How to properly remove the steering wheel on a <em>Nissan Almera G15</em>: instructions with nuances

Removing the steering wheel Nissan Almera G15 - a task that owners face when repairing an airbag, replacing a contact group or upgrading a steering wheel. Despite its apparent simplicity, the procedure requires accuracy and knowledge of key points: from disconnecting the battery to working with squib pillow. Mistakes here are fraught not only with damage to plastic parts, but also with the risk of triggering the squib.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique nuances for Almera G15, which are not in standard manuals - for example, how to deal with stuck fastening bolts or do without a special puller. We will also look at when you can do without removing the airbag, and when it is necessary.

Preparing for dismantling: tools and safety precautions

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. For Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2018) will require:

• 🔧 Socket wrench or socket on 10 mm (for steering wheel mounting bolts)
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for airbag removal)
• 🔧 Plastic spatulas or picks (so as not to damage the lining)
• 🔧 Steering wheel remover (optional, but simplifies the task)
• 🔋 Multimeter (to check the airbag circuit after disconnection)
• 📦 Marker or tape (for marking wires and steering wheel position)

Pay special attention security:

⚠️ Attention: The airbag igniter remains energized 10–15 minutes after disconnecting the battery. Do not touch the airbag contacts during this period - there is still a risk of triggering!

We also recommend working with gloves: plastic elements of the steering wheel and cushions on Almera G15 fragile, and replacing them will cost 3–5 thousand rubles (depending on the configuration). If this is your first time removing the steering wheel, take pictures of each step - this will help with reassembly.

Step 1: Disconnecting the Battery and Removing the Airbag

The first and most critical stage is de-energizing the system. On Nissan Almera G15 The battery is located under the hood, on the right. Disconnect negative terminal (black wire) and wait at least 15 minutes - this time is enough for the capacitors in the airbag circuit to discharge.

Next, we proceed to dismantling the pillow:

1. Turn the steering wheel so that the wheel is in position "straight" (this will make it easier to access the bolts).
2. On the back of the steering wheel, locate the two plastic airbag clips. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry them out, starting from the bottom edge.
3. After removing the clamps, the pillow will move away 1–2 cm. Do not pull it sharply - the connected wires remain inside!
4. Disconnect the airbag connector (it is yellow). To do this, press the plastic lock and pull the connector up.

If the airbag latches do not budge, do not use excessive force. On Almera G15 they often break when dismantled carelessly. In this case you can use plastic spatulas, prying alternately from different sides.

Step 2: Removing the steering column trim

On Nissan Almera G15 The steering column is covered with two plastic panels: upper and lower. Removing them opens access to the steering wheel mounting bolts and the contact group (if replacement is required).

Removal instructions:

• 🔹 The top panel is attached to 3 clips (two on the sides and one on the bottom). Pry it up with a plastic spatula, starting from the bottom edge.
• 🔹 The bottom panel is fixed two bolts under a Phillips screwdriver. They are hidden under the plugs - carefully pry them off with a screwdriver.
• 🔹 After removing the bolts, pull the panel towards you while pressing the clips at the top.

On vehicles with multi steering wheel (audio system control buttons) additional connectors are hidden under the top panel. They need to be disconnected by pressing the latches. Do not pull on the wires - Almera G15 they are often soldered to the board, and a break can lead to the replacement of the entire control unit.

What to do if the clips are broken?

If the plastic trim clips are cracked, they can be temporarily replaced with standard paper clips bent into a "P" shape. However, for reliable fixation it is better to buy original clips (item no. 77010-4M000 for the top panel and 77010-1M000 for the bottom).

Step 3: Unscrewing the steering wheel mounting bolt

After removing the trim, you will see a central bolt that secures the steering wheel to the shaft. On Nissan Almera G15 it has a head under 10 mm wrench and twisted with force 35–40 Nm. To unscrew it:

1. Lock the steering wheel in position "straight" (you can use a seat belt, wrapping it around the steering wheel and seat).
2. Place the socket on the bolt and quickly move it out of place. If the bolt is stuck, use penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40) and wait 5–10 minutes.
3. After the bolt comes off, unscrew it completely and remove the washer.

On some copies Almera G15 (especially after 2015) the bolt can be closed with a plastic plug. It needs to be carefully broken out with a screwdriver - it cannot be reused, but a new one comes with the new steering wheel.

