Removing the gearbox on a Nissan Almera Classic: complete instructions with photos and advice from mechanics

Removing the gearbox Nissan Almera Classic (body B10, 1995–2006) is a task that owners face when overhauling the clutch, replacing oil seals or the gearbox itself. The process is labor-intensive, but doable in a garage if you have the tools and patience. In this article we will analyze step-by-step algorithm for removing manual and automatic transmissions, we will indicate the key nuances for Almera Classic with engines GA14DE (1.4 l) and GA16DE (1.6 l), and also warn against typical mistakes that lead to damage to components.

Difference Almera Classic from other models Nissan — in the layout of the engine compartment and mounting the gearbox to the engine. For example, on Almera N16 the dismantling process is simpler due to a different arrangement of supports, and on Classic It is necessary to remove the subframe and steering rods. We will focus specifically on classic version, since its design has a number of features: from the mounting of the starter to the location of the clutch cable. If this is your first time taking on such work, take some time - the process alone will take 8–12 hours (with breaks), and with an assistant - about 5-6 hours.

Preparing to remove the gearbox: tools and conditions

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. You will have to work from below the car, so without inspection pit, overpass or lift can't get by. If there is no hole, use reliable jacks and safety stands - Almera Classic weighs about 1 ton, and it’s not worth the risk. Minimum set of tools:

• 🔧 Set of heads and socket wrenches (10–19 mm, definitely 14 mm for fastening the gearbox).
• 🔨 Extensions and cardan joints for heads (for access to bolts in inconvenient places).
• 🔩 Ratchet handles and torque wrench (for tightening with the correct torque).
• ⚙️ Remover of ball joints and steering rods (if you plan to disconnect them).
• 🛠️ Crowbar, hammer, WD-40 (for stuck bolts).
• 🔋 Transmission jack or stand for the gearbox (so as not to drop it when removing it).
• 📦 Container for draining oil from the gearbox (if not drained in advance).

Also prepare new consumableswhich are recommended to be replaced when removing the gearbox:

• 🔄 Gearbox input shaft oil seal (catalog number 30501-5M000 for manual transmission).
• 🔄 Crankshaft oil seal (if leaking) - 13510-5M000.
• 🔄 Bolts securing the gearbox to the engine (often deformed when unscrewed).
• 🔄 Clutch cable (if worn) - 30520-4M000.

⚠️ Attention: If on your Almera Classic installed Automatic transmission, you will additionally need a special wrench to unscrew the torque converter (usually 32 mm) and a container for draining ATF fluid. Do not drain automatic transmission oil into ordinary containers - it is toxic and requires disposal!

Before starting work necessarily:

1. Remove the terminals from the battery (negative first).
2. Drain the oil from the gearbox (through the plug at the bottom or pump it out with a syringe).
3. Disconnect all connectors and cables going to the gearbox (clutch, speedometer, sensors).
4. Mark the wires and hoses to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Removing the wheel drives and disconnecting the gearbox from the engine

We start with dismantling the drives (CV joints). This is necessary to free access to the gearbox mounting bolts. On Almera Classic drives are attached to the gearbox through internal hinges, which are secured with retaining rings. Procedure:

1. Unscrew the front wheel hub nuts (you will need a socket 30 mm or 32 mm and a long lever).
2. Remove the wheels and disconnect the tie rods from the steering knuckles (use a puller).
3. Press the CV joints out of the hubs by gently tapping them with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
4. Unscrew the bolts securing the inner CV joints to the gearbox (usually 3 bolts for each drive, head 12 mm).

After removing the drives, you can begin to disconnect the gearbox from the engine. The main point here is - correct sequence for unscrewing bolts. On Almera Classic The gearbox is attached to the engine 6 bolts (for manual transmission) or 8 bolts (on automatic transmission). Start with the top bolts, then move to the bottom. Please note:

• 🔧 The top bolts are accessible from the engine compartment (an extension will be required).
• 🔧 The lower bolts are unscrewed from under the car (it’s more convenient to use a cardan joint).
• 🔧 One of the bolts may be hidden under the starter bracket - it must be removed in advance.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With an automatic transmission, the torque converter must be removed before unscrewing the bolts. This will require a special key and care - the torque converter is heavy (about 10 kg) and can fall!

After unscrewing all the bolts, the gearbox will remain “hanging” on two supports: the front (under the engine) and the rear (under the gearbox). Here you will need an assistant or a transmission jack to carefully move the gearbox away from the engine by 5–10 cm and remove the input shaft from the clutch basket. If the gearbox is stuck, do not use force - check that all the bolts are unscrewed and treat the joint with WD-40.

