Removing the rear trim Nissan Almera generation G15 is a procedure that is often required when replacing a broken part, installing parking sensors or painting. Many owners consider this operation too complicated due to the hidden fasteners, but with the right approach it is quite doable with your own hands.
Unlike some competitors, designers Nissan We designed the assembly to withstand small impacts, but this makes accessing the bolts difficult. You'll have to figure out the combination of screws, pins, and latches that hold the rear bumper on the body. Errors at the unscrewing stage can lead to damage to the paintwork or deformation of the plastic.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin to physically impact the car, it is important to organize the space. You will need a spacious place, preferably with a flat floor, so that after removing the part you can carefully lay it down without scratching it. Lighting must be good, as some fasteners are located in hard-to-reach places under the bottom and in the wheel arches.
To successfully complete the job, prepare a set of keys and screwdrivers. The main emphasis should be on 10 mm heads and 12 mm, as well as a Phillips screwdriver with a long shaft. A flat-blade screwdriver with a thin blade is essential to unclip the plastic clips, but use it with care to avoid breaking the plastic.
It would be a good idea to have a special tool on hand for removing the pistons - a clip remover. If you don’t have one, you can get by with a flat-head screwdriver, but then the risk of damaging fragile plastic elements increases. It is also worth providing containers for storing unscrewed bolts so as not to lose them in the grass or garage debris.
If you plan to remove the bumper for later painting or replacement, consider protecting the body. Apply masking tape to the edges of the fenders and trunk where they touch the trim. This will save LCP from accidental scratches when you pull the part towards you.
Access to hidden fasteners
The first step is always a visual inspection and removal of visible fasteners. On Nissan Almera G15 the bulk of the bolts are located inside the luggage compartment and in the wheel arches. Open the trunk and remove the decorative plastic trim covering the inside of the bumper. This is done by removing the plastic plugs and unscrewing the screws.
After removing the trim, you will see two or three bolts securing the bumper to the side members. They need to be unscrewed using a 10 mm socket. Please note that some configurations may have Torx bolts, so check the fasteners in advance. Also in this area, electrical connectors for rear lights and parking sensors are often located.
The next mounting area is in the wheel arches. You need to turn the front wheels in the opposite direction from where you are working to gain access to the inside of the arch. Inside the arch you will find long self-tapping screws or screws that go through the bumper into the body. Their number may vary depending on the year of manufacture Nissan.
It is important to check the bottom of the bumper as well. There is often a plastic skid plate attached underneath that may block access to the bottom bolts or latches. If the protection is in the way, it will also have to be partially dismantled or bent to gain full access to all attachment points.
Disabling electrical connectors and sensors
When all mechanical fasteners are unscrewed, you cannot immediately pull the bumper towards you. On Nissan Almera G15 Important electrical components are integrated into the rear bumper: lights, parking sensors and possibly a rear view camera. Before disconnecting the part, you must turn off the power to these components.
Carefully bend the edge of the bumper where the lights are located. You will see electrical chips that need to be pressed on the latch and pulled out. Be extremely careful with the wires so as not to break them. For parking sensors, the connectors are often located on the inside of the bumper and have a characteristic color or shape so that they are not confused during assembly.
If you have a rear view camera installed, its connector may be hidden deeper. Sometimes to access it you need to remove one of the lights completely. This is done by unscrewing the screws inside the trunk. Do not use excessive force, as the plastic clips on the connectors are quite fragile and may break if handled roughly.
After disconnecting all connectors, make sure that the wires have sufficient length. If you plan to simply remove the bumper to wash it or replace sensors, leave the wires hanging freely. If you plan to completely replace the part, the wires can be disconnected from the lights, but this must be done carefully, without pulling the wires themselves.
- Regular screwdriver
- Special puller
- Set of keys
- Improvised instrument
The process of snapping off clips and dismantling
The most crucial moment is releasing the side latches. The bumper is attached to the body using many plastic clips that fit into holes in the fenders and sills. You need to start from those places where the bolts are already unscrewed, gradually moving towards the center. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the clip out, but try to press on the metal of the body, not the plastic of the bumper.
Work evenly on both sides. If you try to snap one side completely and leave the other pressed, the plastic may crack at the point of maximum stress. Pull the bumper towards you with smooth but confident movements. You will hear characteristic clicks - this is a signal that the latch has come out of its seat.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the bumper where it attaches to the sill. They often use long clips that fit very tightly. If the bumper does not budge, check to see if there are any loose screws in the arches or under the bottom. It would be a mistake to assume that all the bolts are unscrewed if you missed at least one hidden fastener.
Once all the clips are released, the bumper should come off easily. Lift it up a little to remove the guide pins from the grooves, and then carefully move it to the side. At this stage you will need an assistant, since the part is long and awkward, and it is difficult to hold it with one hand without the risk of dropping it.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
⚠️ Attention! When snapping off the clips in the area of the threshold, do not press the screwdriver on the body paint - this is guaranteed to leave deep scratches. Place a thin wooden board or piece of thick cardboard under the instrument.
