Nissan Almera Classic (B15) is a popular sedan, but over time even little things begin to fall out. One of the most common problems is broken or lost elasticity. ceiling clips. They hold the interior trim in place, and their failure leads to sagging fabric, squeaks, and even the risk of injury during sudden braking. In this article we will look at how to properly dismantle old fasteners, select new ones and install them without damaging the casing.
Owners Almera Classic Often they encounter the fact that the clips break when removing the ceiling carelessly (for example, during electronics repair or installation of sound insulation). The reason is fragile plastic, which loses its elasticity over time due to temperature changes. Fortunately, replacing clips does not require special skills, but there are nuances here: from choosing the right type of clips to the technique of installing them without deforming the skin.
Types of ceiling clips Nissan Almera Classic and their catalog numbers
On Almera Classic (2006–2012) two main types of clips are used:
- 🔹 Plastic Christmas trees - standard fasteners for most mounting points. They have the shape of a cone with flexible “petals” that diverge when installed.
- 🔹 Metal spring clips - less common, usually in high-traffic areas (for example, near sun visors).
Original catalog numbers of clips for Almera Classic:
| Clip type | Original number | Analogs (brand) | Quantity per ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic herringbone (small) | 90410-5M000 | Febi 15476, Hella 8EL 355 639-841 | 12–14 pcs. |
| Plastic Christmas tree (large) | 90410-9F000 | Corteco 0015476, Meyle 100 980 0014 | 6–8 pcs. |
| Metal spring | 90412-4M000 | TRW JTC1035, SWAG 30 92 4768 | 2–4 pcs. |
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing analogues, check the diameter and height of the clip - even a slight difference of 1-2 mm can lead to the fact that the clip will not hold the skin or will break during installation. For example, clips from Nissan Note (90410-4M000) are similar in appearance, but have a different thrust angle and are not suitable for Almera Classic.
- Original Nissan
- Analogues (Febi, Hella, etc.)
- Universal ones from an auto parts store
- Homemade (3D printing, scrap materials)
Tools for replacing ceiling clips
To work you will need:
- 🔧 Plastic mounting blades - always with rounded edges so as not to tear the casing. The optimal width is 2–3 cm.
- 🔧 Tweezers with long jaws — for removing fragments of old clips from body holes.
- 🔧 Construction hair dryer - will help soften the adhesive base of the sound insulation if it interferes with dismantling.
- 🔧 Adhesive sealant (For example, Loctite 5900) - for fixing metal clips if they fall out of their sockets.
Before starting work, remove the negative terminal from the battery - this will prevent a short circuit if the wiring accidentally touches the interior lighting or sensors.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal screwdrivers or knives to pry up the trim! Even gentle impact will leave scratches on the plastic or tear the fabric. If there are no blades, you can use an old plastic card (for example, a discount card).
Step-by-step instructions for removing the ceiling Nissan Almera Classic
Removing the headliner requires patience. The main rule is do not pull the casing down by force, and sequentially release the clips around the perimeter.
Remove sun visors (unscrew 2 Torx T20 screws on each side)
Remove the lampshade (disconnect the connector, pry up the latches)
Disconnect sensor connectors (if any: rain, light)
Release the latches on the windshield pillars (use a flat blade) -->
Withdrawal algorithm:
- Start with rear of the ceiling — here the clips are usually less secure. Carefully pry up the trim with a spatula and pull it down, holding it with your hand on the back side.
- Move to the front pillars, gradually releasing the clips. If you feel resistance, do not pull - most likely there is an undetected latch.
- In the zone
sun visorsBe especially careful: there are often metal clips here that can fly out and get lost.
What to do if the clip breaks off inside the hole?
If the plastic “rod” of the clip remains in the body, use tweezers or a magnet with a flexible stem. An alternative method is to drill a 3mm hole near the broken piece and push it out with a wire. Once removed, seal the new hole with caulk.
How to properly install new clips
Installing new fasteners seems simple, but there are critical points:
- 🔹 Positioning: the clip must fit into the hole strictly perpendicular. If you skew, the “petals” will not straighten and the latch will fall out.
- 🔹 Effort: For plastic Christmas trees, light pressure until you hear a click is enough. Metal clips require more pressure (you can use a block of wood as a spacer).
- 🔹 Check: After installation, pull the trim up - if the clip does not pop out, it is secured correctly.
Critical error: using clips from other Nissan models (for example, from Tiida or Note) without checking compatibility. Their diameter may differ by 0.5–1 mm, which will lead to play or breakage during installation.
