<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em>radiator grille: how to select, remove and install correctly

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny in some regions) is one of the most popular models in the budget segment on the secondary market. The radiator grille of this car not only performs a practical function (protecting the radiator from mechanical damage and ensuring air flow), but also shapes the appearance of the car. However, over time, it becomes dull, cracks, or breaks as a result of an accident, which requires replacement.

In this article we will look at how to choose a grill for Almera Classic (body B10 And N16), how original parts differ from analogues, how to properly dismantle and install them, as well as what tuning options are available to owners. We will place special emphasis on typical mistakes when replacingwhich may cause problems with the cooling system or appearance of the machine.

Types of radiator grilles for Nissan Almera Classic: original vs analogues

There are three main types of gratings on the market: Almera Classic:

• 🔹 Original (OEM) - produced under the brand Nissan or official suppliers (for example, Calsonic Kansei). They guarantee a perfect fit and durability, but cost 2-3 times more than their analogues.
• 🔹 Non-original (aftermarket) - issued by companies Febi, Hella, Delo and others. Quality varies with some parts being as good as OEM and some having an inferior plastic blend.
• 🔹 Tuning - modified design (for example, grilles in the style Nissan GT-R or with LED backlight). Fastenings often require modification.

The main difference between the original grilles is use of ultraviolet-stabilized plastic, which does not fade in the sun and does not become brittle after 2-3 years. With cheap analogues, this parameter is often ignored, which leads to cracking after just a year of use.

Parameter	Original (Nissan)	High-quality analogue (Febi/Hella)	Budget analogue (no-name)
Material	ABS plastic with UV stabilization	ABS plastic (sometimes without UV protection)	Cheap polypropylene
Fit accuracy	100% match with body	95–98% (may require adjustment)	80–90% (often needs modifications)
Service life	5–7 years without loss of properties	3–5 years (possible burnout)	1–2 years (cracks, fades)
Price (2026)	4 500–7 000 ₽	2 000–3 500 ₽	800–1 500 ₽

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to articles:

• 📌 Original: 62610-4M000 (for N16), 62610-95F00 (for B10)
• 📌 Febi: 28210 (universal for N16)
• 📌 Hella: 8GC 355 107-371

When you need to replace the grille: signs and consequences of ignoring

Radiator grille on Almera Classic requires replacement in the following cases:

• 🚗 Mechanical damage: cracks, chips or chipped elements after an accident or careless parking.
• ☀️ Burnout of plastic: Loss of color, cloudiness or brittleness due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
• 🔧 Deformation of fastenings: if the clamps are broken, the grille begins to “walk” when moving, which can lead to damage to the radiator.
• 💧 Corrosion of metal elements: Some versions of the grilles (for example, with chrome inserts) develop rust over time.

Ignoring problems with the grille is fraught with:

⚠️ Attention! If the grille is cracked or deformed, it no longer distributes air flow evenly to the radiator. This may lead to engine overheating, especially in traffic jams or hot weather. On Almera Classic with motors QG15DE And QG18DE The risk of overheating is higher due to the compact cooling system.

Another danger is the entry of road debris (stones, branches) through a damaged grille directly into the radiator or air conditioner condenser. Repairing these units will cost many times more than replacing the grille.

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the grille on Nissan Almera Classic

Replacing the grille with Almera Classic (as for body B10, so N16) does not require special tools, but it is important to follow the sequence so as not to break the clamps. You will need:

• 🔧 Flathead screwdriver (or plastic puller)
• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (for some versions)
• 🔧 10 mm wrench (if the grille is bolted on)
• 🔧 Flashlight (for illuminating the mounts from below)

Sequence of actions:

1. Open the hood and disconnect the battery terminal (if the grille has sensors or lighting).

2. Remove Nissan emblem (if it is in the way): pry it out from behind with a flat-head screwdriver (usually it is held on by two plastic latches).

3. Unscrew fastening bolts grilles on top (2–4 pieces, depending on the year of manufacture). On some versions they are hidden under decorative plugs.

4. Gently snap plastic clips on the sides and bottom. On Almera Classic N16 they often break, so it is better to use a puller.

