Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 in some markets) is one of the most popular sedans in the budget segment, which is still actively used due to its simplicity of design and availability of spare parts. However, over time, even the most reliable components require attention, and rear struts (shock absorbers) are no exception. Their wear directly affects the handling, comfort and safety of the car.

In this article we will look at everything you need to know about rear struts. Almera Classic: from signs of malfunction to the selection of spare parts and replacement nuances. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that owners make during repairs, and also compare original parts with analogues from leading manufacturers. If you notice that the car has become worse at “swallowing” potholes or a knock has appeared in the rear suspension, this material will help save time and money.

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

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Almera Classic They rarely “die” suddenly - usually their wear appears gradually. The main problem is that many drivers get used to the deterioration of the car's behavior and do not notice critical changes. Here are the key symptoms that indicate the need for diagnosis:

  • 🚗 Deterioration in handling on uneven surfaces: the car begins to “float” on the road, especially at speeds above 80 km/h, and when passing speed bumps the body sways strongly.
  • 🔧 Knocks or squeaks in the rear suspension: Often occurs when driving on gravel or when braking hard. The sound source can be in the racks themselves, or in the supports or bushings.
  • 💧 Oil leaks on the shock absorber housing: If the strut “sweats” or has obvious traces of liquid on it, this means a loss of tightness and a decrease in damping efficiency.
  • 📉 Uneven rear tire wear: If the racks are faulty, the tires may be “eaten up” by spots, especially on the inside.

It is important to consider that Almera Classic rear struts often “run” longer than the front ones - on average 80–120 thousand km, but this figure greatly depends on the driving style and the quality of the roads. For example, with constant use on primers or with overload, the resource can be reduced to 50–60 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the struts the car has become “harder” than before, this is not always a sign of a defect. Perhaps the old shock absorbers have long since lost their effectiveness, and you have simply forgotten how a working suspension should behave. Give yourself 1-2 weeks to get used to the new behavior of the car.
📊 How often do you check the condition of your car's suspension?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Once a year
  • Only when problems arise
  • Never checked

What racks are on Nissan Almera Classic from the factory?

On the assembly line Almera Classic (in the back B10, produced from 2006 to 2013) two types of rear shock absorbers were installed depending on the sales market and configuration:

  • 🔹 Original Nissan struts with catalog number 54300-4M000 (for most versions) or 54300-4M001 (for cars with reinforced suspension). These parts are manufactured by Kayaba (Japan) commissioned by Nissan.
  • 🔹 Shock absorbers from Sachs (number 315 348) - installed on European versions and some batches for Russia.

Structurally, the rear pillars are Almera Classic - this is oil twin-tube shock absorbers with a separate spring (unlike the front struts, where the spring and shock absorber are combined into one unit). A feature of the original parts is moderate rigidity, designed for comfortable driving on city roads. However, with an aggressive driving style or frequent use with a full load, the original struts can “break through” after 60–70 thousand km.

Manufacturer Catalog number Shock absorber type Average resource, thousand km Notes
Nissan (Kayaba) 54300-4M000 Oil, two-pipe 80–120 Original, soft setting
Sachs 315 348 Oil, reinforced 100–140 Tougher than the original
Monroe G4508 Gas-oil 90–130 Good price/quality balance
Boge 23-0457 Oily 70–100 Budget option, softer than the original

When choosing analogs, it is important to pay attention to shock absorber type: oil ones are cheaper, but less efficient at high loads, and gas-oil ones (Monroe, KYB Excel-G) cope better with dynamic driving, but may seem too harsh on rough roads.

Top 5 analogs of rear struts for Almera Classic: what to choose?

The market offers dozens of rear shock absorber options for Nissan Almera Classic, but not all of them justify their price. We have selected 5 proven brands that are recommended by service station owners and technicians, taking into account the price/quality ratio and reviews of the resource.

1. KYB Excel-G (number 344393)

Gas-oil struts from a Japanese manufacturer, which are often installed instead of the original ones. Are different increased reliability when driving on bad roads and a resource of up to 150 thousand km. The downside is that it is a little stiffer than the standard ones, but this is rather a plus for dynamic driving.

2. Monroe G4508

One of the most popular analogues among owners Almera Classic. The gas-oil design provides good controllability, and the price is 20–30% lower than the original. The kit includes high-quality anthers and bump stops.

3. Sachs 315 348

Actually the original for the European versions. Oil-filled shock absorbers with reinforced seals, designed for harsh operating conditions. Ideal for those who frequently transport cargo or travel with a trailer.

4. Boge 23-0457

Budget option from a German brand. It’s softer than the original, which can be a plus for city driving, but on the highway the car will “fell” a little when cornering. Resource - about 80 thousand km.

5. Febi 22626

Inexpensive oil struts that are often purchased as temporary replacements. Suitable if you need to “hold out” until the suspension is overhauled. The main advantage is the low price, but you shouldn’t expect long service from them.

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If you are choosing between oil and gas-oil struts, consider the climate: in severe frosts (below -25°C), oil shock absorbers can become “tanned,” while gas-oil shock absorbers retain their working properties.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear struts

Replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Almera Classic - a task of medium complexity that even beginners can do if they have a minimal set of tools. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time. It is more convenient to carry out the work on a pit or a lift, but if necessary, you can get by with a jack with stops.

