Many sedan owners Nissan Almera face the need to access the space behind the rear panel or expand the volume of the luggage compartment. The procedure for removing the rear sofa may seem complicated due to the hidden fastening mechanisms, but in fact it does not require specialized tools or in-depth knowledge of the car.
Depending on the year of manufacture and model configuration, the design of the seats may have its own characteristics, but the general principle remains unchanged. You will work with the latches, bolts, and clamps that hold the cushion and backrest in position. The correct sequence of actions will save you time and protect the upholstery from mechanical damage.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the process, starting from preparing the interior and ending with the complete removal of interior elements. We will pay attention to the intricacies of working with different generations Nissan Almera, so you can confidently complete the task yourself.
Interior preparation and necessary tools
Before proceeding with physical dismantling, it is necessary to provide yourself with convenient access to the work areas and prepare all the required tools. Having the right set of wrenches and screwdrivers on hand will save you from having to fumble for them as you work, which often results in scratches on the door cards or floors.
For the standard procedure, you will need standard wrenches or a 10mm socket and a medium-width flathead screwdriver. In some cases, you may need a ratchet wrench to quickly remove the bolts securing the backrest if they are too tight at the factory.
It is also important to have a clean cloth or cardboard ready to place under your tools when working in tight interior spaces. This will prevent damage to the flooring or plastic panels if you accidentally slip.
- 🛠 Socket set and ratchet (size 10 mm)
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver with plastic bit
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from dirt and sharp edges
- 🧽 Clean rags to protect the interior
Remove all personal items from the interior, especially the floor behind the rear seats. Small objects can fall into hard-to-reach gaps between the sofa and the body, and removing them will take a long time.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools without a protective cover when prying plastic panels, as this is guaranteed to leave deep scratches on the decorative elements of the interior Nissan Almera.
Removing the rear sofa cushion
The first step is always to remove the lower part of the seat - the cushion. It is this that blocks access to the backrest mounting bolts and the folding mechanism. In design Nissan Almera The pillow is held in place not by bolts, but by special metal clamps that snap into grooves on the body.
To release the pillow, you need to lift it by the front edge. This must be done sharply and confidently in order to overcome the force of the clamp springs. Usually it is enough to pull the edge of the pillow towards the ceiling, and you will hear a characteristic click of the lock being released.
However, you should be extremely careful, as the force can be significant. If the cushion does not budge, check to see if there are any additional fasteners on the sides or under the seat that may have become accidentally blocked.
Once the front part of the cushion has been released, carefully tilt it forward and remove it from the passenger compartment. It is important not to damage the upholstery on sharp edges of the body when removing it. In some modifications, the pillow is divided into two independent parts, which are removed separately.
- 🚗 Pull the front edge of the pillow up until it clicks
- 🔄 Tilt the seat forward, releasing the rear hooks
- 📦 Carefully remove the pillow through the doorway
If you have a model with heated seats, be careful with the electrical wiring connectors when disconnecting the cushion. Do not pull the wires, but unfasten the special lock on the connector to avoid damaging the contacts.
- G15 (until 2020)
- G16 (from 2020)
- Other model
- I don't know
Removing the rear seat back
After removing the pillow, access to the upper backrest fastenings opens. In most cases, the backrest is attached to the body using bolts located in the upper part, and is also fixed in the lower part with special latches. The process depends on the specific luggage compartment configuration.
First you need to find the bolts located on top of the backrest. They are often hidden under decorative plastic caps or an armrest. Use a 10mm wrench to remove these bolts. Do not place them on the floor to avoid getting lost in the cracks of the floor.
Next, you should check for the presence of latches at the bottom of the backrest. They are often metal staples that need to be twisted or pressed out. After unscrewing the upper bolts and releasing the lower latches, the backrest will become movable.
Carefully tilt the backrest forward and remove it from the mountings. If the backrest is non-removable and solid, it will have to be removed through the door, which may require the help of a second person. For models with a split back (60/40), each part can be removed separately.
- 🔩 Unscrew the top mounting bolts with a 10 mm wrench
- 🔓 Release the lower latches
- 🏃 Carefully remove the backrest from the interior
⚠️ Attention: When removing the backrest, be careful not to damage the central locking wiring or airbag sensors if they are located in close proximity to the mountings.
☑️ Checklist before removing the backrest
Features of access to the trunk and spare tire
The main purpose of removing seats is often to gain access to the space under the trunk floor where the spare tire and tools are usually located. On Nissan Almera after removing the backrest, a view of this area opens, but access may be blocked by metal partitions or plastic covers.
If you need to remove the spare tire, inspect the trunk floor. Often, access to a niche is as simple as unscrewing a few screws securing the floor covering. In some cases, it will be necessary to completely dismantle the entire trunk floor, which is held on by plastic clips.
