Car engine Nissan Almera N16 is a complex mechanical system that generates significant vibrations during operation. To prevent these vibrations from being transmitted to the body and destroying the suspension elements, the designers provided a mounting system consisting of several shock absorbers. One of the most critical elements in this chain is the rear support, which often causes discomfort while driving.
Many sedan owners Nissan Almera The N16 generation faces a problem when vibration from the engine begins to penetrate into the cabin, and an unpleasant metallic knock is heard during a sharp start or braking. Often mechanics at service stations recommend replacing the front or side mount, but overlook the rear engine mount, which in this body has a unique design and often fails ahead of schedule.
Correct diagnosis and timely replacement of this unit can return the car to its factory comfort characteristics. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to the destruction of nearby components, such as the transmission or exhaust system. In this article we will analyze in detail how to identify a malfunction and choose a high-quality spare article number and do the work correctly with your own hands.
Design features of the rear support Almera N16
Rear engine mount on model Nissan Almera N16 acts as the main damper holding the engine in the longitudinal direction. Unlike the front mounts, which are often hydraulic shock absorbers, the rear mount on this model is usually a solid rubber-metal structure. It is attached to a bracket on the cylinder block and rests against the body structure of the transmission tunnel.
The main problem with this design lies in the materials. The rubber used in the factory version loses its elastic properties over time due to exposure to high temperatures from the cylinder block and aggressive chemicals such as oil or antifreeze. When the rubber element deformed or cracks, the metal of the support begins to contact the body, which causes a characteristic knocking sound and increased vibration.
Feature Nissan Almera is that the rear support is often loaded not only vertically, but is also subject to significant torsional moments when changing gears. This creates an uneven load distribution, leading to premature failure of the inner sleeve. That is why it is important to choose parts that have a reinforced structure or an improved rubber compound.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to restore the integrity of a factory rear cushion by gluing or vulcanizing. This will not restore the damping properties and may lead to the support breaking at the most inopportune moment, for example, during a sharp start from a traffic light.
Diagnosis of faults and characteristic symptoms
It is possible to determine that the problem lies precisely in the rear support by a number of specific signs, which are often confused with malfunctions of the chassis. The first signal is the appearance of strong vibration on the steering wheel and gas pedal when the engine is idling. If the vibration disappears when the clutch is depressed, this most likely indicates a problem with the bearings and not with the crankshaft or flywheel.
The second striking symptom is a metallic knock that is heard when changing gears or when there is a sudden change in engine speed. This sound occurs due to the fact that the engine, deprived of reliable fixation, makes sudden movements, and its bracket hits the body or other suspension elements. This is especially noticeable when driving uphill or during sudden braking.
- 🔍 Visual inspection: presence of deep cracks, cuts or complete rupture of the rubber part of the support.
- 🔍 Damping effect: check for the absence of play between the metal bushings when rocking the engine.
- 🔍 Acoustic control: the appearance of dull impacts in the tunnel area when switching speeds.
For accurate diagnosis, it is best to use a lift or inspection hole. It is necessary to ask an assistant to alternately engage the gear and accelerate while you observe the movement of the engine. If the rear of the cylinder block rises too high or moves to the side by more than 1-2 centimeters, the cushion requires immediate replacement.
- Strong vibration at idle
- Metallic knock when shifting gears
- Body rattling when accelerating
- No symptoms, I just change according to the regulations
Selection of spare parts: original versus analogues
The spare parts market offers a wide range of options for replacing the rear engine mount Nissan Almera N16. The original part from the Nissan manufacturer is distinguished by high quality rubber and precise geometry, but its cost is often inflated due to logistics and brand. Part numbers for original spare parts may vary depending on the year of manufacture and engine type (1.5, 1.6 or 1.8 liters).
Analogues from third-party manufacturers often become a more profitable solution. Brands that specialize in suspension parts use rubber compounds that are more resistant to oil and temperature. However, it is important to be careful here: cheap Chinese copies may be too hard or, conversely, too soft, which will not allow the engine to operate normally.
When choosing a spare part, pay attention to the country of origin. Parts made in Europe or Japan usually show a resource close to the original. If you choose a budget option, it is better to give preference to proven brands than completely unknown manufacturers, since the difference in price does not justify the risk of repeated purchase and work.
| Manufacturer | Part type | Indicative resource | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | Rear support | 100,000+ km | Ideal geometry, expensive price |
| Febi / Sasic | Analog (Europe) | 80,000 - 100,000 km | Good quality tires, affordable price |
| Mapco | Analog (Germany) | 60,000 - 80,000 km | Average price/quality balance |
| Unknown brands | Budget | 10,000 - 30,000 km | Risk of rapid destruction, rigidity |
The original spare part guarantees installation accuracy, but high-quality analogues from European brands often surpass the original in wear resistance at a lower cost.
