Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 or Samsung SM3 in some countries) is one of the most popular budget sedans on the secondary market. Despite the simple design, the suspension components, including ball joints, require regular attention. Wear of this element not only impairs handling, but also creates a real safety hazard: a ball rupture at speed can lead to loss of control over the car.

In this article we will look at everything you need to know about ball joints for Almera Classic: from original articles and proven analogues up to signs of malfunction And step-by-step replacement. We will pay special attention to the nuances of choice - why cheap Chinese supports can result in expensive repairs, and how to distinguish a high-quality analogue from a fake. You will also find current prices, a comparison table of manufacturers and answers to frequently asked questions from owners.

Original article numbers of ball joints for Nissan Almera Classic (B10/N16)

On Almera Classic (2006–2012, body B10) two types of ball joints were installed: upper And lower. Original parts are supplied by the company Nissan under the brand Nissan Parts, but their production is often ordered from third party suppliers (for example, TRW or Moog). Important: Article numbers differ depending on the side (left/right) and year of manufacture.

Main original items:

  • 🔧 Lower ball joint (left/right): 40520-4M000 or 40520-4M001 (interchangeable). Suitable for all model years Almera Classic.
  • 🔧 Upper ball joint (left): 40510-4M000.
  • 🔧 Upper ball joint (right): 40510-4M001.
  • 🔧 Anther set (recommended to be changed together with the support): 40535-4M000.

Please note: on models after 2010, sometimes there are supports with a modified mount (article no. 40520-4M010 for the bottom). To avoid mistakes, check the vehicle's VIN code or visually compare the old and new part.

📊 Which ball joints do you prefer to install?
  • Original (Nissan)
  • High-quality analogue (TRW, Moog)
  • Budget analogue (Febi, Sidem)
  • I don't know what to choose

The best analogues of ball joints: comparison of manufacturers and prices

Original ball joints for Almera Classic cost from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles per piece, which seems unreasonably expensive to many owners. Fortunately, there are worthy analogues on the market from European and Asian brands. The main thing is to avoid cheap fakes that can fall apart after 10-15 thousand km.

The table below shows proven analogues indicating average prices (as of fall 2026) and features:

Manufacturer Article Type (top/bottom) Price, ₽ Features
TRW JBJ730 (lower)
JBJ729 (top)		 Lower/upper 1 800–2 200 The best analogue in terms of price/quality ratio. Reinforced design, boot made of heat-resistant rubber.
Moog NK800143 (lower)
NK800144 (top)		 Lower/upper 2 300–2 700 Premium segment. Used on conveyors Renault-Nissan. 2 year warranty.
Febi Bilstein 22630 (lower)
22629 (top)		 Lower/upper 1 200–1 500 Budget option. Suitable for quiet driving, but not designed for heavy loads.
Sidem 800143 (lower) Lower 900–1 100 The cheapest option. Often counterfeited - buy only from authorized dealers.

Important: on Almera Classic The 1.6 (QG16) and 1.4 (QG14) engines use the same ball joints, but on models with automatic transmission, additional camber adjustment may be required after replacement.

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy ball joints without a boot included! Even a high-quality part will last 2–3 times less if the boot breaks or is installed incorrectly.

Signs of a bad ball joint: when is it time to replace it?

Ball joint on Nissan Almera Classic does not have clear replacement regulations - it all depends on the operating conditions. On average, the service life of an original part is 80–120 thousand km, but when driving on bad roads or frequent collisions with curbs, wear can occur after 50–60 thousand km.

Main symptoms of malfunction:

  • 🚗 Knocking in the suspension when driving over bumps (especially audible at low speeds).
  • 🔄 Wheel play when swinging it with your hands (checked on a jack).
  • 🛣️ Pulling the car to the side when driving in a straight line (may also indicate problems with camber).
  • 🔊 Creaking or crunching when turning the steering wheel (most often it indicates the destruction of the boot).
  • 🚘 Uneven tire wear (especially along the inner edge).

You can check the condition of the ball yourself:

  1. Raise the car on a jack and secure it on stands.
  2. Grasp the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position with your hands and swing it in a vertical plane.
  3. If play is felt, the support requires replacement. Also inspect the boot for cracks or tears.
What happens if you drive with a broken ball joint?

If the ball joint breaks while driving, the wheel may turn outward, which will lead to loss of control. This is especially dangerous at speeds above 60 km/h - the car can skid or overturn. Even if there is no accident, damage to the suspension (arms, hub) will cost many times more than timely replacement.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a ball joint with Nissan Almera Classic

Replacing the ball joint with Almera Classic does not require special equipment, but will require dexterity and basic skills in working with the tool. On average, the procedure takes 1.5–2 hours to one side. If you have never repaired a suspension, it is better to contact a service center - errors during replacement can lead to a violation of the wheel geometry.