Set of sockets and wrenches (10, 12, 14, 17 mm)|Jack and stops|Spring puller (optional)|WD-40 or similar|New struts, bumpers, boots|Torque wrench (preferred)-->

Step 1: Preparing and removing the wheel

Jack up the rear of the car, remove the wheel and jack the front wheels. Spray the strut mounts (especially the top stem nut) with WD-40 and let the liquid sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Removing the old rack

Unscrew the two bolts securing the strut to the beam (14 wrench), then supporting the strut from below, unscrew the upper rod nut (17 wrench). Be careful - the spring is under tension! If the nut does not budge, use a puller or gently compress the spring with zip ties.

Step 3: Install the new rack

Transfer all the parts (spring, bumper, boot) from the old rack to the new one. Make sure the rubber bushings are not cracked - replace them if necessary. Place the stand in place, starting with the top mount, and tighten the nuts torque 40–50 Nm (for lower bolts - 60–70 Nm).

Step 4. Checking and running in

After replacing both shock absorbers, check the wheel geometry (it is advisable to do a wheel alignment) and test the car while driving. For the first 100–200 km, avoid sudden maneuvers - the new struts should “get used to”.

⚠️ Attention! If, when removing the strut, you find that the spring has sagged or has cracks, be sure to replace it! Saving on springs will lead to rapid failure of new shock absorbers.
What to do if the stem nut does not unscrew?

If the top stem nut is stuck, try the following methods:

1. Spray it generously with WD-40 and wait 30 minutes.

2. Lightly tap the edges of the nut with a hammer through a wooden spacer.

3. Use an impact driver or air impact wrench.

4. As a last resort, cut off the nut with a grinder, but be careful not to damage the spring!

Common mistakes when replacing racks and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear of new struts or deterioration in handling. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

  • 🔧 Incorrect tightening torque: overtightened nuts can deform the bushings, and loose tightening will lead to play. Always use a torque wrench!
  • 🔄 Replacing only one rack: even if the second one is “still alive,” the difference in stiffness will lead to an imbalance in the suspension. Change stands in pairs!
  • 🚗 Ignoring springs and bushings: Worn springs or cracked bushings will negate the effect of new shock absorbers.
  • 💨 No bleeding of racks before installation: If oil shock absorbers are not pumped, they can become airy and lose efficiency.

Another common mistake is buying racks without taking into account your riding style. For example, gas-oil shock absorbers (KYB Excel-G) are great for dynamic driving, but will be too harsh for quiet trips around the city. If you prefer comfort, choose oil struts (Sachs or Boge).

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Always check the condition of the support cups and rubber bushings when replacing struts. Their wear can cause knocking even with new shock absorbers.

Is it worth installing gas-oil struts instead of oil struts?

This question often arises among owners Almera Classic, especially if the original oil struts “do not take care” even after 60 thousand km. Gas-oil shock absorbers (for example, KYB Excel-G or Monroe) have several advantages:

  • ✅ More stable operation under high loads (for example, with a full trunk or trailers).
  • ✅ Fewer people “break through” on uneven surfaces thanks to additional gas support.
  • ✅ Last longer in conditions of extreme temperatures (both hot and cold).

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • ❌ Increased rigidity, which can be uncomfortable on rough roads.
  • ❌ Higher price (30–50% more expensive than oil analogues).
  • ❌ Risk of suspension overload, if the remaining elements (springs, silent blocks) are worn out.

Our verdict: gas-oil struts are justified if:

  1. You often drive with a full load or tow a trailer.
  2. You mainly use your car on the highway, not in the city.
  3. We are willing to put up with a slight loss of comfort for the sake of better handling.

In other cases, oil struts (Sachs or original) will be the best choice.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear struts Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive if one strut is leaking and the other is intact?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The difference in rigidity between the right and left struts will lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling and increased load on the body. Replace the racks in pairs, even if the second one is still alive.

How to bleed racks before installation?

For oil shock absorbers:

  1. Turn the stand over with the rod down and compress it until it stops.
  2. Hold in a compressed position for 2-3 seconds.
  3. Turn the rack upside down and let it slowly unclench.
  4. Repeat 3-4 times until resistance disappears.

There is no need to pump gas and oil struts - they are ready for installation out of the box.

How long does it take to replace rear struts?

If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours for both racks. If you are doing this for the first time, allow 3-4 hours, taking into account possible difficulties (for example, stuck nuts). At the service station the work takes about 1 hour.

Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the struts?

Definitely! Replacing the rear shock absorbers affects the wheel alignment angles, although not as critically as replacing the front ones. Failure to perform wheel alignment can result in uneven tire wear and the vehicle pulling to the side.

Which racks are better - original or KYB?

Depends on priorities:

  • Original (Nissan/Kayaba) - softer, more comfortable for the city, but less durable under load.
  • KYB Excel-G - tougher, but more reliable on bad roads and during dynamic driving. The resource is 20–30% higher.

For most owners Almera Classic the optimal choice would be KYB or Monroe.