Typical errors and design nuances of the G15
Owners Nissan Almera often encounter the problem of broken plastic caps during first dismantling. Factory clips become tanned and brittle over time. If the clip does not come out, do not try to pull it out by force - it is better to carefully heat the attachment point with a hairdryer or use a special tool. Replacement of broken fasteners is required during reinstallation.
Another common mistake is misjudging the length of bolts. Screws of different lengths are used at different mounting points. If you mix them up and screw a long bolt into a short hole, you may damage the frame member or electrical wiring. It is recommended to place the fasteners in their places or mark them with a marker.
Sometimes the bumper is difficult to remove due to corrosion or dirt at the points of contact with the body. If the part is stuck, do not use brute force. Go over all joints with penetrating lubricant and give it time to work. This will simplify dismantling and maintain the integrity of the plastic.
Pay attention to the condition of the plastic guides. If they are bent or broken, the bumper will be loose or crooked. In some cases, it is necessary to replace an entire set of guides, which is easier to do with the bumper removed. Also check the condition of the rubber seals that protect the gaps from dust and water.
What to do if the bumper cannot be removed?
If the bumper does not budge after removing all visible bolts, check the hidden fasteners under the underbody protection. Often one bolt goes unnoticed. It is also possible that the clips have become stuck due to dirt or corrosion. Apply penetrating lubricant to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes before trying again.
Fastener Specifications and Size Chart
For accurate assembly and understanding of the design, it is useful to know the parameters of the elements used. Below is a table with the main types of fasteners used when fixing the rear bumper to Nissan Almera G15.
| Fastener type | Size/Diameter | Installation location | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt fastening to the side member | M6 x 25 mm | Inside the trunk | 2-3 pcs. |
| Self-tapping screw in the wheel arch | M5 x 16 mm | Inner part of the arch | 4-6 pcs. |
| Plastic clip (piston) | 8 mm | Along the perimeter of the bumper | 10-12 pcs. |
| Lower protection lock | 10 mm | Under the bumper | 2-4 pcs. |
Knowing these dimensions will help you select the right tool and avoid damaging the bolt head. For example, using a 12mm socket instead of a 10mm one may result in edge stripping. It is also important to understand that the number of clips may vary depending on the vehicle configuration and year of manufacture.
When ordering new parts or accessories that require bumper removal, be sure to check these details. Incorrectly selected bolts may not fit into the holes or, conversely, be too long and damage internal components. Accuracy in the selection of fasteners is the key to the durability of the assembly.
⚠️ Attention! When reinstalling the bumper, make sure that all electrical connectors are locked until they click. A loose connection can lead to oxidation of the contacts and failure of the parking sensors or lights.
New bumper installation and final inspection
After completing all replacement or repair work, the bumper is installed in the reverse order. First, connect all electrical connectors, making sure they are working properly. Then carefully insert the bumper into the grooves, aligning it with the body. Make sure that the gaps between the bumper and fenders, as well as between the bumper and the trunk, are uniform along the entire length.
Tighten all the bolts, starting with the center ones and moving towards the edges. Don't tighten them all the way right away, but tighten them all by hand first to get the part aligned. Only after this can you proceed to the final tightening. Use a torque wrench if you have one to avoid stripping the threads in the aluminum body inserts.
Reinstall the plastic clips. If the old clips are broken, replace them with new ones. Insert the decorative trim in the trunk and check the operation of all lights and sensors. Turn the ignition on and check that there are no errors on the dashboard related to the parking system or lighting.
Finally, conduct a visual inspection from different angles. The bumper should fit tightly, without gaps or sagging. If you notice misalignment, loosen the fasteners and repeat the alignment. A properly installed bumper not only improves the appearance of your vehicle, but also ensures safety in the event of a collision.
The correct sequence of tightening the bolts - from the center to the edges - ensures that the bumper fits evenly and does not distort.
⚠️ Attention! Before final assembly, be sure to wipe the contact surfaces from dirt and moisture. Even small pebbles at the joints can cause corrosion or squeaks when driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the tail lights to remove the bumper?
In most cases Nissan Almera G15 allows you to remove the bumper without dismantling the lights, since access to the mounting screws is through the trunk. However, if you need to replace the light itself or its wiring, it is better to remove it completely by unscrewing the screws inside the luggage compartment.
Is it possible to remove the bumper alone?
Technically this is possible, but extremely inconvenient. The bumper is long and fragile, it is easy to bend or scratch it when holding it with one hand. It is recommended to invite an assistant to support the part from the other side, especially when unsnapping the clips.
How long does it take to remove the bumper?
For an experienced master, the procedure takes about 30-40 minutes. If you are doing this for the first time, allow 1-1.5 hours to carefully study the design and take your time when snapping off the clips.
What should I do if the clip breaks inside the hole?
Only the plastic case will remain. It can be carefully pulled out with tweezers or a screwdriver. The locking mechanism itself usually remains in the body and must be removed to insert a new piston. If the mechanism is deeply stuck, it may need to be drilled out.
Do I need to remove the underbody protection?
It is not necessary to completely remove it, but it must be bent or partially dismantled to gain access to the lower bumper mounting bolts. Often it is enough to simply unscrew a few fasteners along the edges of the protection.