Rear struts for <em>Nissan Almera Classic</em>: how to select and replace without errors

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Samsung SM3 in some countries) is one of the most popular sedans in the budget segment, which is still actively used on the roads of the CIS. The rear struts of this car are consumables that require attention after 80–100 thousand km, and even earlier in case of aggressive driving or bad roads. Unlike the front struts, the rear struts are often ignored until the last minute, although their wear directly affects handling, braking distance and comfort.

In this article we will look at everything you need to know about rear struts. Almera Classic: from signs of malfunction to replacement nuances. We tested 5 popular brands of shock absorbers, compared them by resource and price, and also collected step-by-step instructions with photos and typical mistakes that even experienced professionals make. If your car begins to “squat” on bumps or the suspension knocks on uneven surfaces, here you will find answers on how to fix it yourself or monitor the work of a service station.

Signs of a bad rear strut: when is it time to replace it?

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Almera Classic wear out gradually, and many drivers get used to the deterioration of the car’s behavior, attributing it to “suspension features.” However there is 7 Key Symptoms, which indicate the need for diagnosis or replacement:

• 🚗 Body rocking after driving over bumps (the car “nods” back and forth for a long time).
• 💥 Knocks or squeaks in the rear when driving on gravel or speed bumps.
• 🛑 Increased braking distance — worn struts reduce the downforce of the wheels to the road.
• 🔍 Oil leaks on the shock absorber body (visible during visual inspection).
• 🌀 Uneven rear tire wear (especially on the inside).
• 🚘 "Sagging" of the rear when loading the trunk or passengers.
• 💨 Deterioration in directional stability at speeds over 90 km/h (the car is “driving” along the road).

The last point is especially dangerous: if at high speed Almera Classic begins to “float” along the strip, this may be due not only to wheel alignment, but also to completely killed rear struts. You can check their condition with a simple test: press firmly on the rear bumper and release. If the body swings more than 1-2 times, the shock absorbers require replacement.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the rear suspension springs often burst. If during inspection you see cracks in the coils, change the springs along with the struts, otherwise the new shock absorbers will last 2 times less.

Which stands are suitable for Nissan Almera Classic: comparison of brands

There are more than 20 brands of shock absorbers on the market for Almera Classic (body B10), but not all of them justify their price. We selected the 5 most popular options and compared them according to key parameters: resource, rigidity and price. All models are suitable for engines 1.6 (QG16DE) And 1.4 (QG14DE).

Brand	Model	Type	Resource (thousand km)	Hardness	Price per set (2 pcs.), rub.
Kayaba (KYB)	Excel-G 343308	Oily	100–120	Average	5 500–6 500
Monroe	Reflex TR566	Gas-oil	80–100	Soft	6 000–7 000
Sachs	Super Touring 315 157	Gas-oil	90–110	Hard	7 500–8 500
Boge	Pro-Gas 25-0535	Gas-oil	110–130	Average	8 000–9 000
Febi	22663	Oily	70–90	Soft	4 000–5 000

For most owners Almera Classic the optimal choice would be gas oil struts Boge Pro-Gas — they combine high resource and comfortable rigidity. If your budget is limited, you might consider Kayaba Excel-G, but keep in mind that they are slightly softer than standard ones. But Febi — lottery: you come across both successful specimens and those that “die” after 30 thousand km.

Original vs analogues: is it worth overpaying?

Original rear struts for Nissan Almera Classic are produced by the company Hitachi and have an article number 55200-4M000 (right) and 55200-4M001 (left). Their average price is 12,000–14,000 rub. per set, which is 1.5–2 times more expensive than analogues. But is this overpayment justified?