Required tools:

  • 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
  • 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (for 14, 17, 19).
  • 🔧 Ball joint remover (can be rented).
  • 🔧 Hammer and pry bar.
  • 🔧 Torque wrench (for tightening bolts).
  • 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.

Loosen the wheel nuts (do not remove!)

Raise the car and secure it on stands

Remove the wheel

Clean threaded connections from dirt (WD-40)

Disconnect the brake caliper (do not disconnect the hose!)

Unscrew the nut securing the ball to the lever -->

Step by step process:

  1. Removing the old support:
    1. Unscrew the nut securing the ball pin to the hub (19mm wrench).
    2. Use a puller to press the pin out of the seat. If there is no puller, carefully hit the spacer with a hammer (for example, a 17 socket).
    3. Unscrew the bolts securing the support to the lever (usually 2 bolts by 14).
  2. Installing a new support:
    1. Check the integrity of the boot on the new part.
    2. Install the support on the lever and tighten the bolts firmly 80–100 Nm.
    3. Insert the pin into the hub and tighten the nut (force 60–70 Nm).
  3. Check:
    1. Make sure the boot is not twisted or pinched.
    2. Rock the wheel - there should be no play.
    3. After replacement, be sure to do wheel alignment!
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If the ball pin is not pressed out by the puller, try tilting the lever with the pry bar down - this will relieve the load on the connection. Do not hit the finger directly with a hammer - this may damage the thread!

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of a new ball joint or lead to other problems. Here are the most common mistakes:

  1. Incorrect bolt tightening.

    If you overtighten the bolts securing the support to the lever, you can strip the threads or deform the seat. If you don’t tighten it enough, the support will “walk,” which will lead to premature wear.

    Solution: Use a torque wrench and observe the tightening torques (see instructions above).

  2. Damage to boot during installation.

    Many mechanics touch the boot with a tool or twist it during installation. This leads to dirt and moisture getting inside the support.

    Solution: Before installation, lubricate the boot with silicone grease and secure it with clamps.

  3. Ignoring the lever check.

    If the control arm is warped or cracked, the new ball joint will not last long.

    Solution: Inspect the lever for damage. If necessary, replace it together with the support.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the ball joint with Almera Classic with automatic transmission may be required steering angle sensor calibration (if the wheel was removed with the caliper). Ignoring this will lead to incorrect operation of ESP and ABS.

How much does it cost to replace a ball joint at a service center?

Cost of replacing a ball joint Nissan Almera Classic in service depends on the region, the level of the service station and the need for additional work (for example, wheel alignment). The average prices in Russia are:

  • 💰 Replacement of one support (without cost of the part): from 1,200 to 2,500 rubles.
  • 💰 Replacement kit (2 supports + boots): from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles.
  • 💰 Wheel alignment (required after replacement): from 1,000 to 1,800 rubles.

If you decide to change the supports yourself, consider the hidden costs:

  • Rental of a puller - 300–500 rubles.
  • Buying new bolts (recommended) - 200–400 rubles per set.
  • Lubricant for pin and boot - 150–300 rubles.

Advice: If you are changing the supports on both wheels, negotiate a discount at the service center - many service stations give a discount for a set of works.

💡

You cannot save on wheel alignment after replacing ball joints! Even a slight deviation of the wheel alignment angles will lead to accelerated tire wear and deterioration in handling.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about ball joints Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive if the ball joint is knocking?

For a short time (for example, before a service), it is possible, but with caution: do not exceed the speed of 60 km/h and avoid sudden maneuvers. However, you cannot delay replacement: a broken support can fall apart at any moment, which will lead to an accident.

How to distinguish an original ball joint from a fake?

Original support Nissan has:

  • Clear marking of the article and logo Nissan on the body.
  • The boot is made of thick rubber with metal clamps (not plastic!).
  • Finger with anti-corrosion coating (does not rust during storage).
  • Packaging with a hologram and barcode.

Counterfeits are often lighter in weight and have rougher metal finishes.

Do I need to replace the ball joint as a pair?

Not required, but recommended. If one support is worn out, the second is usually also close to its limit state. Replacing in pairs will save time and money in the long run.

How to lubricate the ball joint during installation?

For finger use lithium grease (For example, LIQUI MOLY LM 50), and for the anther - silicone grease (so that the rubber does not tan). Do not use graphite or solid oil - they attract dirt.

Is it possible to restore the ball joint?

Theoretically, you can replace the pin or boot, but in practice this is unprofitable: the cost of repairs is comparable to the price of a new support, and the reliability of the restored part will be lower. The exception is rare models for which there are no analogues.