<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em> rear struts: how to select, replace and extend service life

Nissan Almera Classic is one of the most popular foreign cars on the Russian market, known for its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even this “indestructible” car has weaknesses, and rear shock absorbers - one of them. Over time, they wear out, lose efficiency, and driving turns into a test: every bump hits your back, and the car rocks around corners like a boat on the waves.

In this article we will analyze all the nuancesconnected to the rear pillars Almera Classic (including models B10 And N16): how to identify a malfunction, which racks to choose (original or analogues), how to replace them yourself and what to do to make them last longer. Without water - only verified data, including unique points that are not written about in standard instructions.

Signs of a bad rear strut: when is it time to replace it?

The rear shock absorbers wear out gradually, and many drivers get used to the deterioration in handling, attributing it to “car features.” Actually there is 7 obvious symptoms, which indicate the need for replacement:

• 🚗 Body rocking after driving over bumps (the car “nods” bow or stern for a long time).
• 💥 Kicks in the back when falling into holes, the racks do not dampen vibrations.
• 🔄 Increased braking distance due to sagging of the rear axle during heavy braking.
• 🌊 Wavy traces from the rear wheels on wet asphalt (a sign of uneven grip).
• 🔧 Oil leaks on the strut body (visible upon visual inspection).
• 🔩 Creaks or knocks when driving over small uneven surfaces.
• 📉 Rear sag car (especially noticeable when loading the trunk).

If you notice at least 2-3 signs from the list, it’s time to make a diagnosis. The simplest test: press hard on the rear bumper and release quickly. If the machine does more than 1-2 fluctuations - it's time to change the racks. For Almera Classic is also considered critical mileage from 80,000 km (even if there are no symptoms, the rubber elements and seals wear out).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera Classic N16 (2006–2012) a common problem with rack supports — they crumble before the shock absorbers. When replacing struts, be sure to check the condition of the support bearings!

Original vs analogues: which racks to choose for Almera Classic

When choosing rear struts, owners Almera Classic are faced with a dilemma: take original spare parts (expensive but reliable) or analogues (cheaper, but there is a risk of running into a fake). Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

Rack type	Article (for N16)	Average price (per piece)	Pros	Cons
Original (Nissan)	55200-4M000 (right), 55200-4M001 (left)	8 000–12 000 ₽	Guaranteed quality, perfect compatibility, resource 100,000+ km	High price, risk of running into a fake (originals are often counterfeited)
Kayaba (KYB)	344353 (Excel-G)	4 500–6 000 ₽	Japanese quality, softer than the original, good energy capacity	They can “sag” after 60,000 km with aggressive driving
Monroe	E3404	5 000–7 000 ₽	Good price/quality ratio, suitable for Russian roads	Stiffer than the original, knocking is possible at low temperatures
Sachs	313 384	6 000–8 500 ₽	German quality, long service life, suitable for harsh conditions	More expensive than analogues, there may be supply problems

For Almera Classic B10 (1995–2000) racks with article numbers will fit 55200-6M000 (right) and 55200-6M001 (left), but they can hardly be found in the original. In this case, the best choice is Kayaba or Monroe.

Buying tip: Check racks for availability certificates of conformity and buy only from authorized dealers. There are many fake brands on the market KYB And Sachs, which fail after 10,000–20,000 km. Pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging — the originals have holograms and factory markings.
• 🔍 Barcode - must match the data on the manufacturer’s website.
• 🛠️ Weight - fakes are often 200–300 grams lighter.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear struts with Nissan Almera Classic

Replacing rear struts with Almera Classic - a task of medium complexity. If you have a tool and an inspection hole (or a lift), even a beginner can handle it. The main thing is take your time and follow the algorithm. You will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (required) 17 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm).
• 🔩 Spring puller (can be rented).
• 🛠️ Jack and stops.
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.
• 🔨 Hammer and chisel (in case of stuck nuts).

Opening hours: 2–3 hours (if the racks are not stuck).

Remove the rear seat and trunk trim|Loosen the nuts securing the strut from above (in the trunk)|Jack up the car and remove the rear wheel|Treat all threaded connections with WD-40-->

Step 1: Removing the old rack

1. Remove plastic sheathing in the trunk (it is attached with clips). Underneath you will see top rack mount - nut on 17 mm.
2. Loosen the nut (do not unscrew completely!), then jack up the car and remove the wheel.
3. Unscrew lower rack mount to the lever (nut on 19 mm, bolt on 22 mm). Problems often arise here - if the bolt is stuck, use a chisel and hammer.
4. After unscrewing the lower fastening, return to the trunk and completely remove the nut from the top. The strut should come out along with the spring.

Step 2: Disassemble and reassemble the rack

If you are changing only the shock absorber and leaving the old spring, you will need spring remover. Procedure:

1. Secure the post in a vice and compress the spring with a puller.
2. Unscrew the shock absorber rod nut (wrench on 17 mm) and remove support bearing, cup And boot.
3. Install a new shock absorber and reassemble the structure in reverse order. Don't forget to lubricate the rubber elements with silicone grease!

Step 3: Install the new rack

Assembly occurs in reverse order, but there is two critical points:

1. Before tightening top nut in the trunk, make sure that The shock absorber rod does not rotate (use the key on 6 mm for fixation).
2. Tighten bottom bolt only after the car is lowered onto the wheels (otherwise the spring may be deformed).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic N16 after replacing racks necessarily need to be done wheel alignment! Otherwise, the tires will wear unevenly and the car will pull to the side.

What to do if the rack does not come out of the seat?

