Nissan Almera Classic (N16) is a reliable car, but even its chassis parts wear out over time. One of the most common problems is rupture of the inner CV joint boot. If the damage is not noticed in time, dirt and moisture will get into the hinge, which will lead to its failure. The cost of a new CV joint is 3-5 times higher than the price of the boot, so timely replacement is not a saving, but an investment in the durability of the machine.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, advice on choosing spare parts and unique nuances specifically for Almera Classic, which are not taken into account in standard manuals. We will also look at how to avoid mistakes during assembly and when it is worth contacting service rather than doing repairs yourself.
Signs of damage to the inner CV joint boot
The first symptoms of a problem often go unnoticed until it is too late. Look out for the following signs:
- 🔍 Crunch when turning - especially noticeable at low speeds (for example, when leaving a parking lot). The sound comes from the front wheel area.
- 💨 Lubricant on the inside of the wheel — if the boot is torn, thick black lubricant (litol or analogues) splashes along the arch.
- 🔧 Vibration at speed 60-80 km/h - a worn CV joint creates a beating that is transmitted to the steering wheel or body.
- 🚗 Pulling the car to the side - if the joint is heavily worn, the car may “pull” to the left or right even on a flat road.
On Almera Classic The internal CV joint suffers less often than the external one, but its diagnosis is more difficult: the boot is hidden under the engine protection, and it can only be visually inspected on a lift or pit. If you notice at least one of the listed symptoms, don't delay checking - delay will result in replacement of the entire drive.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with engine QG16DE (1.6 l) inner CV joint has a unique mounting design to the box. If you buy a used drive, make sure that it has the original nut - it often “sticks” and is cut off during dismantling.
Tools and materials for replacement
To work, you will need not only a standard set of keys, but also specialized tools. Here's the full list:
| Category | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | 32 mm head | To unscrew the hub nut (you need a powerful wrench or extension pipe) |
| Tools | CV joint puller | Can be replaced with a pry bar, but the risk of damage to the boot is higher |
| Materials | Inner CV joint boot | Original 39310-4M000 or analogues: GKN, SKF, Febi |
| Materials | Grease for CV joints | Litol-24 or specialized (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus) |
| Consumables | Clamps (2 pcs.) | It’s better to take screw ones rather than plastic ones - they are more reliable |
If you plan to replace the boot without removing the drive, additionally prepare clamp pliers And screwdriver with thin blade (for carefully removing the old boot). On Almera Classic, there is often a problem with the inner CV joint “sticking” to the box. In this case you may need WD-40 or liquid key, as well as a hammer with a wooden spacer for neat knocking.
- 32 mm head
- CV joint puller
- Jack and stops
- None of the above
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the boot
The process of replacing the inner CV joint boot with Nissan Almera Classic takes 2-3 hours if you have experience. If this is your first time, be patient and follow the instructions:
- Preparing the car
Place the car on a level surface, secure the rear wheels with chocks and loosen the hub nut (but do not remove it completely!). Raise the front end with a jack and remove the wheel. For safety, use a stand under the threshold.
- Removing the axle shaft
Unscrew the hub nut (32mm), then disconnect the tie rod and ball joint. Pull the axle shaft out of the hub. The inner CV joint remains in the box - it must be carefully removed with a pry bar or puller.
- Removing the old boot
Cut off the clamps, remove the old boot and clean the CV joint from old grease. Check the hinge for play and damage. If it is chipped or corroded, the entire drive will have to be replaced.
- Installing a new boot
Place the new boot on the shaft and secure it with clamps (do not tighten it completely!). Apply fresh lubricant to the CV joint and install the boot in place, evenly distributing the folds.
- Assembly
Insert the CV joint back into the box (it should click), then reassemble everything in reverse order. Tighten the hub nut with a force of 220-250 Nm.
☑️ Checklist before assembly
There is a nuance on Almera Classic: when installing the axle shaft back into the box Do not hit the shaft with a hammer - this will damage the seal. Instead, use a wooden spacer or special mandrel. If the CV joint does not fit, check to see if the shaft is bent during removal.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the boot, be sure to check the oil level in the box. On Almera Classic with manual transmission RS5F31A If you remove the drive carelessly, you can damage the oil seal, which will lead to transmission fluid leakage.
Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues
The cost of the original inner CV joint boot for Nissan Almera Classic (article 39310-4M000) is about 1,200–1,500 rubles. However, there are worthy analogues on the market that will cost less:
- 🏆 GKN (article 503167) — the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio. The boot is made of heat-resistant rubber that is resistant to oil and high temperatures.
- 💰 Febi (item 28300) - a budget option (about 600 rubles), but the quality of the clamps is often poor. It is recommended to purchase additional screw clamps separately.
- ⚙️ SKF (article VKJA 6631) — a premium analogue with a reinforced boot. Suitable for extreme operating conditions (for example, frequent off-road driving).
- 🔧 Trialli (article 3901004) - a domestic brand, cheap (300–400 rubles), but the service life rarely exceeds 30,000 km.
When choosing, pay attention to boot material: at Almera Classic it is better to take products from polyurethane rubber (designation PU on the packaging). They are more expensive, but last 2-3 times longer than standard rubber ones. Also check the contents: the box should contain clamps, lubricant (albeit a minimal amount) and instructions.
