Spacers for Nissan Almera Classic: how to select and install without errors

Nissan Almera Classic is one of the most popular foreign cars on the Russian market, but its ground clearance of 160 mm often leaves much to be desired. The problem of sagging suspension is especially acute on dirt roads, winter roads, or when the interior is fully loaded. Solution? Spacers - a budget way to raise a car without major modifications.

However, not all spacers are created equal. Incorrect choice of material or size may result in accelerated wear of the suspension, violation of steering geometry or even loss of warranty on the chassis (if the car is still under warranty). In this article we will look at which spacers are suitable for Almera Classic (including restyled versions 2010–2018), how to install them yourself and what to look for when purchasing.

Which spacers are suitable for Nissan Almera Classic: types and materials

Spacers for Almera Classic are divided into two main types: interturn (installed in springs) and under the springs (between the body and the rack). The first option is cheaper, but less reliable - over time, the springs may sag or burst. The second one is preferable for permanent use.

Based on the material:

• 🔹 Polyurethane - budget-friendly, but prone to deformation under high loads. Suitable for temporarily increasing ground clearance (for example, for the winter).
• 🔹 Aluminum - lightweight, corrosion-resistant, but require precise fitting. The optimal choice for most owners.
• 🔹 Steel - the most durable, but heaviest. May degrade handling due to a shift in the center of gravity.
• 🔹 Composite (for example, made of fiberglass) - a rare option that combines lightness and strength, but expensive.

For Almera Classic Thick aluminum spacers are most often used 20–30 mm. It is not recommended to install more - this will lead to excessive load on the CV joints and steering rods. If you need ground clearance +40 mm and above, it is better to consider lift kits with replacement of springs and shock absorbers.

Spacer sizes: how many millimeters should I add?

The choice of spacer thickness depends on the purposes:

• 🚗 10–15 mm — a minimal lift to protect the bumper in parking lots or light off-road conditions. Almost no effect on handling.
• 🚙 20–25 mm — the best option for urban use and snowy roads. Requires wheel alignment adjustment.
• 🚛 30 mm or more - for serious off-road use, but will require modification of steering rods and possible replacement of CV joints.

Important: the spacers on the front and rear axles must be different in thickness! For Almera Classic recommended ratios:

Front spacer thickness	Rear spacer thickness	Final ground clearance
20 mm	25 mm	~175 mm
25 mm	30 mm	~180 mm
30 mm	35 mm	~185 mm

The excess of the rear axle is due to design features Almera Classic: the rear suspension is softer, and without correction the car will “nod off”. Also note that spacers are thicker 30 mm will require brake hose extensions and checking the suspension angles.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing the spacers a knocking in the suspension When driving over uneven surfaces, the geometry of the levers is most likely broken. Urgent diagnosis required!

Step-by-step instructions for installing spacers on Nissan Almera Classic

Installation of spacers does not require special equipment, but will require jack, spring ties and a torque wrench. The work will take 3–4 hours for an inexperienced craftsman.

Procedure:

1. Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel. Be sure to secure the machine with supports!
2. Unscrew the nuts securing the strut to the body (you will need a wrench 17 mm And 19 mm).
3. Compress the spring with zip ties and carefully remove the stand.
4. Install a spacer between the strut support and the body. For aluminum spacers use metal washers for uniform load distribution.
5. Reassemble the assembly in reverse order, observing the tightening torque of the nuts (50–60 Nm).

Tightening of all strut mounting nuts|Condition of the CV boots|Camber angles (required!)|Working of the brake hoses (is there any tension)|Absence of extraneous sounds when driving-->

After installation necessarily visit the wheel alignment stand! Even spacers 20 mm change the suspension geometry, which leads to uneven tire wear. Also check the work ABS — sometimes sensors require reconfiguration.

Pros and cons of spacers: is it worth the trouble?

Spacers are a compromise solution, and they have both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• 💰 Low cost (from 1 500 ₽ per set) compared to lift kits.
• ⚡ Quick installation (can be done in a day without a service station).
• 🛡️ Protection of the bumper and crankcase from impacts on uneven surfaces.
• 🔄 Possibility to return everything “as it was” when selling the car.

Cons:

• 🔧 Accelerated wear CV joints, silent blocks and shock absorbers (on 15–20% resource is reduced).
• 🚗 Deterioration in handling at high speeds (especially with spacers 30+ mm).
• 🔄 The need for frequent camber adjustment (once every 10,000–15,000 km).
• ⚠️ Risk of losing the warranty on the suspension (if the car is under warranty).

