Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan that is valued for its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even this model has “weak points”, one of which is rear brake pads. Their wear is not as obvious as that of the front ones, but ignoring the problem is dangerous: this can lead to longer braking distances, overheating of the calipers and even jamming of the wheel. In this article we will look at which pads are suitable for Almera G15, how to choose them correctly, when to change them and how to avoid common mistakes when replacing them.
Features of the rear brakes Almera G15 (2012–2019) — drum system on basic configurations and disc brakes on versions with motor 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp). This means that the approach to selecting and replacing pads will be different. We will look at both options, and also give tips on diagnosis and savings without sacrificing safety.
What rear pads are on? Almera G15 from the factory?
Original brake pads for Nissan Almera G15 supplied by the company Akebono (Japan) - official partner Nissan. However, depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, parts may differ:
- 🔧 Drum pads (for versions with motor
1.5 K4M): original art.40520-BM40Aor40520-4M000. Analogues from TRW (GDB1446), Bosch (0 986 494 219) And Ferodo (FDB431). - 🛡️ Disc pads (for
1.6 HR16DE): original -40520-4M01AorD4060-4M000. Popular substitutes: TRW (GDB1745), Brembo (P 24 064), ATE (13.0460-7206.2). - ⚠️ Wear sensor kits: on some versions, pads with integrated sensors are installed (art.
40520-4M01B). They cannot be replaced with regular ones without modifying the wiring!
Important: even if you buy non-original pads, check availability ECE R90 certificate is a guarantee of compliance with European safety standards. Pads without a certificate may become dusty, squeak, or wear out quickly.
- Original (Nissan/Akebono)
- TRW or Bosch
- Brembo/ATE
- Ferodo or other brands
- I don't know what to choose
Signs of rear pad wear: when is it time to change?
Rear brake pads on Almera G15 wear out slower than the front ones (2–3 times), but their condition needs to be checked every 30–40 thousand km. The following symptoms indicate that the pads require replacement:
- 🚨 Creaking or whistling when braking - a sign of critical wear of the friction layer (≤ 2 mm remaining). Some pads have special wear indicators (metal plates) that begin to creak.
- 🔥 Pulling the car to the side when braking - may indicate uneven pad wear or caliper jamming (for disc brakes).
- 🛑 Increased braking distance - if the car brakes worse than before, even after bleeding the system.
- 💨 Black dust on rims - the norm for new pads, but if there is too much of it, this is a sign of low-quality friction material.
On drum brakes Almera G15 pad wear is often accompanied by vibration of the brake pedal when pressed - this is due to deformation of the drum due to overheating. If you ignore the problem, the drum may crack and will have to be replaced along with the pads (the cost of the work will increase 2-3 times).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft” or falls down, immediately check the brake fluid level! The master cylinder cuff may have been damaged during installation.
How to choose pads for Almera G15: comparison of brands and materials
When choosing rear pads for Almera G15 pay attention not only to the brand, but also to friction material composition. Braking properties, disc/drum wear and noise levels depend on it. Let's consider popular options:
| Brand | Pad model | Material type | Pros | Cons | Average price (per set) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akebono (original) | 40520-4M01A |
Ceramics | Minimal disc wear, little dust, quiet | High price, requires running-in | 3 500–4 200 ₽ |
| TRW | GDB1745 (disk)GDB1446 (drum) |
Semi-metallic | Good price/quality ratio, stable when heated | Average level of dust, may squeak | 2 200–2 800 ₽ |
| Ferodo | FDB431 (drum)FDB1745 (disk) |
Organic (low-metallic) | Soft, do not damage discs, make little noise | Wear out faster, not for aggressive driving | 1 800–2 400 ₽ |
| Brembo | P 24 064 |
Ceramics + metal | Excellent braking performance, long service life | Expensive, require high-quality discs | 3 800–4 500 ₽ |
For most owners Almera G15 optimal choice - TRW or Ferodo. If you prefer a sporty driving style, pay attention to Brembo or ATE. For drum brakes, it is better to take pads from asbestos composition (For example, Bosch 0 986 494 219) - they last longer in city mode.
Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility with your version Almera G15 by VIN code! On some machines 2018–2019. release, calipers of a different type were installed (for example, Lucas/TRW instead of Akebono).
Step-by-step replacement of rear pads Almera G15: instructions with nuances
You can replace the rear pads yourself if you have jack, wheel wrench, socket set and spring puller (for drum brakes). Let's consider the process for both types of braking systems.
1. Replacing disc pads (for 1.6 HR16DE)
Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt|Open the brake fluid reservoir cap (to relieve pressure)|Prepare new pads and grease for the guides|Check the condition of the brake disc for runout-->
Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt. Use
WD-40for unscrewing the guides. - Unscrew the lower caliper bolt (14 mm head) and lift it up. Do not disconnect the brake hose!
- Remove old pads and clean the seats from rust. Check status guide anthers - if they are torn, replace them.
