Replacing engine mount Nissan Almera N16: Complete guide

Any owner Nissan Almera N16 Over time, it faces the problem of vibrations and shocks transmitted to the body during engine operation. Most often, the culprit of these troubles are worn-out engine mounts, which lose their shock-absorbing properties over time. On this car, especially with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, the rubber of the supports cracks, and the metal part can be deformed, which leads to critical loads on the elements of the power unit.

Ignoring the problem can lead to destruction of exhaust system elements, rupture of wiring loops, or even damage to the exhaust system itself. gearboxes. Replacing airbags is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity to maintain the integrity of the car components. In this article we will look in detail at how to independently identify the malfunction, select the right spare parts and perform the work without contacting a service center.

The procedure requires care and the presence of special tools, since access to some supports is limited, and the tightening force of the bolts must be strictly regulated. Installation errors can lead to vibrations not disappearing, but only getting stronger. It is important to understand that Nissan Almera N16 with QG13, QG15 and QG18 series engines, replacement features may vary slightly depending on the type of transmission.

Symptoms of wear and diagnosis of engine mounts

The first sign that the engine mount requires replacement is the appearance of strong vibration on the steering wheel and pedals when the engine is idling. This becomes especially noticeable when turning on a gear or when starting a cold engine. If you feel the body starting to rattle for no apparent external reason, you should immediately carry out diagnostics.

The second characteristic symptom is the appearance of metallic knocks and impacts when you sharply press the gas pedal or when changing gears. This happens because the engine, deprived of shock absorption, begins to move excessively in the engine compartment and hit the body or suspension elements. The sound is often accompanied by a characteristic grinding noise from under the hood.

For an accurate diagnosis, you will need an assistant and an inspection hole or overpass. It is necessary to visually inspect all three supports: front, rear and side (left). Look for cracks in the rubber part, delamination of metal from the rubber, or complete absence of the damping layer.

• 🔍 Inspect the rubber elements for deep cracks and traces of oil.
• 🔍 Ask an assistant to sharply accelerate in neutral, observing the engine displacement.
• 🔍 Check that there is no contact between the metal part of the support and the body when driving.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to diagnose airbags by simply opening the hood. Many hidden cracks are only visible when the engine is under full load and begins to move to the side.

Sometimes the problem is disguised as a malfunction of other components. For example, a knocking noise may be caused by wear on the silent blocks of the levers or ball joints. However, if the vibration goes away when the engine is turned off, the cause is almost certainly in the mounts. Diagnostics must be comprehensive so as not to replace serviceable parts.

Selection of spare parts: Original or analogue?

When choosing new supports for Nissan Almera N16 you are faced with a dilemma: buy original parts from Nissan or be content with more affordable analogues. Original cushions provide the best firmness and durability, but can be overpriced. Original part codes change frequently, so it's best to check your vehicle's VIN before purchasing.

Among the analogues on the market there are both high-quality European brands and cheap Chinese counterfeits. Companies have a good reputation Febi, TRW, Lemforder and Patron. They offer products with acceptable quality rubber and metal, which do not last as long as the original, but cost 2-3 times less. However, it is worth remembering that cheap analogues often lose their elasticity after 20-30 thousand kilometers.

Particular attention should be paid front support, since it experiences the highest loads. It is not recommended to save on it. For Nissan Almera N16 With a manual transmission, the front support has a specific design with a hydraulic damper, which often fails before other parts.

• ✅ Original: Durable, perfect fit, high price.
• ✅ High-quality analogue (Febi, TRW): Optimal price-quality ratio.
• ✅ Cheap analogue: Risk of rapid failure, possible vibrations.

Below is a table with approximate part numbers and prices for popular spare parts options. Figures may vary depending on region and exchange rates.

Support type	Original article (example)	Popular analogue	Approximate price (RUB)
Front support	11201-3S000	Febi 22345	4500 - 9000
Rear support (gearbox)	11202-3S000	Lemforder 32345	3000 - 6000
Left support (Engine)	11203-3S000	Patron PH1005	2500 - 4500

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy pillows without packaging or with damaged protective caps. Rubber loses its properties over time, even on a store shelf if stored improperly.

Hidden information about rubber quality

Rubber for cushions must be specially designed for high temperatures and vibrations. Cheap analogues often use a mixture with excess chalk, which makes it brittle in the cold and “greasy” in the heat.

Necessary tools and preparation for work

Before you get started, make sure you have a complete set of tools. Replacing pillows with Nissan Almera N16 is a labor-intensive process that requires working in a limited space. You will need standard socket wrenches, sockets with extensions, a ratchet and a wrench. Pay special attention to the 12, 14, 17 and 19 mm wrenches, as they are used to fasten the supports.