Alternative to spacers - high stiffness springs (for example, from Nissan Note or Renault Logan). They give a raise 20–25 mm without disturbing the geometry, but are more expensive and require replacement of shock absorbers.

What happens if you put spacers on only one axle?

If you install spacers only at the front or rear, the car will receive constant roll one way. This will lead to:

- Uneven tire wear (up to a “bald” spot on one side of the tread).

- Deterioration of the braking distance due to a shift in the center of gravity.

- Risk of rollover on sharp turns (especially important for Almera Classic with a high body).

- Constant load on one of the CV joints, which will accelerate its failure.

Recommendation: Always install spacers in pairs (front + back) or abandon the idea altogether.

Review of popular brands of spacers for Almera Classic

There are spacers from dozens of manufacturers on the market, but not all are suitable for Nissan Almera Classic. We tested several options:

Brand	Material	Thickness (mm)	Average price (₽)	Features
SS20	Aluminum	15–30	2 200	Lightweight, with anti-corrosion coating. Suitable for versions 2006–2018.
KFM	Polyurethane	10–25	1 500	Budget option, but prone to deformation in cold temperatures below -20°C.
Eibach	Composite	20–35	4 500	Premium quality, but high price. Requires professional installation.
AvtoVAZ (Lada)	Steel	25–40	1 800	Cheap, but heavy. Suitable for rear axle only.

For most owners Almera Classic Aluminum spacers are the best choice SS20 or KFM (if the budget is limited). Avoid Chinese no-name spacers - they often have inaccurate geometry, which leads to skew of the rack.

⚠️ Attention: Spacers from Renault Logan or Lada Granta don't fit for Almera Classic without modification! The mounting holes do not match, and differences in the diameter of the support cup may cause breakage of the rack under heavy load.

Common mistakes when installing spacers and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that negate all the benefits of spacers. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. Incorrect tightening of nuts. Overtightened fasteners lead to deformation of the spacer, and weak tightening leads to play in the strut. Use torque wrench and respect the moment 50–60 Nm.
2. Ignoring wheel alignment. Even spacers 15 mm change the wheel alignment angles. After installation necessarily visit the stand.
3. Installation without spring ties. Without fixation, the spring may “shoot” when dismantling the strut, which will lead to injury.
4. Using spacers of different thicknesses. For example, 20 mm front and 35 mm behind. This upsets the balance of the car and accelerates wear on the suspension.

Another 典型 mistake - purchase of spacers without taking into account the year of manufacture. For example, for Almera Classic 2006–2010 and restyled models 2011–2018. The diameters of the support cups may differ. Always check with the seller about compatibility with your modification!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about spacers for Almera Classic

Is it possible to install spacers on a car with ABS?

Yes, but after installation necessarily check the system operation on a test site. Spacers change the height of the sensors ABS, and they may start to fire falsely. In some cases, it is necessary to reconfigure the control unit or install extended brackets for sensors.

How long will polyurethane spacers last?

Service life of polyurethane spacers - 2–3 years with moderate use. In severe frost conditions (below -25°C) or constant off-road driving, they can crack within a year. Aluminum spacers serve as 3–5 times longer.

Do I need to change shock absorbers after installing spacers?

Not required, but recommended if:

• 🔧 Your shock absorbers have worked for more than 80,000 km.
• 🚗 You installed thicker spacers 25 mm.
• 💨 The car has become too hard or there are knocks.

The best option is Kayaba Excel-G or Monroe Reflex, which are designed for increased load.

Is it possible to pass inspection with spacers?

Yes, if:

• 📋 Spacers are certified (there is a sign of conformity EAC).
• 🚘 Ground clearance does not exceed 50 mm from factory (for Almera Classic maximum - 210 mm).
• 🔧 There are no other suspension faults (plays, cracks).

In practice, inspectors rarely check spacers, but in theory they may require wheel alignment stand protocol.

How to remove spacers if they are “stuck” to the body?

If the spacers have not been removed for a long time, they may become “welded” to the body due to corrosion. To dismantle them:

1. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2).
2. Wait 10–15 minutes and gently tap the spacer with a rubber hammer.
3. Use a puller or pry bar with a wooden block underneath to avoid damaging the paintwork.
4. If that doesn’t help, cut the spacer with a grinder (only for steel or aluminum!).