Vehicle operation Nissan Almera generation G15 inevitably leads to the need for routine maintenance of the power plant. One of the most common procedures is changing engine oil, which requires access to the drain hole located on the protective cover or directly on the engine crankcase. However, sometimes car owners are faced with the need for complete dismantling oil pan for removing chips, replacing gaskets or repairing mechanical damage.
The procedure for removing the tray Nissan Almera G15 has its own technical features related to the design of the bottom and the location of the suspension components. Failure to do so may result in deformation of the aluminum alloy, making resealing impossible. It is important to approach the task comprehensively, taking into account the fastening features and the tightening torque of threaded connections.
Preparation of workspace and tools
The success of any repair operation on Nissan Almera half depends on the quality of preparation. You need to provide safe access to the underside of the car, which cannot be done without securely securing the car to a lift or inspection pit. Using a rolling jack without safety stands is strictly not recommended, since the risk of the vehicle falling is too great when working with a heavy pallet.
To perform the work you will need a set of specialized tools. Regular wrenches may not be suitable due to the specific bolt heads that often stick to the threads. Be sure to prepare a torque wrench, since tightening the pan bolts requires strict adherence to the torque, otherwise the gasket will not fit tightly, or the threads will be stripped.
- 🔧 Set of open-end and socket wrenches (sizes 10, 12, 14, 17 mm)
- 🛠️ Torque wrench with a range from 10 to 50 Nm
- 🧴 Carburetor cleaner or special degreasing solvent
- 🧤 Nitrile gloves to protect hands from hot oil and dirt
Don't forget about a container to drain the waste liquid. Engine oil volume Nissan HR16DE is about 4.2–4.5 liters, so the container should be designed for at least 5 liters. It is also worth providing a place to store the removed bolts to avoid losing them in the basement of the garage.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the engine has completely cooled down. Hot oil can cause severe burns, and the heated aluminum of the pan becomes soft and easily deformed if hit inappropriately.
Draining used oil and removing protection
The first stage of work is to properly drain the old oil. If you only plan to change the oil, this step is standard, but when removing the pan you need to be extremely careful not to spill any remaining fluid on the electrical or exhaust system. Open the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely, but do not delay the process for more than 15–20 minutes.
After draining, it is necessary to remove the crankcase protection. On Nissan Almera G15 the protection is secured with several bolts and plastic clips. Often the plastic clips break when removed, so it is better to immediately have spare fasteners. When removing the protection, be careful as a significant amount of oil may remain on it.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the perimeter protection (usually 8–10 pieces)
- 🚫 Carefully remove the plastic clips using a spatula
- 🧼 Wipe off dirt protection before reinstalling
- 📦 Put the protection in a safe place where it will not interfere with work
If the guard is heavily soiled or damaged, it may make it difficult to access the pan bolts themselves. In some cases, it is necessary to dismantle part of the bumper or wheel arches to obtain a normal access angle to the fasteners. This is not a standard procedure, but in practice it often turns out to be necessary for quality repairs.
- Set of keys
- Torque wrench
- Ratchet heads
- Special tool
Features of mounting the oil pan
Construction oil pan on the engine HR16DE provides for the use of a combined fastening system. Most bolts are tightened to a certain level, but there are also elements that require special attention. Pay special attention to bolts located in hard-to-reach areas where the leverage applied to them may not be sufficient.
Before unscrewing the bolts, it is recommended to treat the threads with penetrating lubricant. This is especially true for cars whose mileage exceeds 100,000 km. Corrosion and carbon deposits often stick bolts to the body, and an attempt to remove them without pre-treatment may result in the threads in the aluminum body breaking.
| Bolt type | Head size | Approximate tightening torque (Nm) | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main body bolts | 10 mm | 10–12 | 16–18 |
| Transmission mounting bolts | 12 mm | 25–28 | 2–3 |
| Drain plug | 14 mm | 25–30 | 1 |
| Bracket mounting bolts | 14 mm | 35–40 | 2 |
Please note that when unscrewing the bolts, you must follow a certain sequence. You should start from the edges, gradually moving towards the center to avoid skewing the pallet and deforming the flange. If you unscrew all the bolts at once, the pan may suddenly fall off under its own weight, damaging the pipes or sensors.
☑️ Checklist before unscrewing
The process of dismantling and removing the pallet
After all the fasteners have been unscrewed, the most crucial moment comes - removing the pallet. It may be a very tight fit due to sealant or an old gasket. Do not try to pry it with a pry bar in a random place, as you can easily damage the thin aluminum, which will lead to a leak.
Use a spatula or a flathead screwdriver with rounded edges. Insert the tool into the technological gaps provided by the design and carefully rock the pallet. Movements should be progressive, without sudden jerks. If the tray does not budge, you may need to warm up the contact area again with a hairdryer or gas burner (with caution!).