Step 4: Removing the steering wheel from the shaft

After unscrewing the bolt, the steering wheel still rests on the shaft splines. To remove it:

1. Pull the steering wheel towards you with force 20–30 kg. If it does not give in, do not use excessive force - you risk damaging the contact group.
2. If the steering wheel cannot be removed, use puller (For example, Lisle 65600). Attach its hooks to the steering wheel spokes and pull evenly.
3. An alternative to a puller is two long bolts M8, screwed into the airbag holes. By tightening them with nuts, you will evenly pull the steering wheel off the shaft.

On Almera G15 with heated steering wheel Be careful: the wires of the heating elements are often soldered to the contact group. Sudden removal of the steering wheel can break them. If you plan to reinstall, first unsolder the wires or mark their position.

⚠️ Attention: If the steering wheel is removed to replace the contact group, do not turn it after removal! This can lead to displacement of the cable and subsequent breakage of the tracks.

Step 5: Diagnosis and handling of the contact group

Contact group (or spiral cable) - weak point Nissan Almera G15. Its resource rarely exceeds 100–150 thousand km, and the symptoms of the malfunction appear as:

• 🚨 Not working beep
• 🚨 Spontaneous deployment of the airbag (in rare cases)
• 🚨 Lost connection with multifunction steering wheel buttons
• 🚨 Creaking noise when turning the steering wheel

To check a group:

1. Remove the plastic cover from the contact group (it is secured with two latches).
2. Check the integrity of the tracks on the cable. On Almera G15 most often the tracks responsible for beep And phone button.
3. If the tracks are intact, clean the contacts with alcohol and check the reliability of the springs.

When replacing a contact group, be sure to move spring retainer from old to new. Without it, the steering wheel will turn at 10–15° more than necessary, which will lead to rapid wear of the new part.

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
The sound signal does not work	The tracks in the contact group have been erased	Replacing a group or repairing tracks
Multifunction steering wheel buttons work every once in a while	Oxidation of contacts or weak pressure	Cleaning contacts, bending springs
The steering wheel turns too easily	Wear of the spring retainer	Replacing the retainer or the entire group
The airbag does not turn on (the light is on)	Open circuit or faulty squib	Diagnostics with a multimeter, replacement of the pillow

Reassembly: nuances for Nissan Almera G15

Installing the steering wheel is done in the reverse order, but there are several critical points:

1. Before installing the steering wheel, make sure that the contact group is in neutral position (marks on the body must match).
2. Tighten the center bolt firmly 35–40 Nm. Over-tightening can deform the shaft, and weak tightening will lead to play.
3. When connecting the airbag, check that the connector snaps into place until it clicks. On Almera G15 it often “sits down” and does not fix itself the first time.
4. After assembly, check the operation of all systems: sound signal, multi-steering wheel buttons, heating (if equipped). If something does not work, do not turn on the ignition again - this may cause the airbag to deploy!

Pay special attention steering wheel calibration. After removal/installation, the position may be lost "straight". To calibrate:

1. Set the steering wheel to a position that appears straight.
2. Start the engine and drive 10–15 meters on a flat road.
3. If the car pulls to the side, adjust the steering wheel position and repeat the procedure.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the steering wheel Almera G15

Is it possible to remove the steering wheel without removing the airbag?

Technically yes, but it's extremely risky. The cushion is attached to the steering wheel with the same bolts, and when dismantling there is a high risk of damaging its squib. If the airbag is faulty or you do not plan to use it further, you can try to carefully unscrew the steering wheel along with the airbag, but it is better not to skimp on safety.

Which puller is suitable for the steering wheel? Almera G15?

Any universal puller with adjustable hooks will do, e.g. Lisle 65600 or OTC 6525. The main thing is that the distance between the hooks is adjusted to 25–30 cm (steering wheel diameter Almera G15).

What should I do if the airbag light comes on after assembly?

First, check that the airbag connector (yellow connector) is securely connected. If the lamp remains on, connect the diagnostic scanner and reset the error. The most common codes for Almera G15: B1017 (open circuit) and B1018 (short circuit).

Is it possible to drive without an airbag?

Legally, yes, but it is extremely unsafe. pillow on Almera G15 triggered by a frontal impact at a speed higher 20 km/h. If you have temporarily removed the airbag, try to avoid long trips and highway driving.

How much does it cost to replace a contact group in the service?

In official services Nissan the work will cost 2–3 thousand rubles, plus the cost of the part (4–6 thousand rubles for the original). In private workshops the price is lower - 1–1.5 thousand rubles for work. However, if you have already removed the steering wheel yourself, replacing the group can be done in 30–40 minutes at no additional cost.