Replacing rear struts on a Nissan Almera Classic: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Rear pillars Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 in some markets) is a critical element of the suspension, on which not only comfort, but also control safety depends. Over time, shock absorbers lose effectiveness: knocking noises appear, handling on uneven surfaces deteriorates, and braking distance increases by 10–20%. If you notice oil stains on the body of the struts or feel that the car “sags” during sudden maneuvers, it’s time to change them.

In this article we will analyze the entire process of replacing rear struts with Almera Classic with your own hands: from choosing spare parts to final adjustment. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, incorrectly tightened bolts or damage to anthers), and how long the work will take. For beginners, we will provide step-by-step photos with comments, and for experienced car owners we will tell you about the nuances that are often missed even in services.

Signs of wear on the rear struts on a Nissan Almera Classic

Rear shock absorbers Almera Classic (body B10, 1995–2006) serve on average 80–120 thousand km, but this period may be shortened due to aggressive driving, bad roads or corrosion. The following symptoms indicate that the racks require replacement:

• 🔴 Oil stains on the shock absorber body - a sign of depressurization and loss of working fluid.
• 🚗 "Sagging" of the body when braking sharply or when turning (the car “squats” more than usual).
• 🔊 Knocks and squeaks from the rear suspension on uneven surfaces, even on small bumps.
• 🛣️ Deterioration in handling: the car “scours” along the road and takes longer to restore its trajectory after potholes.
• 🔄 Uneven rear tire wear (especially along the inner or outer edge).

It is important to distinguish wear on struts from problems with springs or silent blocks. For example, if the car “sags” even on a flat road, the culprit may be sagging springs, not shock absorbers. To accurately diagnose the problem, perform a test: press firmly on the rear bumper and release. If the body makes more than 1–2 fluctuations - the racks are faulty.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with mileage over 150 thousand km they often break down rack supports (bearings). If you hear a crunching sound from behind when turning the steering wheel, they also need to be changed.

Which struts to choose for Nissan Almera Classic: original vs analogues

Original rear struts for Nissan Almera Classic (article 54300-4M000 for right and 54300-4M001 for the left) are expensive (from 8,000 rubles per piece), but guarantee factory quality. However, there are worthy analogues on the market that are 2-3 times cheaper. The table below shows proven brands and their features:

Brand	Article	Price (for 1 piece)	Features	Service life
Nissan (original)	54300-4M000/1	8 000–12 000 ₽	Factory quality, perfect compatibility	100–150 thousand km
Kayaba (KYB)	344387 (Excel-G)	3 500–4 500 ₽	Softer than the original, good price/quality ratio	80–120 thousand km
Monroe	E3485	4 000–5 000 ₽	Stiffer than the original, suitable for active driving	90–130 thousand km
Sachs	315 388	5 000–6 000 ₽	High resource, but there may be problems with anthers	100–140 thousand km
Fenox	AS10003O7	2 500–3 000 ₽	Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride	60–90 thousand km

When choosing analogues, pay attention to shock absorber type: for Almera Classic only suitable oil or gas oil racks. Gas shock absorbers (such as the KYB Ultra SR) are not compatible with this model - they are too stiff and can damage the suspension mounts.

Also check the contents: the box should contain:

• 🔧 The stand itself has a dust cover and a bumper.
• 🔩 New nuts and bolts (if they are not included, buy separately, art. 08905-60010).
• 🧲 Rubber gaskets for attaching to the body (sometimes sold separately).

Tools and materials for replacing rear struts

To replace rear struts with Nissan Almera Classic you will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. Without them, work will take 2-3 times longer or will become impossible. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Heads and keys: by 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm (necessarily with an extension!).
• 🔩 Socket wrench by 21 mm to unscrew the rod nut.
• 🛠️ Spring ties (at least 2 pieces, preferably 3).
• 🔨 Hammer and chisel (may be needed to unscrew stuck bolts).
• 🧲 WD-40 or similar for treating rusty joints.
• 🔥 Gas burner (optional if the bolts cannot be unscrewed).
• 🚗 Jack and stops (or a lift if there is access).
• 🛡️ Protective gloves and glasses (springs under high tension!).

Also prepare:

• 🧴 Litol or graphite grease for processing threaded connections.
• 🧹 Rags and brush for metal for cleaning fasteners.
• 📸 Smartphone for photography — fix the location of parts before disassembling!

⚠️ Attention: Never use impact wrench to unscrew the shock absorber rod nuts! This may damage the threads or deform the stem.

Treat all bolts with WD-40 1-2 hours before work|Remove rear seat and trunk trim to access top mounts|Jack up vehicle and chock the front wheels|Take photos of all parts locations before disassembly|Wear safety gloves and goggles-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear struts

The process of replacing the rear struts with Nissan Almera Classic can be divided into 5 key stages. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes. Let's start with preparation:

1. Dismantling the old rack

First, remove the rear wheel and unscrew the two bolts securing the strut to steering knuckle (17 mm wrench). Then:

1. Open the trunk and remove the trim from the side of the pillar being replaced (it is attached to plastic clips).
2. Find the upper mount of the strut to the body - it is a 21 mm nut. Before unscrewing, secure the rod with a 6 mm wrench so that it does not turn.
3. Carefully lower the stand down and remove it from the arch.