All connectors and cables are disconnected|Oil is drained from the gearbox|Drives (CV joints) are removed|All bolts securing the gearbox to the engine are unscrewed|A support for the gearbox is prepared (jack or stand)-->

Gearbox dismantling: step-by-step process with photos

Now we move on to the most important stage - removing the gearbox from the car. On Almera Classic this is done as follows:

1. Place a support under the engine. Since the transmission will be removed, the engine may become distorted. Use a block of wood and a jack to support it from underneath.
2. Disconnect the rear gearbox support. It is attached to the body with two bolts (14 mm). After removing the gearbox support, you can tilt it back.
3. Carefully move the gearbox away from the engine. Use the pry bar as a lever, inserting it between the transmission and the engine. Drive smoothly to avoid damaging the clutch shaft.
4. Remove the gearbox from the guides. On Almera Classic The gearbox “sits” on two studs - they need to be removed, after which the box will be ready for removal.
5. Lower the gearbox onto a jack or stand. If you are working alone, secure the gearbox with straps to prevent it from falling.

At this stage, difficulties often arise with jammed input shaft. If the gearbox cannot be removed despite all efforts, the reasons may be the following:

Problem	Reason	Solution
The gearbox is stuck on the shaft	Corroded or deformed splines	Apply WD-40 and carefully loosen the gearbox with a pry bar
Bolts won't come off	Stuck or stripped threads	Use penetrating lubricant and heat the bolt with a blow torch.
The gearbox clings to the body	The rear support is not removed or the wires are in the way	Check all fastenings, disconnect interfering elements
Oil leak when removing	Damaged seal or plug	Replace the oil seal, check the O-rings

After successfully removing the gearbox, inspect it for damage:

• 🔍 Check the seals for leaks.
• 🔍 Inspect the clutch basket and release bearing (if the manual transmission was removed).
• 🔍 Make sure there are no burrs or chips on the shaft.

Features of removing automatic transmission on Nissan Almera Classic

Automatic transmission on Almera Classic (model RE4F03A) is removed according to the same principle, but has a number of differences:

• 🔧 Torque converter: Before removing the gearbox, you need to unscrew it from the flywheel (you will need a key 32 mm and flywheel retainer).
• 🔧 Oil: About 2-3 liters of oil remain in the automatic transmission even after draining - prepare a container for collection.
• 🔧 Electronics: disconnect the connector of the automatic transmission control unit (located on the gearbox body).
• 🔧 Weight: The automatic transmission weighs about 70–80 kg—you can’t do it without an assistant or a winch.

When removing the automatic transmission, pay attention to torque converter. It is attached to the flywheel with four bolts, which often stick. To unscrew them:

1. Fix the flywheel through the hole in the clutch housing (use a screwdriver or a special clamp).
2. Using sharp but gentle movements, unscrew the bolts counterclockwise.
3. After removing the torque converter, check it for play and damage.

⚠️ Attention: If the torque converter falls or gets hit during removal, it must be replaced! Even an externally intact torque converter may have internal damage, which will lead to automatic transmission failure.

After removing the automatic transmission necessarily:

• 🔄 Replace the automatic transmission filter (catalog number 31726-31X00).
• 🔄 Rinse the tray and magnets from metal shavings.
• 🔄 Check the condition of the bushings and seals.

What to do if the automatic transmission cannot be removed?

If the box is stuck on the guides, try the following:

1. Check if all the bolts attaching to the engine are unscrewed (sometimes they forget about the bolt under the starter).

2. Make sure the torque converter is completely disconnected from the flywheel.

3. Carefully loosen the gearbox with a pry bar, inserting it between the gearbox and the engine.

4. If all else fails, the centering sleeve may have become stuck - it will have to be drilled or cut off.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes when removing a gearbox. Nissan Almera Classic. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
The oil has not been drained from the gearbox	Contamination of the working area, risk of oil getting on the clutch	Drain the oil in advance or place a container
The input shaft oil seal is damaged	Oil leak after installing gearbox	Remove the gearbox carefully, without catching the shaft on the oil seal.
Wires and cables are not marked	Confusion during reassembly, errors in electronics operation	Use stickers or photographs
Using excessive force during removal	Bent flanges, cracks in the gearbox housing	Use levers (mount) without fanaticism

Another common problem is clutch cable damage when removing the manual transmission. On Almera Classic The cable runs in an awkward place and can get caught on sharp edges of the body. To avoid this:

• 🔧 Disconnect the cable from the clutch fork to removing the gearbox.
• 🔧 Secure it with wire to the body so that it does not dangle.
• 🔧 When reinstalling, lubricate the cable with silicone grease.

