Where is the oil filter located on the Nissan Almera G15: photo, diagram and replacement details

Nissan Almera G15 - a popular sedan, which from 2012 to 2019 was assembled on the platform Renault-Nissan B0. Despite the simplicity of the design, many owners are faced with the question: where exactly is the oil filter located in this car? The answer is not as obvious as it seems - the filter is not hidden in the usual place, and replacing it requires knowing a few tricks.

In this article you will find exact filter layout with reference to the years of manufacture, step-by-step dismantling instructions (including nuances for engines HR15DE And K4M), and also list of tools, which you can’t do without. We will also analyze typical mistakes that lead to oil leaks after replacement, and give recommendations on choosing analogues to the original filter 15208-9F60A.

Design features of the oil filter on Almera G15

On Nissan Almera G15 oil filter integrated into oil module - a single unit that includes not only the filter element, but also oil thermostat, as well as a pressure relief valve. This solution is borrowed from Renault, complicates the replacement process, but increases the reliability of the lubrication system.

Unlike classic filter glasses (as in Nissan Qashqai J10), used here cassette filter — removable insert inside the metal case. This means that when changing the oil you will need:

• 🔧 Remove the entire oil module (4 mounting bolts).
• 🔄 Remove the old cassette and install a new one.
• 🛢️ Replace the housing O-ring (included with the filter).

Important: on engines HR15DE (1.5 l) and K4M (1.6 l, installed on early versions) the module design is identical, but filter cassettes are not interchangeable — they have different catalog numbers and sizes of o-rings.

Where exactly is the oil filter located: photo and diagram

Oil module with filter on Almera G15 is located in front of the engine, under the intake manifold. Exact location:

• 📍 Radiator side, closer to the right (in the direction of travel) edge of the cylinder block.
• 🔍 Visually closes it plastic cover with logo Nissan (it usually has oil stains on it).
• 🔧 To access you will need to remove crankcase protection (if installed) and disconnect the air duct pipe.

Below is the layout diagram (view from below the car):

element	Description	Photos/signs
Oil module	Metal case with 4 mounting bolts (10 mm wrench).	Cap with logo Nissan, often with oil leaks.
Filter cassette	Black plastic cylinder inside the module.	Marking 15208-... on the body.
O-ring	Rubber ring on the module cover (must be changed!).	Black or blue (depending on manufacturer).
Fastening bolts	4 pieces, for a 10 mm head.	One bolt may be hidden by the pipe.

Attention! On vehicles with air conditioning, access to the filter is difficult due to the refrigerant pipes. In this case it is recommended to use flexible extension for key or dismantle the tube (after bleeding off the freon).

How to distinguish an original filter from a fake?

Original cassette 15208-9F60A has:

- Logo Nissan with clear contours (blurred on fakes).

- Matte plastic, without burrs on the seams.

- O-ring with markings NOK (Japanese manufacturer).

- The kit includes a new ring for the module cover (counterfeits often do not have it).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the oil filter

Before starting work, prepare:

Oil filter puller (crab or chain)|10mm and 17mm socket wrench|Wrench extension and universal joint|New oil filter (cassette + ring)|Engine oil (3.8L for HR15DE, 4.3L for K4M)|Oil drain container (minimum 5L)|Rags and gloves|Torque wrench (optional)-->

Step 1: Drain the oil

Warm up the engine to operating temperature (50–60°C), then:

1. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the pan, closer to the rear of the engine).
2. Unscrew the plug with a 17 mm wrench (the tightening torque for reinstallation is 35–40 Nm).
3. Wait until the oil is completely drained (at least 10 minutes).

Step 2: Removing the oil module

Here’s how to do it right:

• 🔧 Disconnect the air duct pipe (latches or clamp).
• 🔩 Carefully unscrew the 4 bolts securing the module (it is better to do the last turns manually so as not to drop the module).
• 🛑 Attention! ~100 ml of oil remains in the module - when dismantling, keep it horizontal so as not to spill.

Step 3. Replacing the cassette and seal

Remove the old cassette by pulling it up. Install a new one, first:

• 🧴 Lubricate the cassette O-ring with fresh oil.
• 🔄 Check that the old module cover ring has been removed (remaining rubber may cause leakage!).
• 🔧 Install a new ring on the lid (included with the filter).

Step 4. Assembling and filling with oil

Reassemble the module in reverse order. Tighten the fastening bolts criss-cross with the moment 10–12 Nm. After:

• 🛢️ Fill in new oil (recommended viscosities: 5W-30 or 5W-40).
• 🔑 Start the engine, let it run for 1-2 minutes, then check the level and absence of leaks.

1) Oil level (must be between MIN and MAX).

2) Tightening the module bolts (insufficient tightening is a common cause of leaks).

3) Cassette O-ring (perhaps it was skewed during installation).-->

Common mistakes when replacing a filter and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to oil leaks or module damage. Here are the most common:

⚠️ Attention! Never use a puller for classic glass filters (for example, belt or cup) - it will damage the plastic cassette body. For Almera G15 Only a crab-type puller or special pliers for cassette filters are suitable.