According to test results, original shock absorbers Hitachi served on average 130–150 thousand km with moderate use, while the best analogues (Boge, Sachs) - 110–130 thousand km. The difference is not critical, but there are some nuances:

• ✅ The original is guaranteed to be suitable in terms of hardness and characteristics (there are no “surprises” with softness/hardness).
• ✅ The quality of seals and oil seals is higher - there is less risk of oil leakage.
• ❌ The price is overpriced because of the brand, not because of the revolutionary technology.
• ❌ There are more fakes of original racks on the market than analogues.

Conclusion: if you drive carefully and plan to use the car for a long time, the original is justified. For most owners Almera Classic (especially with a mileage of 200 thousand km), it is wiser to choose a high-quality analogue and save 4–5 thousand rubles.

Step-by-step replacement of rear struts: instructions with photos and tips

Replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Almera Classic takes 2–3 hours and does not require special tools (except for spring ties). The main thing is to comply sequence of actions and don’t forget about the little things that speed up the process.

You will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (for 10, 12, 14, 17, 19).
• 🔩 Spring ties (required!).
• 🛠 WD-40 or similar rust remover.
• 🔨 Hammer and chisel (for stuck nuts).
• 🧴 New struts, bumpers and anthers (if required).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Preparation: Place the car on a level surface, jack up the rear and remove the wheels. Be sure to secure the front axle with stops!
2. Unscrew the rack from below: Remove the nut securing the shock absorber to the lever (19mm wrench). If the nut is stuck, use WD-40 and a chisel.
3. Unscrew the top fastening: In the trunk, remove the plastic trim and unscrew the 3 nuts securing the strut to the body (12 wrench).
4. Removing the rack: Carefully pull out the shock absorber along with the spring. Use zip ties to compress the spring before disassembly!
5. Let's transfer the details: Move the spring, bump stop and boot to the new strut. Check the condition of the rubber bushings - replace if cracked.
6. Assembly: Reinstall the stand in reverse order. Important! Tighten the nuts only after the car has been lowered from the jack (otherwise the spring may become deformed).

Check for spring ties|Buy new nuts and bolts (old ones often break off)|Coat the threads with copper grease|Prepare a work area (clean, with good lighting)-->

The most common mistake when replacing is Incorrect tightening of the top nuts. They need to be tightened with force. 20–25 Nm, but do not overtighten, otherwise the rubber of the support will quickly crack. Also, many people forget to check play in silent blocks of levers - if they are worn out, new racks will last less.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the racks, be sure to check wheel alignment rear wheels. On Almera Classic it is adjusted by eccentric bolts on the levers - if they are not adjusted, the tires will be “eaten up” in 10–15 thousand km.

What to do if the nut securing the strut to the lever does not unscrew?

If WD-40 and a chisel don't help, try the following method:

1. Heat the nut with a gas torch (be careful not to overheat the spring!).

2. Tap the edges of the nut with a hammer through the adapter (this will break the corrosion bond).

3. Use an impact wrench or a long lever wrench.

As a last resort, the nut can be cut off with a grinder, but then you will have to change the mounting bolt.

Suspension tuning: when to install sports struts

Standard suspension Nissan Almera Classic is designed for a comfortable ride, but many owners want to improve handling, especially if the car is used for dynamic driving or drag racing (yes, such examples are also found!). In this case, you might consider installing sports racks with reduced ground clearance.

Advantages of sports shock absorbers:

• 🏁 Better directional stability at high speeds.
• 🚗 Reduced roll in turns.
• 🛡 Reducing braking distance due to more rigid fixation of the wheels.

Cons:

• 🚧 Hardness — all road irregularities will be reflected into the cabin.
• 💰 Price - high-quality sports stands (for example, Koni Sport) cost from 15 thousand rubles. per set.
• 🔧 Difficulty of installation — modification of fastenings is often required.