Since the engine will need to be lifted to remove the load from the supports, you will need a jack and a wooden block or a special stand. A regular car jack may not be suitable due to the small support area. It is better to use a hydraulic jack, which smoothly lifts the engine without creating distortions.

• 🔧 Set of socket heads and wrenches (12, 14, 17, 19 mm).
• 🔧 Hydraulic or screw jack with a wooden block.
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar lubricant for treating rusty bolts.

Prepare your work area. If you are working in a garage, make sure there is adequate lighting. For convenience, you can remove the battery and air filter to gain better access to the top of the engine. This will simplify the process of unscrewing the front support bolts.

It is important to follow safety precautions. The engine is a heavy object and if it falls, it can cause serious injury or damage to other parts. Always control the process of raising and lowering the engine, do not leave it suspended without insurance.

Step-by-step instructions: Replacing the left engine mount

The left support (side) is usually changed first, as it is the most accessible. It is attached to the body and to the cylinder block. First you need to remove the plastic engine protective cover, if installed. Then, using a 17 mm wrench, unscrew the nut securing the body bracket. The bolt may stick, so treat it with penetrating lubricant in advance.

Next, unscrew the bolts securing the engine. Here you may need to use a wrench, since the tightening force is significant. After unscrewing all the fasteners, carefully remove the support. Please note that the engine will sag a little, so keep an eye on the tension of the wiring and hoses.

Installation of the new support is carried out in the reverse order. It is important not to tighten the bolts tightly right away. First screw them in by hand to line up the holes. Then, using a jack, raise the engine to its normal position and only then make the final tightening.

Pay special attention to the tightening torque. For Nissan Almera N16 it is about 60-80 Nm, but it is better to check the factory instructions. Excessive tightening can lead to rubber rupture on the first ride, and insufficient tightening can lead to play and knocking.

⚠️ Attention: Never unscrew all the support mounting bolts at the same time until the engine is supported by a jack. This can cause the engine to fall and break pipes or wiring.

Replacing the front and rear supports: Features

The front support is attached to the subframe and engine. Access to it is often difficult due to the proximity of the radiator and cooling hoses. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the front bumper or radiator for comfortable operation. This greatly complicates the process, but without it it is simply impossible to get to the lower mounting bolts.

The rear support (gearbox support) is attached to the gearbox and to the body. To replace it, it is often necessary to dismantle the exhaust system or at least unscrew its fastenings so that it does not interfere. The rear mount bolts are often found in deep recesses, so use sockets with extensions and universal joints.

When replacing the rear support, it is important to remember the tightening order. First, the support is fixed to the body, then to the gearbox. After installing all the elements, it is necessary to check the position of the engine and transmission relative to each other.

• 🔧 The front support may require removal of the subframe (in rare cases).
• 🔧 The rear support often requires removal or removal of the exhaust pipe.
• 🔧 Use a torque wrench to control the tightening torque.

If you change all three supports at once, do it sequentially, without leaving the engine hanging at one point. Raise the engine to the desired height, install one mount, tighten it, then move on to the next. This will ensure the correct installation geometry.

A nuance with the subframe

Sometimes when replacing supports it is necessary to loosen the subframe bolts to align its position. Do this only with the engine fully supported and with an assistant.

Checking the quality of work and possible nuances

After installing all new supports, it is necessary to test run the engine. Turn on the engine and let it idle. Assess the vibration: it should be minimal, the steering wheel should not shake. Try to press the gas smoothly and sharply, listening for any extraneous knocks.

For a final check, take a short drive. Pay attention to the car's behavior when changing gears and accelerating. If the knocking noises disappear and the vibration goes away, the job is done correctly. If problems persist, it is possible that a defective part was installed or the geometry was incorrectly adjusted.

Sometimes it happens that after replacing the supports, a new, uncharacteristic noise appears. This may be due to the fact that the engine has moved to a new position and began to touch body parts or hoses. Check the clearances between the engine and the body in all operating modes.

Don't forget that Nissan Almera N16 - the car is used, and replacing the supports may reveal other hidden problems. Inspect the condition of the drives, silent blocks and other suspension elements that may have been damaged due to improper operation of the old support.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners

How long does it take to replace all engine mounts?

On average, replacing all three supports takes 3 to 5 hours with experience and the right tools. It may take up to 8 hours for a beginner, especially if additional elements have to be removed.

Is it possible to change pillows one at a time or do you need to do them all at once?

Technically, you can replace one at a time, but it is recommended to replace them all at once, since they wear out at about the same rate. Replacing one may result in uneven load on the others.

Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the bearings?

No, replacing engine mounts does not affect wheel alignment. However, if you removed the subframe, then it is necessary to do a wheel alignment.

What is the tightening torque for the support bolts?

For Nissan Almera N16 The tightening torque is usually 60-80 Nm, but the exact values depend on the type of engine and support. Always check technical documentation.