Before final assembly, check whether there are any fragments of old clips left in the casing - they can wear out the fabric from the inside over time.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with ceiling clips. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Using superglue for fixing plastic clips. The glue does not withstand vibrations, and the sheathing will begin to creak after 1-2 weeks. The correct solution is to replace the clip or install a new one with a larger diameter.
- ❌ Neglecting to clean holes. Dust and rust in body sockets reduce grip. Before installation, wipe the holes with alcohol and blow with compressed air.
- ❌ Installing the casing at random. If you do not fix all the clips, the ceiling will sag in the area of the rear row of seats (especially important for Almera Classic with panoramic roof).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the clips the casing still squeaks, the problem may be soundproofing. On Almera Classic The factory vibroplast often peels off - it needs to be removed and a new one glued on (for example, StP Gold 2–3 mm thick).
Where to buy clips and how much does it cost?
The cost of clips varies depending on the type and brand:
| Clip type | Original (Nissan) | Analogue (Febi, Hella) | Universal (China) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic herringbone (small) | 120–150 rub./pcs. | 40–60 rub./piece. | 10–20 rub./pcs. |
| Plastic Christmas tree (large) | 180–220 rub./pcs. | 70–90 rub./pcs. | 25–35 RUR/pcs. |
| Metal spring | 250–300 rub./piece. | 100–150 rub./piece. | 50–80 rub./pcs. |
Where to look:
- 🛒 Official Nissan dealers - original clips, but high price and long wait (if out of stock).
- 🛒 Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc, Kolesa-darom.ru) - a wide selection of analogues with fast delivery.
- 🛒 Auto parts markets - cheaper, but there is a high risk of running into a fake (especially metal clips).
Buy clips with a reserve - during the repair process, 1-2 pieces may break during installation. It is optimal to take 20–30% more than the calculated quantity.
Alternative methods of ceiling mounting
If original clips are not available or are too expensive, alternatives may be considered:
- 🔧 3D printing: Many workshops make clips according to the sample. The cost is 20–50 rubles/piece, but you need to make sure the strength of the plastic (optimally - ABS or polyamide).
- 🔧 Homemade fasteners from scrap materials:
- 📌 Plastic dowels (for example, for drywall) - cut to the desired length.
- 📌 Hair ties with plastic clips - suitable for temporary fastening.
- 🔧 3M double sided tape - only for areas with minimal load (for example, along the edges of the ceiling). Not suitable for main mounting points!
⚠️ Attention: When using alternative methods, check the secure fit every 1-2 months. Vibrations and temperature changes can weaken the fixation, especially if the ceiling is heavy (for example, with sound insulation installed).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ceiling clips Nissan Almera Classic
How many ceiling clips are there on Almera Classic?
Depending on the configuration and year of manufacture - from 18 to 24 pieces. The exact quantity can be found out by removing the trim: usually 12–14 plastic “herringbones” and 4–6 metal spring clips (in the areas of the visors and rear pillars).
Is it possible to drive without clips if the ceiling does not sag?
Technically yes, but it's dangerous:
- 🚗 In case of an accident or sudden braking, loose trim can injure passengers.
- 🚗 Over time, the ceiling fabric stretches and it will sag even without vibrations.
- 🚗 Creaks and knocks when driving over uneven surfaces are guaranteed.
The minimum set for temporary fastening is 4 clips in the corners of the ceiling.
How to remove the ceiling if the clips are broken and there are no new ones?
Workaround:
- Carefully drill 2-3mm holes near the broken clips.
- Insert plastic ties (clamps) into them and secure the casing, cutting off the excess.
- After purchasing new clips, remove the zip ties and install the clips correctly.
Why don't the new clips hold the trim?
Causes and solutions:
- 🔍 Wrong size - check the catalog number. For example, clips from Nissan Qashqai (
90410-4M100) are similar in appearance, but have a different thrust angle. - 🔍 Worn holes in body - widen them with a drill by 0.5 mm and use clips of a larger diameter.
- 🔍 Warped skin - if the ceiling fabric is stretched, the clips will not be able to catch. The solution is to place thin foam rubber (2–3 mm) under the casing.
Is it possible to repair a broken clip?
Plastic Christmas trees cannot be restored - they break along the line of the petals. Metal spring clips sometimes work straighten:
- Release the spring with pliers.
- Smooth out any warped edges.
- Check the elasticity - if the spring is “tired”, replace it.
For plastic clips, the only option is 3D printing or buying new ones.