5. Remove the grille by pulling it towards you. If it is “sour”, do not apply force - check that all fasteners are disconnected.

When installing a new grille:

• 🔹 Pin first top bolts, but do not tighten them completely.
• 🔹 Then click side and bottom clamps.
• 🔹 Only after this, finally tighten the bolts and install the emblem.

⚠️ Attention! On Almera Classic B10 (1995–2000) the grille is attached to the bumper, so removing it may require partial removal of the bumper. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service.

What to do if the latch breaks?

If the plastic grille retainer breaks off, it can be temporarily replaced with nylon tie or screw with nut (diameter 4–5 mm). However, this solution is short-lived - install a new lock as soon as possible (part number for N16: 68111-4M000).

Tuning the radiator grille: options and nuances

Standard grille Almera Classic It looks modest, so many owners modify it. Popular tuning options:

• 🔥 Installing the grille from Nissan GT-R or 350Z — requires reworking the mounts and trimming the bumper, but gives an aggressive look.
• 💡 LED backlight — flexible tapes are installed behind the grille, connected to dimensions or a separate switch.
• 🖌️ Painting in body color or contrasting shade - for example, a matte black grille on a silver car.
• 🔄 Replacement with grille from Nissan Sentra (B13/B14) - fits in size, but has a different design.

When tuning it is important to consider:

• 🔹 Ventilation: closed grilles (for example, in the style GT-R) can degrade radiator cooling by 15–20%. This is critical for engines QG18DE with a turbine.
• 🔹 Legal rules: in Russia, red and blue light elements on the front of the car are prohibited (fine under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
• 🔹 Cost: conversion to fit a grille from another model can cost 10–15 thousand rubles (including painting and modifications).

An example of successful tuning is replacing a standard grille with mesh from Nissan Silvia S15. It allows air to pass better and looks sporty, but requires:

• 🔧 Trimming bumper mounts.
• 🔧 Installation of additional spacers for rigidity.
• 🔧 Painting in body color (otherwise it will look foreign).

💡

Before tuning the grille, check to see if engine cooling will be affected. To do this, after installation, measure the temperature of the antifreeze in the plug (norm: up to 95°C for Almera Classic).

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even a simple grille replacement operation can turn into problems if you make one of these mistakes:

1. Use of force during removal. Plastic clips on Almera Classic fragile, especially after 10 years of use. If the grille cannot be removed, check that all bolts are unscrewed and that the bumper is not in the way.

2. Mismatch of fastenings on the analog grille. Cheap Chinese parts often have holes offset by 2-3 mm. Please check with drawings or try the grille in place.

3. They forget about the sensors. On some versions Almera Classic installed in the grille air temperature sensor (for climate control). If it is not transferred to a new part, the system will show incorrect data.

4. Incorrect bolt tightening. Overtightened fasteners can deform the plastic, and loose fasteners will lead to rattling on uneven surfaces.

Another typical problem is moisture ingress between the grille and radiator after replacement. This leads to corrosion of metal parts and an unpleasant odor in the cabin. To avoid this:

• 🔹 Before installing a new grille, clean the mounting area from dirt and old sealant.
• 🔹 Apply a thin layer silicone sealant at the junctions (for example, ABRO 11-AB).
• 🔹 Check that there are no gaps between the grille and radiator.

💡

If, after replacing the grille, a whistle appears at speeds above 90 km/h, check the tightness of the joints. The whistling noise is caused by turbulence in the air passing through the cracks.

Caring for the radiator grille: how to extend its service life

To the grille on Almera Classic lasted longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Washing: use soft sponge and car shampoo (for example, Karcher or Sonax). Do not use brushes with hard bristles - they will scratch the plastic.
• 🛡️ UV protection: Apply once every 6 months polish for plastic (For example, Meguiar’s PlastX). This will prevent clouding.
• 🚫 Avoid chemicals: Do not use solvents (acetone, gasoline) for cleaning - they destroy the plastic.
• 🔧 Checking fasteners: Inspect the grille clamps once a year. If they are loose, tighten the bolts or replace the latches.

Suitable for chrome elements (if your grille has them) special polish for chrome (For example, Autoglym Chrome Polish). Apply it once every 3 months to prevent corrosion.

