Replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Almera G15: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Almera G15 - one of the key elements of the suspension, which directly affects the comfort, handling and safety of the car. Over time, even the original struts lose their properties: knocking noises appear, road grip deteriorates, and the car begins to “sag” on bumps. If you notice that the car has become worse at “swallowing” bumps or that the body sways for a long time after passing a speed bump, it’s time to think about replacing it.

In this article we will walk through the entire process from choice of shock absorbers to final assembly, we will take into account typical mistakes and give recommendations on tools. We will pay special attention to the nuances specific to Almera G15 (2012–2018), including differences in suspension for different markets (for example, Russian and European versions). The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced car owners who want to save money on service stations without sacrificing quality.

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

Rear pillars Almera G15 rarely “die” suddenly - usually wear occurs gradually, and many drivers get used to the deterioration of the car’s behavior. Here are the key symptoms that indicate the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Knocks or squeaks in the rear of the car when driving over uneven surfaces (especially noticeable on small bumps).
• 🌊 "Sagging" of the body — after pressing the rear bumper, the car sways for a long time (more than 1–2 vibrations).
• 🚗 Deterioration in handling: the car “floats” at speed, and holds its trajectory worse during maneuvers.
• 💧 Oil leaks on the shock absorber body (visible during visual inspection).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance — worn struts reduce the downforce of the wheels to the road.

On Almera G15 rear shock absorbers often last longer than the front ones, but their service life rarely exceeds 80–100 thousand km (depending on operating conditions). If you drive on rough roads or frequently carry heavy loads, check the struts every 50–60 thousand km. To diagnose, just rock the car by the rear bumper with your hands: if the body is easily “pressed” and does not return to its original position, the shock absorbers have lost their elasticity.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, when replacing shock absorbers, be sure to check the condition support cups And anthers. Their wear can lead to premature failure of new racks.

Which shock absorbers to choose for Nissan Almera G15?

There are more than 20 brands on the market offering racks for Almera G15, but not all of them are equally good. Main selection criteria:

• 🔧 Shock absorber type: oil (cheaper, softer), gas-oil (harder, more durable) or gas (sports, for aggressive driving).
• 🏷️ Brand: original (Nissan), premium (Kayaba, Monroe), middle segment (SACHS, Boge), budget (Fenox, Patron).
• 📏 Compatibility: racks for Russian and European versions Almera G15 May vary in length and fastenings.

The table below compares popular models with average prices and features:

Brand and model	Type	Average price (per 1 piece)	Pros	Cons
Nissan 56210-BM40A	Gas-oil	4 500–5 200 ₽	Original, perfect compatibility, resource 100+ thousand km	High price, fakes on the market
Kayaba 349143	Gas-oil	3 800–4 300 ₽	Japanese quality, softer than the original	Rarely found in stores
Monroe G4487	Gas-oil	3 500–4 000 ₽	Good price/quality ratio, corrosion resistant	15–20% stiffer than the original
SACHS 313 304	Oily	2 800–3 200 ₽	Smooth running, quiet operation	Average resource (60–70 thousand km)

For most drivers, the optimal choice is Kayaba or Monroe. They provide a balance between comfort and controllability, and their service life is comparable to the original. If you prefer a soft suspension, consider oil struts SACHS, but be prepared for more frequent replacement. Gas shock absorbers are suitable for aggressive driving style Bilstein (model B4 24-186640), but they are noticeably more expensive.

Necessary tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the rear shock absorbers yourself Almera G15 you will need:

• 🔧 Tools:
  • Jack and supports (or lift).
  • Set of sockets and keys (required) 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm).
  • Socket wrench with extension for upper strut nut.
  • Spring remover (if you plan to disassemble the strut).
  • WD-40 or a similar compound for loosening stuck nuts.
• 🛠️ Consumables:
  • New shock absorbers (2 pcs.).
  • Support bearings and cups (if replacement is required).
  • Anthers and bump stops (it is recommended to change along with the struts).
  • Mounting nuts and bolts (sometimes included with shock absorbers).

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

1. Place the car on a flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the rear wheel nuts (but do not remove them completely).
3. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and install safety stands. Never work only on a jack!
4. Remove the rear wheels and clean the suspension elements from dirt (especially the upper strut mounts).

Loosen the wheel nuts|Raise the car and install jackstands|Remove the rear wheels|Apply WD-40 to rusty connections|Check for all new parts and tools-->

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 The upper shock absorber mounting nut often sticks to the stud. If it does not give way, do not try to tear it off by force - this may damage the body. Use a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work (10-15 minutes).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers

Replacement process Almera G15 takes about 2-3 hours (if everything goes smoothly). Follow this algorithm:

1. Removing the old shock absorber

Start with the bottom mount:

1. Unscrew the nut of the bolt connecting the strut to the suspension arm (the key is on 19 mm).
2. Drive the bolt with a hammer through a soft spacer (such as a block of wood).
3. Move to the top mount: in the trunk, bend back the trim to gain access to the stud nut (you will need a socket wrench 17 mm).
4. While holding the pin from turning, unscrew the nut and remove the strut along with the spring.

