Sedan owners Nissan Almera Classic often face the need to gain access to the space behind the back of the rear sofa. This may be required to install soundproofing, repair wiring, replace a pump, or simply transport long items that do not fit into a standard trunk. The process of removing the rear seat on this model has its own design features that are different from other Japanese cars.
Many car owners are afraid of damaging the plastic clip or upholstery when dismantling it themselves, but the procedure is quite simple if you know the attachment points and the correct sequence of actions. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely remove the front cushion and rear backrest without leaving marks on the interior.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before you begin physical impact on interior elements, you need to prepare your workplace and collect a minimum set of tools. To remove seats from Nissan Almera Classic No complex professional equipment is required; it is enough to have a standard set on hand, which most car enthusiasts have.
First of all, make sure that you have access to the space under the front seats and free space around the rear bench. You'll need a flat-tip screwdriver (preferably a soft-tip one or one wrapped in duct tape to avoid scratching the plastic) and a flashlight to illuminate hidden fasteners. Sometimes a small ratchet with a 10mm socket may be needed if the bolts are tight.
It is important to prepare a bag or box for small parts in advance so as not to lose plastic clips or fastening nuts. The loss of such elements can lead to the seat not being securely fixed and starting to make extraneous sounds while on the move.
Removing the front seat cushion
The first step is always to remove the front part of the sofa (cushion), as it blocks access to the rear backrest fastenings. Design Nissan Almera Classic provides for mounting the pillow on two metal brackets that cling to bolts screwed into the floor of the body.
You need to go to the front edge of the airbag on the driver or passenger side and pull it up. The fastenings are made in the form of spring clamps, which are quite rigid. You need to act sharply and confidently, applying force strictly vertically upward, so as not to break the plastic lining on the metal frame.
Once the front edge is free, tilt the cushion forward and pull it towards you to release the back part from the grooves under the seat. Be careful: there may be mats or tools under the pillow that may interfere with free removal.
- 🔍 Inspect the mounting location for rust or dirt before starting work.
- 🔧 Use a flat screwdriver only to pry up the fasteners if they are stuck.
- 📦 Immediately remove the removed pillow to a safe place so that it does not interfere with further actions.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use excessive force when removing the cushion if it does not give way. Check to see if it is caught by any object, such as a rug, that may have gotten under the frame.
Sometimes owners are faced with a situation where the latches jam due to prolonged use and dust. In this case, you can slightly rock the pillow from side to side while continuing to pull up. If the metal is rusty, you can use a penetrating lubricant, but this must be done very carefully so as not to stain the upholstery.
Removing the rear sofa (back)
After removing the cushion, access to the rear backrest fastening opens. Unlike many modern cars, where the backrests recline with a button, Nissan Almera Classic this process requires physical intervention in the lower back. Fastening is carried out by two metal brackets on the sides.
Locate the mounting location on the left and right at the bottom of the backrest. There are special holes or protrusions to which the staples cling. You need to pull the lower part of the backrest towards you and up at the same time. This movement releases the bracket from the retainer on the body.
You need to act on both sides so that the back does not warp. Once one side is free, tilt the backrest and repeat the procedure on the other side. After this, the backrest should easily separate from the body.
Some versions may have an additional locking device in the center or on the side armrests, so carefully inspect the entire bottom edge before starting the pull. Ignoring additional fastenings can lead to deformation of the backrest frame.
- Classic staples
- Bolted connection
- Mixed type
- I don't know
Access to luggage compartment and hidden cavities
After removing the seats, you get full access to the technical compartments of the car. The space behind the backrest often houses audio components, speaker wiring, and access to the fuel tank pump (in some versions). This place is also often used for laying wires for additional equipment.
If your goal is sound insulation, you can now see the metal trunk floor and the inside of the backrest. Please note the presence of factory sound insulation, which can be glued or attached with Velcro. Removing it requires care so as not to damage the paintwork of the body.
When moving seats or tools, be extremely careful not to cut insulation or short-circuit wiring.
- 🔦 Use a powerful flashlight to inspect deep cavities behind seats.