In winter, pay special attention icing grates. If ice blocks air flow to the radiator, the engine can overheat even in sub-zero temperatures. To avoid this:

• 🔹 After washing in winter, dry the grille compressed air (for example, at a gas station).
• 🔹 Do not park with your nose against the wind in wet weather - this accelerates icing.

Where to buy a grill for Nissan Almera Classic: verified sources

When purchasing grilles, it is important to avoid fakes and low-quality analogues. Recommended sources:

Source	Pros	Cons	Average price (2026)
Official dealer Nissan	Original quality guarantee	Expensive, long delivery	6 000–7 500 ₽
Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc)	Large selection, fast delivery	Risk of running into a fake	1 500–4 000 ₽
Showdown (Avito, Drom.ru)	Low price, original parts	No warranty, subject to wear and tear	800–2 500 ₽
Specialized tuning shops	Unique designs, consultations	Expensive, possible problems with landing	3 000–15 000 ₽

When purchasing from a disassembled store, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Condition of plastic: It should not be brittle or have microcracks.
• 🔹 Color: a burnt-out grille will differ from the rest of the plastic elements of the body.
• 🔹 Completeness: Check if all latches and emblem are present.

If you buy from an online store, read the reviews about the seller. On Exist.ru And Autodoc Counterfeit brands are common Febi or Hella. Original parts usually have:

• 🔹 Hologram on the packaging.
• 🔹 Article, embossed on the inside.
• 🔹 Instructions in several languages.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about grilles Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive without a radiator grille?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Without grill:

• 🔹 The radiator and air conditioner condenser are at risk of mechanical damage.
• 🔹 Aerodynamics worsen, which can increase fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.
• 🔹 At speeds over 100 km/h, the hood may “inflate” due to turbulence.

If the grille breaks on the road, temporarily seal the radiator mesh or thick fabricto protect it from debris.

What glue should I use to repair a cracked grill?

Suitable for repairing plastic grilles:

• 🔹 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 — two-component adhesive for plastic, withstands vibrations.
• 🔹 Loctite Plastics Bonding System — a set with an activator for a strong connection.
• 🔹 Epoxy resin with reinforcing mesh - for large cracks.

Before gluing:

1. Clean and degrease the surface isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply glue with reverse side lattice (so that the seam is not visible).
3. Secure the gluing area masking tape for 24 hours.

Please note: a repaired grill will last no more than 1–2 years. This is a temporary solution.

Will the grille fit from Nissan Sunny on Almera Classic?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔹 For B10 body (1995–2000) grids from Sunny (also B10) fit 100%. The articles are the same.
• 🔹 For body N16 (2000–2006) grids from Sunny N16 identical, but may differ depending on the market (Europe/Asia).
• 🔹 Grilles from Nissan Sentra B13/B14 don't fit without modifications.

Check before purchasing VIN code your car with a spare parts catalog (for example, on Nissan Parts Europe).

How to remove the grille if all the latches are broken?

If the plastic latches break off, proceed as follows:

1. Remove all accessible bolts from the top.
2. Using a flat head screwdriver, carefully pry the grille out from the side, starting from the corner.
3. If the grate fits tightly, try heat the plastic with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) - it will become more elastic.
4. As a last resort: cut the grille grinder with thin disc (if it still needs to be replaced).

After dismantling, clean the remaining fasteners in the body and install new ones (article number for N16: 68111-4M000).

Is it possible to paint the grille at home?

Yes, but for a quality result you will need:

• 🔹 Sandblasting (or sanding with sandpaper P800–P1200).
• 🔹 Primer for plastic (For example, Dupli-Color Plastic Primer).
• 🔹 Spray paint (select by body color code).
• 🔹 Varnish (for protection against chipping).

Process:

1. Remove the grate and clean it of dirt.
2. Degrease antisilicon.
3. Apply 2 coats of primer (allowing 15 minutes to dry between coats).
4. Paint in 3-4 layers, holding the can at a distance of 20-25 cm.
5. Apply varnish and dry for 24 hours.

For chrome elements use special paint for chrome (For example, Spray Max 2K Chrome).