How to distinguish a fake?
The original Nissan boot has a logo on the surface and markings NISSAN in casting. Counterfeits are often sold without packaging or with blurred printing. Also pay attention to the quality of the rubber: counterfeit rubber is more porous and smells of chemicals.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing the inner CV joint boot. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- Incorrect tightening of clamps
If the clamp is too tight, it will cut through the boot; If you don’t tighten it enough, the boot will slide off. Use torque wrench for tightening (force 0.6–0.8 N m) or screw clamps with a lock.
- Ignoring CV Joint Check
Many people change the boot without inspecting the hinge itself. On the Almera Classic, the internal CV joint often “eats” the grooves on the race - if their depth is more than 0.5 mm, the joint needs to be replaced.
- Saving on lubrication
Litol-24 is cheaper than specialized lubricants, but it does not withstand high temperatures. For Almera Classic it is better to use Molykote BR2 Plus or Castrol LMX.
- Failure to follow the assembly sequence
If you first put the boot on the box and then try to insert the CV joint, the rubber will tear. First put the boot on the shaft, then on the CV joint, and only after that fix it with clamps.
Another common mistake is using an old hub nut. On Almera Classic it is disposable and deforms when tightened. Repeated use may cause the nut to loosen while driving. Cost of a new nut (article number 40502-4M000) - only 150–200 rubles.
Before installing a new boot, apply a thin layer of lubricant to its inner surface - this will facilitate installation and protect the rubber from cracking.
Cost of work in the service vs self-repair
If you are not confident in your abilities, you can contact the service. However, the prices for replacing the inner CV joint boot are Nissan Almera Classic vary greatly:
| Service type | Cost of work (rub.) | Cost of spare parts (RUB) | Total (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official dealer | 3 500–4 500 | 1,200–1,500 (original) | 4 700–6 000 |
| Independent service | 1 500–2 500 | 600–1,200 (analog) | 2 100–3 700 |
| On your own | 0 | 300–1 500 | 300–1 500 |
The savings when doing your own repairs are obvious, but keep in mind hidden costs:
- 🔧 Purchase of a specialized tool (CV joint puller, 32 mm head).
- ⏳ Waste of time - without experience, work can last all day.
- 🚗 Risk of errors that will lead to repeated repairs (for example, damage to the box seal).
If you decide to do the repairs yourself, be sure to photograph the location of all parts before disassembling - this will help avoid problems during assembly. At Almera Classic it is especially important to remember how you stood steering rack boot - it is often confused with the CV joint boot.
Replacing the inner CV joint boot on an Almera Classic yourself is justified only if you have experience working with the chassis. If you have never removed an axle shaft, it is better to contact a service center - mistakes will cost more than savings.
Prevention: how to extend the life of a CV joint
To avoid having to replace the boot again, follow these recommendations:
- 🔧 Check the boots every 15,000 km — just look under the car on a pit or overpass. On Almera Classic, the inner boot often cracks at the base (on the side of the box).
- 🚿 Wash wheel arches in winter — salt and reagents corrode the rubber of the anthers. Use special cleaners (for example, Liqui Moly Unterbodenschutz).
- 🛣️ Avoid sudden starts with the wheels turned out - this creates maximum load on the CV joint and accelerates wear.
- 🔄 Change the lubricant in the CV joint every time you replace the boot. - old lubricant loses its properties and may contain abrasive particles.
For Almera Classic with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, it is recommended preventive replacement of both anthers (internal and external) even if they are visually intact. Rubber loses its elasticity over time, and microcracks may not be noticeable upon inspection.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the CV joint boot
Is it possible to drive with a torn inner CV joint boot?
Short-term (1-2 days) it is possible, but only if the CV joint is not yet crunching. Driving for a long time will cause dirt to get into the joint and cause it to fail. On the Almera Classic, the internal CV joint is less protected from external influences than the external one, so the risk of breakage is higher.
What lubricant is best to lubricate the CV joint on the Almera Classic?
Optimal choice - Molykote BR2 Plus (article 34550-4M000). It can withstand high temperatures and is not washed out by water. Alternative - Castrol LMX or LIQUI MOLY LM47. Regular Litol-24 is only suitable for temporary use.
Is it necessary to change the oil in the box after replacing the boot?
If there was no oil leakage when dismantling the drive, replacement does not need to be made. However, on Almera Classic with manual transmission RS5F31A It is recommended to check the oil level and add if necessary (volume - 2.3 l, type - Nissan MT-XZ or Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90).
Is it possible to replace the boot without removing the axle shaft?
Technically it is possible, but on the Almera Classic it is extremely inconvenient due to the design of the inner CV joint. The risk of damaging the new boot during such a replacement is very high. It's better to spend an extra 30 minutes removing the axle shaft than to have to redo the job later.
How long does the inner CV joint boot last on an Almera Classic?
Service life depends on operating conditions:
- Original boot: 80,000–120,000 km.
- High-quality analogue (GKN, SKF): 60,000–100,000 km.
- Budget equivalent (Trialli, Fenox): 30,000–50,000 km.
On machines that are operated in high humidity conditions or off-road, the service life is reduced by 30–40%.