Preparation for replacement and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. Since access to the rear support is on Nissan Almera N16 limited, you will need a good set of open-end and socket wrenches, as well as extensions. Be sure to have a jack with support or a hydraulic jack to secure the engine.
It is important to stock up on penetrating lubricant in advance, since the support mounting bolts often stick to the body and engine block. Without pre-treatment, unscrewing them can be extremely difficult, and the risk of stripping the thread or breaking the bolt is very high. You will also need a rag to clean the work area and a container to drain possible oil leaks.
Note that removing the rear mount often requires removing the engine guard and, in some cases, removing the air filter or other obstructions. Do not try to work in a hurry: accuracy and thorough preparation will save you time and nerves during the disassembly process.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Step-by-step replacement instructions
You should begin work by securely securing the vehicle. Install Nissan Almera on a flat surface, place chocks under the rear wheels and lift the front part on a jack. Remove the passenger side wheel for easy access if necessary and remove the crankcase guard.
The next stage is fixing the engine. Place a jack with a wooden spacer under the oil pan and lift the engine slightly to remove the load from the support. This is a critical point: if you try to unscrew the bolts under load, you can damage the threads or break the fastener.
After fixing, you can begin to unscrew the bolts. First loosen the bolts securing the bracket to the engine, then the bolts securing it to the body. If the bolts do not budge, use a penetrating lubricant and heat them with a hair dryer or torch (with caution).
After removing the old bolts, remove the support. Clean the seats from dirt and rust. Install a new pad, having first lubricated the bolt threads with graphite grease or copper paste. Tighten the bolts sequentially, starting with the mounting to the engine, and only after lowering the jack with the pallet, finally tighten the mounting bolts to the body.
What to do if the bolt is broken?
If the threads are stripped, do not attempt to install a new bolt. Use a threaded insert (helix) or replace the bolt with a larger diameter bolt with appropriate drilling if the design allows.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tighten the body bolts until the engine is on its mounts. Otherwise, pre-stress will arise in the rubber, which will lead to rapid destruction of the new cushion and vibrations.
After finishing work, be sure to check the reliability of the fastening. Start the engine several times and observe the behavior of the engine when changing gears. If the knocking noise has disappeared and vibration is not felt, then the replacement was successful.
After replacing the rear support, it is recommended to check the wheel alignment angles, since changing the engine position may slightly affect the suspension geometry.
Common replacement errors and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is not replacing the mounting bolts. Often the bolts become unusable or have stretched threads, and their reuse leads to the fact that the new support quickly becomes loose. Always use new bolts if the design requires it or if the old ones are visibly damaged.
Another mistake is incorrect tightening sequence. If you tighten the bolts to the body before the engine is in its normal position, the rubber bushing will be constantly in a compressed state. This will cause the rubber to “get tired” within a couple of months, lose elasticity and crack.
Some mechanics try to save time by not jacking up the engine. As a result, they unscrew the bolts and the support falls, hitting the suspension or exhaust system. This could result in damage to new parts or even injury to the technician. Always use safety equipment.
Proper tightening sequence and use of new bolts will ensure a long lasting replacement and no vibration in the future.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
In this section we have collected answers to the most common questions that owners have. Nissan Almera N16 when servicing the engine mounting system.
Is it possible to drive with a torn rear airbag?
Technically you can drive, but it is dangerous. The engine will shift, which can lead to broken pipes, damage to the exhaust system, or even the timing drive seizing during sudden driving. In addition, vibration destroys other body elements.
How long does it take to replace a rear strut?
If you have experience and easy access, the work takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If the bolts are stuck or access is difficult, the time may increase to 2-3 hours.
Do I need to change all the pillows at once?
Preferably. If one support is worn out, most likely the rest are working at their limit. Replacing the kit ensures even distribution of vibrations and extends the life of new parts.
Does replacing the rear strut affect fuel consumption?
There is no direct effect, but a working support allows the engine to operate normally, which indirectly contributes to optimal fuel combustion. Strong vibration can disrupt the operation of sensors and injection systems.
Why does it knock even after replacement?
Another support (front or side) may be damaged, or the bolts may not be tightened correctly. Also check the play in the CV joint or cardan, if any.