Replacing rear struts on a Nissan Sunny: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Sunny (especially in bodies B13, B14 and B15) is one of those components that require attention after 80–100 thousand km. The wear of the struts is manifested not only by a deterioration in comfort, but also by dangerous “pecking” of the stern on bumps, an increase in braking distance and uneven tire wear. Car services charge from 3 to 6 thousand rubles per pair for replacement, but if you have the tools and patience, you can carry out the procedure yourself - saving money and receiving a quality guarantee.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from fault diagnosis to tighten bolts to the correct torque, we will take into account the nuances for different generations Sunny and we’ll show you how to avoid common mistakes. We will also compare the original struts with popular analogues and tell you when it is enough to replace only the shock absorbers, and when new springs or supports are needed.

Signs of wear on rear struts: when is it time to change?

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Sunny wear out gradually, and many drivers get used to the deterioration in handling. To avoid missing a critical moment, check your car for these symptoms:

• 🚗 “Sagging” of the stern when braking sharply, the rear “squats” more than usual, and then sways.
• 🛣️ Shock loads on bumps - instead of smooth shock absorption, dull knocks are heard in the trunk area.
• 🔄 Body rocking after driving over bumps (test: press hard on the rear bumper - if the body swings more than 1-2 times, the struts are faulty).
• 🔥 Oil leaks on the shock absorber body - even small marks indicate a loss of tightness.
• 🔧 Uneven tire wear on the inside or outside of the rear wheels.

On Sunny B13/B14 with a mileage of over 150 thousand km, not only shock absorbers often break, but also support bearings or springs. If you hear a crunching sound in the rear when you turn the steering wheel, the problem is in the supports. And if the car “sags” even on a flat road, tired springs are to blame.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Sunny B15 (2000–2006) rear struts often “die” in pairs - if one is leaking, the second is usually also on the verge. Change them at the same time, otherwise the difference in stiffness will lead to the car pulling to the side.

For an accurate diagnosis, use visual inspection (look for corrosion, cracks on the boots) and swing test. If the shock absorber does not resist the hand when compressed, its resource has been exhausted. In doubtful cases it will help wheel alignment stand, where experts will check the geometry of the rear suspension.

Which racks to choose: original vs analogues

Original rear struts for Nissan Sunny are produced under the article numbers:

• 56210-4M000 - for B13 (1990–1994),
• 56210-6M000 - for B14 (1994–1998),
• 56210-7M000 - for B15 (1998–2006).

They cost from 4 to 7 thousand rubles apiece, but do not always justify the price - many analogues are no worse in terms of service life.

Brand	Article	Price (for 1 piece), ₽	Features	Resource, thousand km
KYB	344339 (B13/B14), 344382 (B15)	2 800–3 500	Gas-oil, 15–20% stiffer than the original	100–120
Monroe	G4486 (B13/B14), G4490 (B15)	3 200–4 000	Soft, comfortable for the city	80–100
Sachs	313 341 (B13/B14), 313 342 (B15)	3 500–4 200	High resource, but sensitive to road quality	120–150
Febi	22636 (universal)	2 500–3 000	Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride	60–80

For Sunny B15 with engines QG15DE or QG18DE it is better to take racks with reinforced rods (for example, KYB Excel-G), since standard ones often “break through” on bad roads. If you're off-roading, consider gas shock absorbers (For example, Tokico BE5621) - they are more expensive, but can withstand extreme loads.

⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B13 with mileage over 200 thousand km they often break down springs — check them for cracks and subsidence. If the coil height is less than 18 cm, change it along with the racks.

When purchasing, pay attention to completeness: The box should contain a shock absorber, boot, bump stop and rod nut. If the seller offers a stand without these elements, refuse, as it is difficult to find them separately.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace rear struts with Nissan Sunny you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And coasters (or inspection hole).
• 🔩 Head set (10, 12, 14, 17 mm) and extension cord.
• 🔧 Socket wrench by 19 mm for the rod nut.
• 🔧 Spring puller (required! It’s dangerous to disassemble the stand without it).
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (to tighten to the correct torque).
• 🧤 Gloves And safety glasses (springs can “shoot”).

Before starting work:

1. Place the machine on a level surface and fix the front wheels stops.
2. Loosen up wheel nuts (but don't remove it completely).
3. Process WD-40 all threaded connections of the strut (especially the top stem nut).
4. If you change the racks to Sunny B15, turn off ABS sensor (if it interferes).

On a Nissan Sunny B14 with ABS, when removing the strut, you cannot disconnect the brake hose - this will lead to air in the system. Instead, carefully move it to the side, securing it with wire.

Loosen the wheel nuts|Apply WD-40 to the upper and lower strut nuts|Prepare a spring puller|Check for new nuts and bolts in the kit|Secure the car with stops-->

Step-by-step replacement instructions

The replacement process is the same for all generations Sunny, but there are nuances for B15 with multi-link suspension. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Dismantling the old rack

Raise the rear of the car with a jack and remove the wheel. Then:

1. Unscrew two bolts securing the strut to the hub (14 mm wrench). On B15 You may need to hold the bolt from the back with a 17mm socket.
2. Loosen up shock absorber rod nut (19 mm wrench), but do not remove it completely - it holds the spring!
3. Unscrew three nuts securing the strut to the body (12 mm wrench) in the trunk. On Sunny B13 It may be necessary to remove the trim.
4. Carefully remove the strut and spring assembly.

2. Dismantling the rack and installing a new one

This is the most critical stage. You cannot start work without a spring remover! Procedure:

1. Secure the stand in a vice vertically (stock up).
2. Place the puller on the spring and compress it until the upper support is released.
3. Unscrew rod nut and remove the support, bump stop and boot.
4. Transfer the spring and support to the new strut, observing orientation (there are color marks on the spring).
5. Tighten the stem nut previously (you will do the final tightening after installation on the machine).