- 🛡️ Check the integrity of the standard sound insulation before applying a new one.
- 🔌 Disconnect the speaker connectors if you plan to dismantle or move them.
☑️ Checklist of works in the trunk
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave sharp objects in the trunk without protection. When you reinstall the seats, they can pierce the upholstery or damage the wiring, leading to costly repairs.
This space also often houses an additional washer reservoir or fluid reservoirs on some body versions. If you plan to install a winch or other heavy equipment in the trunk, removing the seats will help distribute the load properly.
Installing the seats back: important nuances
The reinstallation process is not a simple mirror image of dismantling, as it requires precise alignment of the fasteners. The first thing you need to do is put the backrest back in place. Make sure that the mounting brackets fit perfectly into the grooves on the body floor.
Tilt the backrest forward and press on the upper part until you hear a characteristic click. This sound confirms that the clips are engaged. Check it out: try to pull the backrest towards you. If it holds firmly and does not play, it means the installation was successful.
Next, the front airbag is installed. Align the holes in the metal cushion frame with the bolts on the floor. Lower the cushion and press down on the leading edge. There should be a clear click again. Try rocking the pillow - it shouldn't wobble.
If the seats wobble after installation, it means that the fasteners are not fully seated or debris has gotten under them. Do not continue to operate in this condition, as it is unsafe in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
Common mistakes during reinstallation
People often forget to turn off the power connectors for heated seats, which leads to overheating. Also, some car owners do not fully insert the backrest, which causes it to fall when tilted forward.
Technical features and typical problems
Construction Nissan Almera Classic has a number of nuances that should be taken into account during frequent dismantling. Metal brackets may lose their elasticity over time, especially if the car has been driven in low temperatures. This can cause the seat to constantly come loose from the road.
The plastic plugs that cover the mounting bolts are also a consumable item. They often break the first time they are removed if they are not pryed off carefully. It is recommended to have a supply of such plugs or use alternative methods of fixing them.
The table below shows the main parameters and characteristics of seat mounting for this model:
| Component | Mounting type | Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat cushion | Spring clips | Steel | Requires vertical force |
| Sofa back | Metal fasteners | Steel/Plastic | Removable, reclines |
| Mounting bolts | Hexagon | Steel | Located under the pillow |
| Stubs | Insert | Plastic | Fragile, easy to break |
If you notice that the clamps have begun to sag, you can bend them a little with pliers to restore elasticity. However, this must be done very carefully so as not to break the metal. Regularly lubricating the hinges and latches with silicone grease will extend their service life.
Regularly checking the fasteners and cleaning them from dirt prevents the seats from accidentally unfastening while driving and increases the safety of passengers.
It's also worth noting that some versions of the car may have a weight sensor or safety system installed under the cushion, which requires special care when working with the wiring. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consult a specialist.
Conclusion and care recommendations
Removing the rear seat Nissan Almera Classic is a procedure accessible to every owner if you approach it with an understanding of the design. Regular cleaning of the fastening points from sand and dust will help to avoid jamming of the fasteners. Do not neglect inspections, especially after off-road driving.
Remember that proper storage of removed seats will preserve their appearance. Place them in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, to prevent the upholstery from fading or losing its shape.
By following these simple recommendations, you can maintain your car yourself without resorting to the services of car services. This not only saves money, but also gives you a deep understanding of your vehicle.
How to quickly remove the seat without tools?
In most cases, no tools are required; hand strength is sufficient. The main thing is to find the correct point of application of force and pull sharply upward, overcoming the resistance of the clamp spring.
What to do if the plastic plug breaks?
A broken plug can be replaced with a homemade one made from a piece of plastic or purchased at specialized auto parts stores. It is important that it fits tightly, covering the bolt from dirt.
Is it possible to remove just the backrest without removing the pillow?
No, the pillow blocks access to the backrest fastenings. First you need to remove the cushion to gain free access to the lower backrest fasteners.
Why does the seat wobble after installation?
Most likely, the latches did not snap fully into place or debris got underneath them. Inspect the fasteners, clean them, and try installing them again with more force.