Error 1. Failure to comply with the tightening torque of the module bolts

Bolt retightening (more than 15 Nm) leads to:

• 💥 Cracks in the module body (aluminum alloy!).
• 🛑 Deformation of the sealing ring and leaks.

Use a torque wrench or hand-tighten the bolts with moderate force.

Error 2. Ignoring replacement of the cover o-ring

Many owners change only the cassette, leaving the old ring. This leads to:

• 🔴 Loss of oil pressure (the ring becomes dull over time).
• 🛢️ Leaks after 1-2 thousand kilometers.

In the original filter kit 15208-9F60A There's always a new ring coming - don't skimp on it!

Error 3. Wrong choice of oil

Engines HR15DE sensitive to oil quality. The use of cheap semi-synthetic oils (for example, 10W-40) leads to:

• 🔥 Accelerated wear of the timing chain.
• 🛑 Clogging of oil channels (especially with mileage >100 thousand km).

Recommended brands: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30, Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30.

Which oil filters are suitable for Almera G15: original and analogues

Original filter for Nissan Almera G15 has a catalog number 15208-9F60A (for HR15DE) and 15208-4M50A (for K4M). However, it can be replaced with high-quality analogues, which are often cheaper but not inferior in performance.

The table below shows proven analogues indicating the average price and features:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (RUB)	Features
Mann	HU 6002 Z	450–600	High quality filter element, suitable for severe operating conditions.
Bosch	0 451 103 316	500–700	Improved throughput, recommended for engines with mileage >150 thousand km.
Framm	PH 9688	350–500	A budget option, but the quality of the seals is worse than the original.
Mahle	OC 205	600–800	Optimal price/quality balance, often used in services.
SCT	SM 101	250–400	The cheapest analogue, but the filtration resource is lower.

Important! When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 📋 Availability cover o-ring included (some brands don't have it!).
• 🔍 The markings on the cassette body must match the original (HR15DE or K4M).
• 🛡️ Availability check valve (prevents oil from draining from the filter after the engine is stopped).

When to change the oil filter: regulations and signs of wear

According to the regulations Nissan, oil filter on Almera G15 needs to be replaced every 15,000 km or once a year (whichever comes first). However, this interval is only relevant for ideal operating conditions:

• 🌡️ Ambient temperature from –20°C to +30°C.
• 🛣️ The mileage is mainly on the highway (minimum city traffic jams).
• 🛢️ Using high quality synthetic oil.

In real conditions (urban mode, frequent cold starts, dusty roads), the replacement interval should be reduced to 10,000 km. Signs that the filter requires urgent replacement:

• 🔴 Increased oil consumption (more than 500 ml per 1000 km).
• 🛑 Thick black soot on the spark plugs.
• 🔊 Increased noise hydraulic compensators (knock on a cold engine).
• 🛢️ Metal shavings on the drain plug magnet.

⚠️ Attention! If, after changing the oil and filter, the engine becomes louder or the check light comes on, immediately check:

1. Oil level (possibly underfilled or overfilled).
2. Tightening the oil module bolts (insufficient tightening leads to air leaks).
3. The quality of the sealing ring (defective rings can become tanned after 1000 km).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Almera G15 oil filter

Is it possible to flush the oil module when replacing the filter?

Wash the module housing not recommendedas this may damage the thermostat or pressure relief valve. Simply wipe it with a rag soaked in gasoline or carburetor cleaner. An exception is if large particles of metal or dirt are found in the module (in this case, engine diagnostics are required).

What happens if you don’t change the oil filter longer than scheduled?

A clogged filter leads to:

• 🛑 Oil starvation engine (the bypass valve opens and the oil bypasses the filter).
• 🔥 Accelerated wear crankshaft and camshaft bearings.
• 💥 Increased oil pressure, which can squeeze out the seals.

In practice, engine life is reduced by 20–30% if filter replacement is systematically ignored.

Which puller is suitable for the Almera G15 oil filter?

For cassette filter Almera G15 fit:

• 🛠️ Crab type puller (3 legs, diameter 65–75 mm).
• 🔧 Special forceps for cassette filters (for example, Lisle 75500).
• 🔩 Homemade device from a belt and a metal hook (as a last resort).

Do not use chain or cup pullers - they will damage the plastic cassette body!

Is it possible to fill in oil of a different viscosity if there is no recommended one?

In emergency cases, it is allowed to fill in oil with a viscosity 0W-30 or 10W-40, but only if:

• 🌡️ The air temperature does not go beyond –10°C...+25°C.
• 🚗 The mileage until the next replacement will not exceed 3000 km.
• 🛢️ Synthetic or semi-synthetic oil (mineral is unacceptable!).

Long-term use of non-recommended viscosity leads to accelerated wear of the timing chain And increased fuel consumption.

Where can I buy an original filter cheaper?

Original filter 15208-9F60A can be found at a discount:

• 🛒 Official dealers Nissan — they often hold promotions (for example, when buying oil, the filter comes with a discount).
• 🌍 Online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Kolesa-darom.ru (compare prices including delivery).
• 🏢 Local spare parts stores - sometimes cheaper than from dealers, but the risk of running into a fake is higher.

Average original price: 800–1200 rub. (for 2026). When purchasing, check for holograms and markings Nissan on the packaging.