the hinges, they can be replaced separately (the article number of the bushings is 62615-4M000).

Typical hood malfunctions Nissan Sunny and ways to repair them

Owners Sunny Most often they encounter the following problems:

1. Hood creaking when opening

The reason usually lies in dry loops or worn shock absorbers. Solution:

• Lubricate the hinges lithol or graphite lubricant (don't use WD-40 - it's a temporary solution!).
• Check the gas struts: if they are leaking or do not hold the hood, replace them (the cost of a new pair is from 800 to 1500 rub.).

2. Jamming or breakage of the lock cable

The cable rusts or frays over time. Symptoms: the hood does not open from the passenger compartment, or the cable dangles without resistance. Solution:

• If the cable just sticks, lubricate it silicone grease.
• If it is torn, replace the cable (part number: 73210-4M000, price - approx. 500 rub.).

How to open the hood if the cable is broken?

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

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

2. Reach in and press the lock lever directly or pull the remaining piece of cable.

3. If that doesn’t work, try prying off the lock tab with a screwdriver (be careful not to damage the paint!).

3. Corrosion of the hood or hinges

Nissan Sunny, especially early models (B13), are prone to rust in the places where the hinges are attached and along the edges of the hood. Solution:

• Clean off the rust sandpaper or a metal brush.
• Treat problem areas rust converter (For example, Tsinkar).
• Apply primer And paint (choose the color according to your car code).

⚠️ Attention: On aluminum hoods (Sunny B15) you cannot use acid-based rust converters - they destroy the metal. Use only specialized products for aluminum.

4. Problems with the lock (does not lock, jams)

Most often the lock fails due to:

• 🔹 Mechanism corrosion - Requires cleaning and lubrication.
• 🔹 Bent tongue - it can be straightened with pliers.
• 🔹 Spring wear - in this case, the lock must be replaced.

To replace the lock:

1. Remove the hood (see instructions above).
2. Unscrew the two bolts securing the lock (the key is on 10 mm).
3. Disconnect the cable and install a new lock (original article number - 62600-4M000, analogue from Febi — 22380).

Replacement of gas shock absorbers (stops) of the hood

Gas struts on Nissan Sunny designed for 50–80 thousand cycles opening/closing, but often fail earlier due to temperature changes or mechanical damage. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔸 The hood falls when opening.
• 🔸 The stops are leaking (oil traces are visible).
• 🔸 The hood opens jerkily or does not lock in the open position.

To replace the stops you will need:

• New shock absorbers (length 320 mm, pushing force 200–250 N).
• Key on 10 mm.
• Pliers (for removing circlips).

Step by step replacement:

1. Open the hood and secure it in the open position (for example, with a wooden block).
2. Remove the plastic covers from the hinges (they interfere with access to the stops).
3. Disconnect the upper end of the shock absorber from the hood (it is mounted on a ball joint - squeeze the clamp and pull the rod out).
4. Disconnect the lower end from the body (similarly).
5. Install new stops in reverse order.

When choosing shock absorbers, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Length - must match the original (320 mm).
• 🔹 Push power - for Sunny optimal 200–250 N.
• 🔹 Manufacturer - reliable brands: Sachs, Febi, Monroe.

The cost of the original stops is approx. 1200–1500 rub. per piece, analogues - 500–800 rub.. It is better to replace them in pairs, even if only one shock absorber has failed.

Painting and anti-corrosion treatment of the hood

Hood Nissan Sunny - one of the most vulnerable parts to corrosion, especially in the places where the hinges are attached and along the edges. If you notice paint bubbles or red spots, it's time to take action.

Materials for processing:

• 🔧 Sandpaper (granularity P80–P120 for rough cleaning, P320–P400 for the finishing line).
• 🔧 Rust converter (For example, Tsinkar or Hi-Gear).
• 🔧 Primer (epoxy or acid).
• 🔧 Paint (choose according to the color code of your car, for example, KH3 — “Dark gray metallic” for Sunny B14).
• 🔧 Varnish (two-component acrylic).

Step by step instructions:

1. Preparation: Remove the hood (see section above) and clean it of dirt. Remove all hanging elements (seals, lock, if in the way).
2. Stripping: Remove rust and old paint with sandpaper or a sander. For hard to reach places use drill with brush attachment.
3. Processing: Apply rust converter, then rinse it off with water and dry the hood.
4. Primer: Apply 2-3 layers of primer with intermediate drying (according to 15–20 minutes between layers).
5. Painting: Apply 3 coats of paint with drying time in between. The last layer is varnish.
6. Assembly: Reinstall the hood after it has completely dried (at least 24 hours).

If the rust is deep (through holes), you will need welding or putty with reinforcing mesh. For temporary protection you can use anti-gravel film or liquid rubber (For example, Rust Stop).

⚠️ Attention: When painting an aluminum hood (Sunny B15) Do not use acidic primers - they corrode the metal. Use only epoxy primers.

Where to buy spare parts for the hood Nissan Sunny: prices and articles

When repairing the hood Sunny It is important to use quality spare parts. Below is a table with article numbers and estimated prices (for 2026):

Spare part	Article (original)	Analogues	Price, rub.
Gas shock absorber (stop)	62610-4M000	Sachs 100 537, Febi 22382	1200–1500 (original), 500–800 (analogue)
Hood lock cable	73210-4M000	Febi 22380, Meyle 100 436 0003	400–600
Hood lock	62600-4M000	Febi 22381, Mapco 45300	1500–2000
Hood hinge (pair)	62615-4M000 (bushings) 62610-4M010 (loop)	Febi 22383, Sidem 50010	800–1200 (per pair)
Hood seal	62620-4M000	Corteco 2001140	600–900

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official dealers Nissan — guarantee of original spare parts, but prices are higher.
• 🛒 Online stores (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - a wide selection of analogues.
• 🛒 Showdown — you can find used spare parts in good condition (the price is 2–3 times lower).

On models Nissan Sunny B15 With an aluminum hood, the original hinges and lock may differ from the steel versions. Check the articles by VIN code!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How to open the hood if the cable breaks?

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

1. Remove the grille (it is attached with clips).
2. Reach in and press the lock lever directly or pull the remaining piece of cable.
3. If that doesn’t work, pry off the lock tab with a screwdriver (be careful not to damage the paint!).

If the hood still does not open, you will have to remove the front bumper to access the lock.

How much do new gas struts cost? Sunny B14?

The cost of the original stops is approx. 1200–1500 rub. per piece. Analogs (for example, Sachs or Febi) will cost 500–800 rub.. It is recommended to replace the stops in pairs, even if only one fails.

Is it possible to adjust the hood without removing it?

Yes, in most cases adjustment is possible without complete removal. It is enough to loosen the hinge and lock bolts, then move the hood to the desired position. However, if hinges or stops need to be replaced, the hood will still have to be removed.

How to lubricate the hood hinges to prevent them from squeaking?

Best to use lithol or graphite lubricant. WD-40 is not recommended - it is a temporary solution and washes out quickly. The gas struts do not require lubrication (they are filled with oil at the factory).

What paint to paint the hood Sunny B15?

The color of the paint depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. For example, for Sunny B15 2000–2004 popular colors:

• KH3 — Dark gray metallic.
• BQ5 - Metallic blue.
• QM1 - Black.

The exact color code can be found on the plate under the hood or by the VIN code. For aluminum hoods, use only epoxy primers!