If the strut is stuck in the top support, try:

1. Rock it in different directions, simultaneously pulling it up.

2. Use the pry bar as a lever (carefully so as not to damage the body).

3. Heat the seat with a hair dryer (it will expand the metal).

4. As a last resort, cut it with a grinder, but this is risky for the body!

Tuning and modernization: how to improve the rear suspension

Standard racks Almera Classic designed for a comfortable ride, but not for sporty driving or heavy loads. If you want improve handling or increase load capacity, consider the following options:

• 🏁 Sports racks (For example, KYB AGX or Bilstein B4) - stiffer than standard ones, but reduce roll in corners. Suitable for aggressive driving.
• 🚛 Reinforced racks (For example, Monroe Heavy Duty) - withstand increased loads (useful if you often transport cargo).
• 🔧 Polyurethane bushings instead of rubber ones, they reduce backlash, but transmit more vibrations to the cabin.
• 🔄 Springs with increased stiffness (For example, Eibach Pro-Kit) - reduce ground clearance by 20–30 mm, improving handling.

When tuning, it is important to remember balance sheet: If you install too hard struts, driving on bad roads will become unbearable. The best option for Almera Classic:

• Front: KYB Excel-G (comfort + controllability).
• Rear: Monroe Heavy Duty (for load) or Bilstein B4 (for sports).

Important: When installing non-standard struts or springs, it may be necessary replacing silent blocks And anti-roll bars, since the angles of inclination of the levers change.

Common mistakes when replacing racks and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature failure of racks or deterioration of controllability. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to avoid them:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening of nuts — if you tighten the upper rod nut, the shock absorber will work with increased load and will wear out quickly. Tightening torque: 40–50 Nm.
• 🚗 Ignoring wheel alignment — after replacing the struts, the wheel alignment angles change, which leads to uneven tire wear.
• 🔩 Using old rubber elements (boots, bump stops) - they must be changed along with the struts, otherwise the new shock absorbers will quickly fail.
• 🛠️ Failure to follow the assembly order - for example, if you first tighten the lower bolt and then the upper nut, the spring may be deformed.

Another common mistake - savings on support bearings. On Almera Classic N16 they often “die” before the struts, and if they are not replaced, the new shock absorber will work misaligned, which will lead to:

• Knocks when turning the steering wheel.
• Uneven tread wear.
• Deterioration of exchange rate stability.

How to check a support bearing? Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel, and you yourself place your hand on the stand in the support area. If you feel vibration or clicking - it's time to change the bearing.

Rack service life: how to extend the resource

Average life of rear struts Nissan Almera Classic — 80,000–120,000 km, but with proper operation they can be “stretched” up to 150,000 km. Here 5 rulesthat will help increase service life:

• 🚿 Wash your pendant in winter — salt and reagents corrode rubber elements and metal. Pay special attention anthers.
• 🛣️ Avoid sharp impacts — drive over speed bumps and potholes at minimum speed (it’s better to go around than to fly by).
• 🚗 Don't overload the machine — maximum load on the rear axle Almera Classic - 400 kg. Exceeding this leads to deformation of the springs and overheating of the shock absorbers.
• 🔧 Check the struts every 20,000 km — a visual inspection for leaks and backlashes is sufficient.
• 🌡️ Monitor the temperature — if the struts overheat (for example, after a long off-road ride), let them cool before washing.

Myths about racks that you shouldn’t believe:

• ❌ “The oil in the racks does not change - they do not require maintenance.” Reality: Modern gas-oil shock absorbers are non-separable, but they can be restored in specialized workshops (cheaper than buying new ones).
• ❌ “Rigid racks hold the road better.” Reality: Shock absorbers that are too hard impair traction because the wheels do not have time to follow the terrain.
• ❌ “If the racks don’t leak, they’re good.” Reality: A shock absorber may become ineffective due to wear on the internal valves, even if it appears normal on the outside.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about rear struts Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive if one strut is leaking and the other is not?

Strongly not recommended! Even if the second rack is visually intact, uneven operation of shock absorbers leads to:

• The car pulls to the side when braking.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Increased load on a working rack (it will fail faster).

Change racks in pairs - it’s cheaper than repairing the suspension later.

Which struts are better for winter: gas or oil?

For Russian winters the best choice is gas-oil struts (For example, KYB Excel-G or Sachs). They are:

• Less sensitive to low temperatures (does not “tan” in the cold).
• They warm up faster and operate more stably.
• They dampen small irregularities better (relevant for snow drifts).

Purely oil struts are cheaper, but in winter they can “fail” on bumps.

Do new struts need to be bled before installation?

Yes, pumping is required for all types of shock absorbers (except factory filled with gas). How to do it:

1. Turn the stand over with the rod down and compress it until it stops.
2. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then smoothly return to the starting position.
3. Repeat 3-5 times until the stroke becomes smooth.

If you don't bleed it, the strut may "jam" at the first loads.

What happens if you don't change the racks on time?

Ignoring rear shock absorber wear will lead to cascade of problems:

• Increased braking distance by 20–30% (the rear axle “squats” when braking).
• Risk of aquaplaning on a wet road (the wheels do not press against the asphalt).
• Accelerated wear wheel bearings And tires.
• Damage springs And suspension arms due to increased loads.

In a critical situation (for example, during a sharp maneuver), worn struts can lead to loss of control.

Is it possible to restore old racks?

Yes, but not all. Subject to restoration:

• 🔧 Oil racks - Replace oil, seals and valves.
• 🔄 Gas-oil — if the body is not damaged, you can fill it with new gas and oil.

Not restored:

• Racks with deformed rod or body.
• Shock absorbers with damaged thread.

Restoration cost - 30–50% of the price of new racks. It is beneficial if you have a rare model (for example, Almera Classic B10).