2. Disassembly and assembly of a new rack

If you bought the shock absorber separately (without a spring), you will have to disassemble the old strut and transfer the spring to the new one:

1. Install the strut into the spring remover and compress the spring until the support cup is released.
2. Unscrew the top nut and remove the cup, bump stop and boot.
3. Transfer all elements to the new shock absorber, observing the order in which they were installed.
4. Tighten the puller nut and slowly release the pressure until the spring is seated.

On Almera G15 2016–2018 release in the upper support a bearing with the article number is used 54501-BM40A. If it plays or creaks, replace it along with the strut, otherwise the new shock absorber will quickly fail.

3. Installing a new rack

Assembly occurs in reverse order:

1. Install the post into the top mount and install the stud nut (do not overtighten!).
2. Align the lower mount with the arm and insert the bolt and tighten the nut.
3. Tighten the top nut (torque - 40–50 Nm).
4. Install the wheel and lower the car.

After replacing both shock absorbers necessarily check the wheel alignment. On Almera G15 the rear wheels have a slight negative camber (-1°), and incorrect installation of the racks can disrupt it.

What to do if you can’t unscrew the top nut?

If the nut is stuck and does not budge even after WD-40, try the following methods:

1. Heat the nut with a hair dryer (do not overheat the body!).

2. Use an impact wrench with an adapter.

3. As a last resort, cut off the nut with a grinder (carefully so as not to damage the stud), and then cut a new thread.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear of new shock absorbers or deterioration in handling. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔩 Undertightening or overtightening of nuts. The top nut must be tightened to a torque 40–50 Nm, lower - 80–100 Nm. Use a torque wrench!
• 🔄 Replacing only one shock absorber. On Almera G15 The struts wear out at about the same rate, so replace them in pairs.
• 🚗 Ignoring wheel alignment. Even if the car drives smoothly, check the wheel alignment 500 km after replacement.
• 🛠️ Saving on anthers and bumpers. These parts cost a penny, but their wear accelerates the failure of the shock absorber.

Another common problem is incorrect spring installation. On Almera G15 the lower coil of the spring should rest against a special protrusion on the stand. If the spring is installed crookedly, it will rub against the shock absorber body, producing a squeaking noise. Check this before final tightening!

⚠️ Attention: After replacing shock absorbers, during the first 200–300 km, avoid sudden maneuvers and driving on bad roads. New racks need time to “break in” - during this period they may work a little harder than usual.

Should I change the shock absorbers myself or go to a service station?

Replacing rear shock absorbers with Almera G15 - a task of medium complexity. If you have experience in suspension repairs and the necessary tools (especially a spring puller), you can do it in 2-3 hours. However, there are nuances that can complicate the process:

• ⚙️ Stuck nuts — you can’t unscrew them without WD-40 and patience.
• 🔧 No spring puller — disassembling the rack without it is dangerous!
• 📐 The need for wheel alignment adjustment — not all service stations undertake tuning only the rear axle.

The cost of replacement at a service station varies from 2,500 to 4,500 ₽ (for both shock absorbers). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But remember: even at the service you need to control the process. For example, some craftsmen save time and do not check the condition of the support bearings, which leads to squeaks after 10–20 thousand km.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with faulty rear shock absorbers?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Worn struts impair traction, increase braking distances and increase the risk of skidding when cornering. In addition, other suspension elements (for example, silent blocks of levers) suffer. On Almera G15 with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, driving on “dead” shock absorbers can lead to deformation of the body in the places where the struts are attached.

How to check shock absorbers on Almera G15 without a puller?

There are three ways:

1. "Rocking" of the body: press the rear bumper and release. If the machine makes more than 1-2 oscillations, the struts are worn out.
2. Visual inspection: oil leaks, corrosion on the rod or cracks in the boot are signs of a malfunction.
3. Test on the road: when braking from 60–80 km/h, the car should “nod” but not sway. If the rear part “squats” too much, the racks cannot handle it.

Which shock absorbers are better for the Almera G15: gas or oil?

The choice depends on your driving style:

• Oily (SACHS, Fenox) - softer, more comfortable on bad roads, but less durable (lifespan ~60 thousand km).
• Gas-oil (Kayaba, Monroe) - tougher, but more precise in control, resource 80-100 thousand km.
• Gas (Bilstein) - for sporty driving, but at Almera G15 may be too harsh.

For most drivers, the optimal choice is gas-oil struts.

Do the springs and shock absorbers need to be replaced?

Not necessary if the springs do not have visible defects (cracks, corrosion, subsidence). On Almera G15 springs last longer than struts - their service life is 150–200 thousand km. However, if the car was often operated under overload (for example, as a taxi), the springs could sag. This is easy to check: measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the arch at the front and rear. If the difference is more than 2–3 cm, the springs need to be replaced.

How often should you check your rear shock absorbers?

Recommended interval: every 20–30 thousand km (visual inspection) and every 60 thousand km (full diagnostics with test drive). Pay special attention to checking after:

• Falling into a deep hole.
• Long drives on dirt roads.
• Transporting heavy loads (more than 200 kg in the trunk).