2. Disassembling the strut and replacing the shock absorber

Now you need to disassemble the strut to separate the shock absorber from the spring. To do this:

1. Install the rack in spring ties and compress the spring until it loosens.
2. Unscrew the rod nut (21 mm wrench) and remove the support bearing, boot and bump stop.
3. Replace the shock absorber with a new one, transfer all the parts from the old one (boot, bump stop, gaskets) to it.

Important: When assembling the stand do not overtighten the stem nut - the tightening torque should be 40–50 Nm. Otherwise the thread or bearing will be damaged.

3. Installing a new rack

Assembly occurs in reverse order:

1. Reinstall the strut, aligning the holes with the mountings on the body and steering knuckle.
2. Tighten the bottom bolts (torque 80–100 Nm), then the upper nut (torque 30–40 Nm).
3. Make sure the spring is level and not distorted.

Advice: After replacing both racks be sure to check the wheel alignment. On Almera Classic Even a slight misalignment can cause uneven tire wear.

What to do if the bolts are stuck?

If the strut mounting bolts do not come off:

1. Spray them generously with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.

2. Tap the head of the bolt with a hammer through the metal spacer.

3. If that doesn’t help, heat the bolt with a gas burner (do not overheat the thread!).

4. As a last resort, cut the bolt with a grinder, but be careful not to damage the threads in the fist.

Common mistakes when replacing racks and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear struts with Almera Classic. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening of nuts.

  Consequences: thread failure, play in the suspension.

  Solution: use torque wrench and observe the tightening torques (see table above).

• 🔄 The right and left pillars are mixed up.

  Consequences: uneven behavior of the car on the road.

  Solution: there is a marking on the box with the new stand R (right) and L (left).

• 🧹 Dirt or corrosion on threads.

  Consequences: difficult replacement in the future.

  Solution: Clean the threads wire brush and apply graphite lubricant.

• 🚗 Wheel alignment not checked.

  Consequences: rapid tire wear, car pulling to the side.

  Solution: after replacing the struts necessarily visit the wheel alignment stand.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with mileage of more than 200 thousand km they often break down rear beam silent blocks when replacing racks. Check their condition before work!

How much does it cost to replace rear struts at a service center vs doing it yourself?

Cost of replacing rear struts Nissan Almera Classic in service depends on the region and level of the service station. On average prices are as follows:

Service type	Cost of work (for 1 rack)	Cost of work (set)	Opening hours
Official dealer	3 000–4 500 ₽	5 000–8 000 ₽	2–3 hours
Unofficial service	1 500–2 500 ₽	2 500–4 000 ₽	1.5–2 hours
Garage foreman	1 000–1 500 ₽	1 500–2 500 ₽	2–4 hours
On your own	0 ₽ (spare parts only)	0 ₽ (spare parts only)	3–5 hours

When you replace it yourself, you save from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles., but remember: if you make a mistake (for example, you assemble the rack incorrectly), repairs will cost more. On cars older than 15 years, the strut mounting bolts often break - replacing them can add another 1,000–2,000 rubles to the cost.

If you have never done suspension work, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But if you have experience and tools, independent replacement is quite possible.

Frequently asked questions about replacing rear struts on a Nissan Almera Classic

❓ Do I need to change stands in pairs?

✅ Yes, it is recommended. If one rack is worn out, the second one will soon fail. Replacing with a pair ensures uniform behavior of the car on the road. An exception is if the second rack is almost new (mileage less than 20 thousand km).

❓ Is it possible to drive with faulty rear struts?

⚠️ Highly undesirable. Worn struts impair handling, increase braking distance and the risk of skidding. It is especially dangerous on wet or icy roads. If the rack is leaking, replace it as soon as possible.

❓ How to check if a support bearing needs to be replaced?

🔍 Signs of bearing wear:

• Crunching sound when turning the steering wheel (especially when standing still).
• Play in the upper part of the strut (checked by rocking the car by the wing).
• Uneven tire wear.

If there is at least one symptom, the bearing needs to be changed.

❓ Which racks are better - oil or gas oil?

🛢️ Oily softer and cheaper, but less durable. Suitable for quiet driving around the city.

💨 Gas-oil stiffer, but better road holding at high speeds. The optimal choice for the route.

On Almera Classic oil struts were installed from the factory, but gas-oil analogues (for example, KYB Excel-G) are also suitable.

❓ How long does it take to replace racks?

⏱️ In the service - 1.5–2 hours (if the bolts unscrew easily).

On your own - 3–5 hours (depending on experience and condition of fastenings).

If the bolts are stuck or the silent blocks need to be replaced, the time will increase to 6–8 hours.