How to avoid spring distortion?

When installing the spring on a new strut, make sure that its lower coil fits exactly into the “cup” of the shock absorber, and the upper coil fits into the groove of the support bearing. If the spring is crooked, when the rod nut is tightened, it may become “skewed” and burst under load. On Sunny B15 For this purpose, there are special protrusions on the support - align them with the marks on the spring.

3. Installing the stand on the machine

Assembly proceeds in reverse order:

1. Lift the stand into the arch and secure it three nuts to the body (don't delay!).
2. Screw the stand to hub bolts (tightening torque - 80–100 Nm).
3. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
4. Tighten rod nut (torque - 40–50 Nm) and upper mounting nuts (20–25 Nm).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear struts. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening torque rod nuts - leads to damage to the shock absorber. On Sunny he must be 40–50 Nm (no more!).
• 🔄 Confused springs (left/right) - on B15 they are asymmetrical! Look at the marks: usually the left one is marked red paint, right - yellow.
• 🛑 Ignoring bump stops — without them, the rack quickly “breaks through” on potholes.
• 🔩 Tightening the nuts by weight — the rack must be loaded (the car is on wheels), otherwise the support bearing will fail after 1–2 thousand km.
• 🚗 Forgetting to check the brake hoses - on B14/B15 they often rub against the strut bracket, causing leaks.

Another common problem is squeak after replacement. It usually occurs due to:

• Poorly lubricated support bearing (need to use lithol or lubricant for CV joints).
• Skew shock absorber boot (should sit straight, without creases).
• Poor quality rubber bushings in the lower mount (on Sunny B13 they often become tanned over time).

1) Correct installation of springs (left/right).

2) Tire pressure (must be the same).

3) Body geometry (the suspension arm may be bent).-->

Do springs and supports need to be replaced?

On Nissan Sunny with a mileage of over 150 thousand km, replacing shock absorbers alone may not solve the problem. Here's when additional work is needed:

element	Signs of wear	When to change
Springs	Subsidence (coil height < 18 cm), cracks, corrosion	If the car “sags” even with new struts
Support bearings	Crunch when turning the steering wheel, play in the upper support	When replacing racks (they are inexpensive - 500–800 ₽)
Strut bushings	Creaking during suspension operation, broken seats	If the rack “walks” in the lower mount
Anthers and bumpers	Cracks, breaks, traces of oil	Always when replacing racks (included)

On Sunny B15 with rear disc brakes often wear out caliper brackets — check them for play. If the bracket “walks”, it also needs to be replaced (part number - 40520-6M000).

How much does a service replacement cost?

Cost of work to replace rear struts Nissan Sunny depends on the region and type of service:

• 🔧 Official dealer: 5,000–7,000 ₽ per pair (plus diagnostics 1,500 ₽).
• 🔧 Independent service: 3,000–5,000 RUR per couple.
• 🔧 Garage craftsmen: 2,000–3,500 ₽ (but without guarantee).

If you change struts along with springs and supports, the price will increase by 1,500–2,500 rubles. Some services offer free wheel alignment check after replacement - check this in advance.

Self-replacement will only cost the cost of spare parts (4,000–8,000 rubles for a pair of racks) and tools (if you don’t have them). The main thing is not to save on spring puller And torque wrench, otherwise you risk damaging the suspension.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing racks

Is it possible to drive if one strut is leaking?

If only one shock absorber is leaking, you can drive, but not for long. The difference in stiffness between the right and left struts leads to:

• The car pulls to the side when braking.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Deterioration of directional stability at speed.

On Sunny B15 with a faulty stand it may work ESP (if any), since the system perceives the swing as a skid. The maximum mileage with one current stand is 1–2 thousand km.

How to check struts without removing them?

There are 3 reliable ways:

1. Sway test: Press firmly on the rear bumper and release. If the body swings more than 1-2 times, the struts are dead.
2. Visual inspection: Look for oil smudges on the shock absorber housing or cracks in the boot.
3. Check on the go: Accelerate to 60 km/h and brake hard. If the stern “squats” and swings for a long time, the racks do not work.

On Sunny B14 You can also check the play by shaking the stand by the wheel with your hand. If there is noticeable free play, it's time to change.

Which struts are best for a comfortable ride?

If softness is your priority, choose:

• Monroe G4486/G4490 — optimal balance of comfort and controllability.
• Sachs 313 341/342 — a little stiffer, but absorbs minor irregularities well.
• Original Nissan - the softest, but expensive and short-lived.

Avoid KYB, if you drive around the city, they are hard and transmit all the small bumps. For Sunny B13 with a worn suspension it is better to take struts from increased rigidity (For example, Tokico) to compensate for body fatigue.

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

On Nissan Sunny with multi-link rear suspension (B15) Wheel alignment is a must, since when replacing the struts the angle of the wheels changes. On B13/B14 with a beam, the rear geometry usually doesn’t go wrong, but checking it won’t hurt (costs 500–800 rubles).

If you do not do a wheel alignment, the following are possible:

• Accelerated tire wear (especially the inner edge).
• Pulling the car to the side.
• Deterioration in handling at high speed.

Is it possible to restore old racks?

Theoretically yes, but not recommended. Restoration (overhaul) of racks includes:

1. Changing oil and seals.
2. Polishing the rod.
3. Replacement of valves (if they are worn out).

However, on Sunny this is rarely justified because:

• The cost of restoration is 1,500–2,500 RUR per rack (it’s cheaper to buy new Febi).
• The service life of repaired shock absorbers is no more than 30–40 thousand km.
• There is no guarantee that the stand will not leak in a month.

Exception - collectible or sports versions Sunny (For example, Sunny GTi-R), where original racks are difficult to find.