Remember that the space behind the seatback can also be used to store large cargo. By removing the backrest, you significantly increase the useful volume of the interior, turning it into an almost station wagon.
Make sure that all fasteners and bolts are stored in a safe place after removing the seats. Lost seat bolts are a common problem that makes it impossible to return the seats back to their original position.
What to do if the backrest cannot be removed?
If the backrest does not give way, check that the lower latches are not blocked by the folding mechanism. Sometimes a slight rocking of the back while pressing the release lever helps. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic mount.
Installing seats in their original places
The installation process is the reverse of dismantling, but requires more care, since you must make sure that each element is securely fixed. An improperly installed seat may move during emergency braking, posing a safety hazard to passengers.
First install the backrest, aligning the lower clamps with the mating parts on the body. Make sure the backrest is level and not distorted. Then insert the bolts into the top holes and tighten them to the required torque. Do not over-tighten the bolts to avoid stripping the threads in the body.
After installing the backrest, work on the cushion. Align the rear hooks with the grooves on the body, then sharply press the front part of the cushion until it clicks. The click should be heard on both sides.
Finally, check the secure fit by pulling on the seats. They should not move or play. If possible, check the folding and unlocking mechanisms to make sure everything is working properly.
- ✅ Align the holes and secure the backrest with bolts
- 🔒 Insert the hooks of the pillow into the grooves and press until they click
- 🔍 Check for any play or distortion
Correct installation of seats is a guarantee of the safety of passengers and the safety of the car’s interior during operation.
⚠️ Attention: After installation, be sure to check that the backrest folding mechanisms work freely and do not touch the removed cushions or other interior elements.
Technical nuances and possible difficulties
Sometimes owners are faced with a situation where the seat clamps are rusty or acidified due to moisture and dirt. In such cases, dismantling may take longer and require the use of a penetrating lubricant. Spray the composition onto the fastening mechanisms 10-15 minutes before starting work.
It is also worth considering the difference in designs of different years of production. Models released after restyling may have a modified form of fastenings or additional protection elements. Always check your owner's manual if you are unsure of your vehicle type.
The interior plastic is quite fragile, especially in winter when it becomes more brittle.
If you plan to regularly remove seats, it is recommended to check the condition of the latches and, if necessary, replace them with more reliable ones or lubricate them with silicone grease for smooth operation.
| element | Mounting type | Tool | Difficulty in dismantling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat cushion | Metal latches | Hands | Low |
| Back (top) | M8 bolts | 10 mm wrench | Average |
| Back (bottom) | Plastic clips | Screwdriver | Average |
| Flooring | Clips | Flat head screwdriver | High |
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the rubber seals in the doorways, since when removing large interior elements they can be damaged. Check their integrity after each operation.
If the seat fasteners are rusted, use WD-40 or a similar penetrating lubricant 15 minutes before starting work to facilitate removal.
Common mistakes and safety tips
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the seat without disconnecting the battery. Although this is not always critical for simple mechanics, the presence of electronics in the seats (heating, sensors) requires caution. It is better to disconnect the negative terminal to avoid short circuit.
Never leave removed seats lying flat on a hard surface without protection. The upholstery can deteriorate from dust and dirt, and the foam rubber can become deformed. Use soft pads or pack parts in cases.
When putting the seats back in place, make sure there are no tools or debris left underneath them. If a metal nut gets under the seat, it can damage wiring or mechanisms when the vehicle is moving.
If you feel that the seat is installed crookedly, do not try to correct it by force. Remove it and check for misalignment in the guides or damaged latches. Sometimes the problem lies in the deformation of the body itself after a minor accident, which requires professional diagnostics.
- ❌ Do not leave tools under the seat
- ❌ Do not use brute force when installing
- ❌ Don't ignore the commit clicks
Following these simple rules will help you avoid unnecessary problems and keep your car in perfect condition. Regularly checking the condition of the fasteners is also a good practice for any sedan owner.
Safety when installing seats is more important than speed: make sure each lock is secure before you start your trip.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to remove the rear seat?
On average, the procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on experience and the condition of the fastenings. If the fasteners are rusty, the time may increase.
Do I need a special tool to remove the backrest?
Usually a regular set of 10mm wrenches and a flathead screwdriver are sufficient. Special tools are only required in rare cases or when replacing mechanisms.
Is it possible to remove only one part of the backrest?
Yes, in most trim levels Nissan Almera the backrest is divided into two parts (60/40), which can be removed separately to access the trunk.
What should I do if the seat does not lock after installation?
Check the integrity of the fasteners and the presence of debris in the grooves. If the fasteners are damaged, they must be replaced with new original parts.
Is it possible to drive without rear seats?
Technically it is possible, but it violates the rules for transporting passengers and can lead to fines. In addition, it reduces safety in collisions.