- Install new pads, lubricating their back side copper paste (For example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste).
- Sink the caliper piston using sliding pliers (to do this you need to unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir).
- Reassemble everything in reverse order and bleed the brakes (press the pedal 5-6 times until resistance appears).
2. Replacing drum pads (for 1.5 K4M)
Drum brakes are more difficult to maintain, but the algorithm is as follows:
- Remove the wheel and drum. If the drum is stuck, tap it with a rubber hammer or use a puller.
- Clean the mechanism from dirt and check the condition working cylinder (there should be no liquid leaks).
- Remove the tension springs using pliers or a special puller. Be careful - the springs are under tension!
- Install new pads, lubricating the contact points with the support disk graphite lubricant.
- Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum using an eccentric (it is located on the support disk).
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the drum pads, be sure to check the operation of the handbrake! If the cable is overtightened, the pads will jam, which will lead to overheating and premature wear.
What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?
If, after installing new pads, vibrations or jerking when braking appear, the reasons may be the following:
1. **Uneven wear of the brake disc/drum** - recessing or replacement is required.
2. **Grease gets on the friction layer** - the pads need to be cleaned with alcohol or replaced.
3. **Caliper or working cylinder jammed** - check the mobility of parts and the condition of the boots.
4. **Poor quality pads** - some brands (e.g. Sangsin or Frixa) may have uneven density of the friction material.
Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system failure. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔧 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs/drums. If the disc has deep grooves (more than 1 mm), the new pads will wear out quickly. Solution: resurfacing or replacing the disc.
- 🛠️ Lack of lubrication on the caliper guides. This leads to jamming and uneven wear. Use high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
- ⚠️ Incorrect installation of springs on drum shoes. If the springs are skewed, the pads will “chew” the drum. Check their position according to the diagram!
- 🔥 Retightening the caliper bolts. This deforms the seats and leads to play. Tightening torque - 25–30 Nm.
On Almera G15 with disc brakes they often forget to check the condition brake hose - if it is cracked, when you press the pedal, the pads may not be fully pressed against the disc. This is dangerous as it increases the braking distance by 30–50%!
After replacing the pads, be sure to running-in: For the first 200–300 km, avoid sharp braking so that the friction material rubs evenly onto the disc/drum.
How much do pads cost and how to replace them: prices for 2026
Cost of rear pads for Almera G15 depends on the brand, material and type of brake system. The table below shows current prices for a set (4 pads) and replacement work in services in Moscow and the regions.
| Pad type | Brand | Price of pads (₽) | Cost of work (₽) | Total (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disk | Original (Akebono) | 3 500–4 200 | 1 200–1 500 | 4 700–5 700 |
| Disk | TRW | 2 200–2 800 | 1 000–1 300 | 3 200–4 100 |
| Drums | Original (Nissan) | 2 800–3 500 | 1 500–2 000 | 4 300–5 500 |
| Drums | Ferodo | 1 800–2 400 | 1 200–1 600 | 3 000–4 000 |
You can save money by purchasing pads from trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) and replacing them yourself. However, remember: if you have never worked on the brake system, it is better to entrust it to professionals - a mistake can cost your safety!
Frequently asked questions about rear pads Almera G15
Is it possible to put front pads on rear brakes?
No! Front and rear pads on Almera G15 They have different shapes, friction material compositions and sizes. Installing front pads on the rear axle will lead to:
- incomplete adherence to the disc/drum,
- brake overheating,
- rapid wear of wheel bearings.
How often do you need to change your rear pads?
The service life of the rear pads depends on driving style and operating conditions:
- Drum pads: 80–120 thousand km (or every 4–5 years, since the material “hardens” over time).
- Disc pads: 50–80 thousand km (wear out faster due to heavy loads).
In city mode with frequent braking, the resource is reduced by 20–30%.
Why do new pads squeak?
Creaking of new pads is normal in the first 200–500 km (break-in period). If the sound does not disappear, the reasons may be:
- Low-quality friction material (especially from cheap brands like LPR or Masuma).
- Lack of anti-squeak plates (they need to be installed on some pad models).
- Dirt or sand getting between the pad and disc.
Solution: Clean the pads and disc with alcohol, apply anti-squeak paste (For example, ATE Plastilube) to the back of the pads.
Is it possible to drive if the friction layer has worn down to metal?
Absolutely not! If the pad has worn down to the metal base, this leads to:
- damage to the brake disc/drum (replacement required),
- overheating of the caliper and risk of wheel jamming,
- brake fluid leakage (if the caliper piston is damaged).
When the pads are worn critically, the braking distance increases by 2–3 times!
Which pads are better - ceramic or semi-metallic?
The choice depends on your riding style:
- Ceramic (Akebono, Brembo): quiet, little dust, but more expensive and require running-in. Optimal for city driving.
- Semi-metallic (TRW, ATE): cheaper, dissipate heat better, but they make noise and wear out the disks faster. Suitable for active driving.