If you are removing the transmission to repair the clutch, pay attention to flywheel condition. On Almera Classic it often wears unevenly, resulting in vibrations. In case of severe wear, it is better to replace the flywheel (original number - 11001-5M000).

Reinstalling the gearbox: nuances and tips

Reinstalling the gearbox is no less important a process than removing it. The main thing here is correct alignment and tightening the bolts to the required torque. Algorithm of actions:

1. Prepare the checkpoint: If you replaced the clutch, make sure that the disc and basket are installed correctly (with marks facing out).
2. Center the shaft: use a special tool (or an old input shaft) to align the clutch disc.
3. Raise the gearbox: carefully place it on the guides, avoiding distortions.
4. Tighten the bolts: start with the top ones, then the bottom ones. Tightening torque - 45–55 Nm for manual transmission and 60–70 Nm for automatic transmission.
5. Connect the cables and connectors: check that everything is connected correctly (especially the speed sensor).

After installing the gearbox:

• 🔧 Fill with fresh oil (for manual transmission - GL-4 75W-90, for automatic transmission - Dexron III).
• 🔧 Pump the clutch (if you removed the hydraulic drive).
• 🔧 Check the gears at idle speed.

⚠️ Attention: After installing the automatic transmission, be sure to perform box adaptation! To do this you need:

1. Start the engine and warm up the automatic transmission to operating temperature.
2. Switch on all gears one by one with a delay of 2-3 seconds.
3. Drive 5–10 km in a gentle mode, avoiding sudden accelerations.

If after installing the gearbox there are extraneous noise or vibration, possible reasons:

• 🔊 Incorrect alignment of the clutch disc.
• 🔊 The primary shaft bearing is damaged.
• 🔊 Transmission mounting bolts are not tightened.

Recommendations for choosing spare parts and oils

When removing the gearbox Nissan Almera Classic The question often arises: what spare parts and consumables should I choose? Here are the tested options:

Detail	Original number	Analogs (brand)	Notes
Input shaft oil seal (manual transmission)	30501-5M000	Corteco, Elring	Be sure to change it when removing the gearbox
Clutch cable	30520-4M000	Sachs, LuK	When worn, the clutch pedal becomes “wobbly”
Manual transmission oil	KE908-99932 (Nissan)	Castrol Syntrans 75W-90, Motul Gear 300	Refill volume - 2.8 l
Automatic transmission filter	31726-31X00	Mann, Mahle	Change every time the automatic transmission is disassembled

When choosing gearbox oil, pay attention to specifications:

• 🔹 For Manual transmission suitable class oil GL-4 with viscosity 75W-90.
• 🔹 For Automatic transmission - only Dexron III or Nissan Matic-D.
• 🔹 Do not use universal oils - they can cause premature wear of synchronizers.

If you are replacing a clutch, the best kits for Almera Classic:

• 🔧 Original: 30500-5M000 (disk) + 30510-5M000 (basket).
• 🔧 Analogues: Sachs 3000 951 005, LuK 6203 060 00.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the gearbox on a Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to remove the gearbox on an Almera Classic without a pit?

Technically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. Without a pit or lift, you will have to work lying under the machine, which increases the risk of mistakes. If there is no hole, use two jacks (for the car and for the gearbox) and reliable stands. Also make sure that the car is on a level surface - even a slight slope will complicate removal.

How much oil should I pour into the manual transmission after removal?

Oil volume for manual transmission Nissan Almera Classic — 2.8 liters. However, when replacing oil seals or bearings, a little more (up to 3 liters) may be required, since some of the oil will remain in the oil seals. Use only quality oil GL-4 75W-90 - cheap analogues can cause noise during gearbox operation.

How can you tell if the gearbox input shaft seal is leaking?

Main features:

• 🔴 Oil stains under the car in the checkpoint area.
• 🔴 Oil on the clutch housing (visible when removing the boot).
• 🔴 Drop in oil level in the gearbox for no apparent reason.

If the seal is leaking, it needs to be replaced necessarily - otherwise oil will get onto the clutch disc, which will lead to slipping and wear.

Do I need to remove the engine to replace the transmission?

No, on Nissan Almera Classic The gearbox can be removed without dismantling the engine. However, in some cases (for example, during a major overhaul), the engine is still removed for convenience. If you are working in a garage, just support the engine with a jack and carefully move the gearbox to the side.

What should I do if, after installing the gearbox, the gears are difficult to engage?

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Incorrect clutch disc alignment → Reinstall the disc using the mandrel.
• 🔧 Damaged input shaft bearing → Replace the bearing.
• 🔧 Cables or levers are tight → Check and adjust the gearbox control drive.
• 🔧 Lack of oil → Add oil to the level.