- 🛠️ Insert the spatula into the gap between the block and the pallet
- 🔄 Swing the instrument smoothly without applying excessive force
- 📉 Make sure that the pallet does not fall and hit the suspension elements
- ⚡ Carefully disconnect the oil level sensor if it is built into the pan
When removing the pan, you must be extremely careful not to damage the sensitive elements of the sensor. If the sensor is removable, it is better to disconnect it electrically and dismantle it separately.
What to do if the pallet cannot be removed?
If the pan does not budge, the sealant may have cured too much. Use a hair dryer to heat the joint to 80-90 degrees to soften the compound. Do not use a gas torch directly on aluminum as it may melt.
Cleaning and preparation for installation
The removed pan must be thoroughly cleaned of the remnants of the old gasket and sealant. This is a critical step on which the tightness of the connection depends. Any remnants of old material may cause a leak, as the new gasket will not be able to fit tightly to the uneven surface.
Use a plastic scraper and solvent. Metal tools can leave scratches on the contact surface, which will lead to a leak. After mechanical cleaning, the surface must be degreased using a carburetor cleaner or a special degreasing spray.
⚠️ Attention: Never use abrasive materials (sandpaper, wire brush) to clean the surface of the pallet. Even microscopic scratches can become pathways for oil leakage under pressure.
Check the condition of the pallet itself for cracks or deformations. If the pallet has been deformed due to an impact, its plane may be disrupted. In such cases, grinding on a special machine or complete replacement of the part is required. The aluminum pan of the Nissan Almera G15 is very thin and bends easily at the slightest misalignment, so repair is often impossible.
To clean the surface from sealant, use special chemical compounds that dissolve silicone without damaging the metal. This will save time and reduce the risk of plane damage.
Installing a new pan and sealing
When installing a new pan or reinstalling an old one and replacing the gasket, it is important to use the correct sealant. For engines Nissan It is recommended to use silicone sealant that is resistant to high temperatures and engine oil. Conventional sealant may deteriorate when exposed to the operating environment.
Apply a thin layer of sealant to the cylinder block flange. Avoid excess sealant, as when tightening the bolts, excess sealant can get inside the engine, causing clogged oil passages and failure of the oil pump. Carefully distribute the material around the entire perimeter.
- 🧴 Apply sealant in a continuous line 2–3 mm thick
- 🚫 Avoid getting sealant inside the oil passages
- ⏱️ Allow the sealant to dry for 5-10 minutes before installing
- 🔩 Install the pallet, maintaining symmetry when tightening
The bolts must be tightened in two stages. Hand tighten all bolts first until the pan is seated, then use a torque wrench for final tightening. Follow the tightening order: from the center to the edges to ensure even pressure on the gasket.
Proper tightening of the pan bolts is the key to the absence of leaks. Use a torque wrench and maintain a torque of 10-12 Nm for the main bolts.
Final work and inspection
After installing the sump and crankcase protection, you need to fill in fresh oil and start the engine. Let the engine idle for 3-5 minutes, carefully monitoring the oil pressure and level readings. Inspect the junction of the pan for signs of leakage.
If there is no leak, turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the oil level with a dipstick and, if necessary, add to the mark. Make sure the oil level sensor is working correctly and does not display errors on the dashboard. Also check whether the pipes and electrical connectors have been damaged during the work.
- 🛢️ Fill with fresh oil to the required level
- 🚗 Start the engine and check the oil pressure
- 🔍 Inspect the joint of the pallet for leaks
- 📉 Check the oil level after the engine has cooled down
After completing the work, be sure to remove all tools and debris from under the vehicle. Leaving tools behind may damage the guard or other parts when moving. Wipe the engine compartment to remove any traces of oil to prevent a fire if it comes into contact with a hot exhaust manifold.
⚠️ Attention: During the first 500 km after replacing the pan or gasket, carefully monitor the oil level. Even a small leak can only appear when the engine heats up or on uneven roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the pan to change the oil?
No, you do not need to remove the pan for a routine oil change. Simply unscrew the drain plug. Removing the pan is only necessary when replacing the gasket, removing metal shavings, or repairing damage.
Which sealant is best to use for Nissan Almera G15?
It is recommended to use high temperature oil resistant silicone sealant. Original Nissan compounds or high-quality analogues from manufacturers such as Permatex or ThreeBond are suitable.
Can I reuse an old gasket?
Strongly not recommended. An old gasket loses its properties, and reuse is almost guaranteed to cause a leak. Always install a new gasket.
What to do if the thread in the pan is broken?
If the threads in an aluminum pallet are broken, it will be necessary to install screw inserts (fittings) or replace the entire pallet. Repairs using inserts are only possible with the appropriate tools and experience.