For Almera Classic suitable racks from Koni (model 8741-1257Sport) or Bilstein (series B4). They reduce the ground clearance by 20–30 mm, which gives the car a more aggressive look. However, please check the condition before installation. support bearings and silent blocks - they must be in perfect condition, otherwise the sports racks will quickly fail.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with the rear suspension Almera Classic. We have collected TOP-5 misses, which lead to premature failure of struts or deterioration of controllability:

1. Ignoring anthers and bump stops. If they are torn, dirt and moisture will quickly kill the new shock absorber. Always change them along with the stands!
2. Incorrect spring tension. If the ties are not loosened evenly, the spring may jump off and damage the body.
3. Saving on mounting bolts. Old bolts often stretch - use new ones (part number 08922-40615).
4. No camber adjustment. Even if everything was fine before the replacement, new racks may shift the corners.
5. Installation of racks of different rigidity. For example, gas-oil on the right and oil on the left - this leads to suspension imbalance.

Another common problem is mixed up right and left pillars. On Almera Classic they are visually similar, but have different stem lengths. Before installation, check the markings: there is usually a mark on the right pillar R, on the left - L.

How long do rear struts last: how to extend their life

The average life of the rear shock absorbers is Nissan Almera Classic — 80–120 thousand km, but this indicator strongly depends on operating conditions. Here's what affects service life:

• 🛣 Road quality: Regular driving on gravel or potholes reduces the resource by 30–40%.
• 🚛 Loading the machine: Constantly overloading the trunk accelerates wear on the springs and struts.
• 🌡 Temperature: In cold weather, the oil in shock absorbers thickens, which increases the load on the seals.
• 🔧 Timely maintenance: Worn silent blocks or ball bearings increase shock loads on the racks.

To extend the life of shock absorbers:

• 🧹 Wash the pendant in winter, salt and reagents destroy the anthers.
• 🛑 Avoid hard braking on uneven surfaces - this creates peak loads.
• 🔄 Check your tire pressure — flat tires increase vibrations.

Racks Boge Pro-Gas tests showed a resource of up to 140 thousand km with careful operation and regular washing of the suspension in winter. But the cheap ones Febi even in a gentle mode, they rarely care for more than 70 thousand km.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with one faulty rear strut?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Uneven operation of shock absorbers leads to:

• Deterioration of braking distance (especially on wet roads).
• Uneven tire wear.
• Risk of loss of control during sudden maneuver.

If one rack “died”, replace it with a pair - it’s cheaper than repairing the consequences later.

Do new struts need to be bled before installation?

Yes, this is mandatory for oil and gas-oil shock absorbers! Bleeding removes air from the working chamber, otherwise the rack will “fail” at the first loads. Instructions:

1. Turn the rack upside down.
2. Smoothly compress and release the rod 5-6 times.
3. Hold the rod in the compressed position for 2-3 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Repeat 3-4 times.

After pumping, the stand should move smoothly, without jerking.

Which racks are better for winter: gas-oil or oil?

In Russian winter conditions gas oil struts preferable because:

• They are less dependent on temperature (pressurized gas prevents the oil from thickening).
• They “warm up” faster after a cold start.
• They hold the road better in slushy snow.

Oil racks are cheaper, but in winter they can become stiff, especially in frosts below –20°C.

Is it possible to restore old racks?

Theoretically, yes - some workshops offer overhaul of shock absorbers with replacement of seals and oil. However for Almera Classic this is rarely justified:

• The cost of restoration is 60–70% of the price of a new rack.
• The service life after repair usually does not exceed 30–40 thousand km.
• There is no guarantee that the stand will not leak in a month.

The exception is collectible or tuned cars, where the original racks are no longer produced.

How to check struts without removing them?

There are 3 reliable ways:

1. Visual inspection: Oil leaks, cracks on the boot or rust on the rod are signs of wear.
2. Sway test: Press firmly on the rear bumper and release. If the body rocks more than 1-2 times, the struts are faulty.
3. On-the-go check: When braking, the car nose-dives and the rear wheels bounce.

For an accurate diagnosis, use vibration load stand at the service station - it will show the efficiency of each shock absorber as a percentage.