Replacing brake pads or servicing rear brakes Nissan Almera new generation (G15) is a task that even a novice car enthusiast can handle if he has basic tools and desire. However, the design of the rear suspension and the drum mounting features on this model require a careful approach so as not to damage parts or injure yourself.
Many owners are faced with the fact that the drum is not removed immediately after unscrewing the guide pins. This is due to corrosion, jamming of the handbrake mechanism or wear on the working surfaces. Understanding how it works brake mechanism and how to properly influence its elements is the key to success.
In this article we will analyze all stages of dismantling, starting from preparing the car and ending with the final inspection. We'll focus on common problems like drum sticking to the hub and offer proven solutions that save time and effort.
Preparing the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with any manipulations with the chassis, it is necessary to ensure safety and comfort of work. For Nissan Almera G15 you will need a standard set of plumbing tools, but there are nuances specific to this model.
You will definitely need a jack and reliable stands for the body, since working under the car on jacks alone is strictly prohibited. Also have a wheel wrench, a set of sockets and a ratchet, and a prybar or a flathead screwdriver with a strong blade ready.
- 🔧 Wheel wrench and jack for lifting the car
- 🔧 Set of sockets: 12, 14 and 17 mm (for wheel bolts and guides)
- 🔧 Hammer with rubber head or wooden spacer
- 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating thread lubricant
Don't forget about personal protective equipment. When working with brake dust that contains asbestos or other harmful components, use gloves and a respirator. The cleanliness of the workplace also plays a role: dirt that gets inside the mechanism during disassembly can lead to rapid wear of the new pads.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the car suspended only on a jack. Be sure to install safety stands under the body under the reinforced points provided by the manufacturer.
If you are planning a complete replacement of brake discs or drums, immediately prepare a new set of consumables. Sometimes old parts can be so stuck that dismantling them leads to destruction, and having spare parts on hand will save the situation.
- Head set
- Hammer
- Penetrating lubricant
- Torque wrench
Removing the wheel and visual inspection of the mechanism
The first step is to remove the wheel. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level, hard surface and the parking brake is released. For ease of operation, you can slightly loosen the wheel bolts while the machine is still on the ground, and then raise it.
After removing the wheel you will see the brake mechanism. Inspect the condition of the drum: whether there are deep cracks, chips or signs of severe overheating. On Nissan Almera A situation often occurs when the drum is heavily oxidized at the edges, which makes it difficult to remove.
Pay special attention to the guide pins. They may be tightened with great force or, conversely, have damaged threads. Use the appropriate size socket to unscrew them counterclockwise. Typically these are 12 mm or 14 mm pins, depending on the year of manufacture and configuration.
- 🔍 Check the condition of the brake cylinder boot for fluid leakage
- 🔍 Assess brake pad wear through the inspection window in the drum (if available)
- 🔍 Inspect the hub for rust in the drum seat
If you find that the guide pins do not budge, do not use excessive force immediately. Apply penetrating lubricant to the threads and allow them to work. Sharp impacts can tear off the pin head, which will significantly complicate further work.
☑️ Preparing to dismantle the drum
Methods for removing a stuck drum
The most common problem when servicing rear brakes on Nissan Almera G15 - this is the inability to remove the drum after unscrewing the pins. This is due to the formation of rust on the seating surface of the hub and drum, as well as wear of the brake pads, which create a “step” on the inner surface of the drum.
The first and safest way is to use special screws for pressing out. Many reels have two threaded holes designed for this exact purpose. Screw the bolts into them and tighten evenly until the drum comes off the hub under pressure.
If there are no such holes or they are damaged, you can try gently tapping the inside of the drum with a hammer. Do this through a wooden spacer to avoid damaging aluminum or cast iron parts. The blows should be directed perpendicular to the plane of the drum, but not along the very edge, to avoid cracks.
- 🔨 Use a hammer with a rubber tip or a wooden spacer
- 🔨 Screw the bolts into the holes for pressing out (if any) and tighten one by one
- 🔨 Try rocking the drum from side to side without lifting it completely
Sometimes the heating method helps. If the drum does not give in, you can carefully heat it around the perimeter with a mounting torch, avoiding heating the brake pads and rubber elements. Thermal expansion of the metal can free a jammed part.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the drum by jerking it with your hands or using a pry bar as a lever if it is very stuck. This may cause the guide pins to break or damage the wheel bearing.
What to do if the guide pin breaks?
If the pin breaks, you can try to unscrew it with an extractor. If it remains inside, you will have to drill and tap a new thread or use a special puller. In extreme cases, the hub assembly will need to be replaced.
Disassembling the mechanism and adjusting the hand brake
Once you have removed the drum, you will have access to the inside of the brake mechanism. This is where the brake pads, spacer bar, springs and handbrake mechanism are located. On Nissan Almera G15 The design is quite classic, but has its own peculiarities of fastening the cable.
The first step is to disconnect the parking brake cable. It is attached to the rear block via a lever. Be extremely careful: springs under load can spring back and injure your fingers. Use special clamps or pliers with long handles for safe removal.
If you plan to simply replace the pads, make sure the handbrake mechanism is working properly. Sometimes a problem with cable tension causes the shoes to move too far apart and prevent the drum from being removed. Check the adjusting nut on the cable under the car.
Регулировка ручного тормоза: затянуть гайку до щелчков 3-5, затем ослабить на пол-оборотаClean all parts from brake dust and dirt. Use special brake cleaners, but do not use compressed air to blow out the dust, as it is harmful to the lungs. Wipe the surfaces with a cloth soaked in cleaner.
Before disassembling, take photographs of the location of the springs and levers. This will help you put the mechanism back together correctly, especially if this is your first time doing it.
Torque table and specifications
When assembling the brake mechanism, it is extremely important to observe the tightening torques of the fasteners. Violation of these standards can lead to self-unscrewing of parts during movement or, conversely, to deformation of elements due to constriction.
Below is a table with recommended values for Nissan Almera G15. Use a torque wrench for fine tuning.
| element | Tightening torque (Nm) | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Attaching the Guide Pins | 10-12 | Head 12/14 mm |
| Wheel mount | 108-118 | Wheelbrace/Wrench 19 mm |
| Hub nut (when replacing bearing) | 180-200 | Torque wrench |
| Handbrake cable (lock) | 5-7 | Key 10 mm |
Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on the year of the vehicle and the type of parts used. Always check the service book for your specific vehicle. Nissan.
Drum installation and final check
Installation of the drum occurs in the reverse order. Before putting it on the hub, be sure to wipe off any rust on the seating surface with sandpaper or a wire brush. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent the drum from beating when braking.
If you have changed the shoes, you may need to move them apart a little to get the drum to fit. Use an adjustment lever or a screwdriver through the inspection window to move the shoes closer to the drum. But do not overdo it: the pads should fit freely inside without touching.
Secure the drum with the guide pins. Do not over-tighten them as they are only intended to hold the drum against movement, not to hold it down. Then install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
- ✅ Check the operation of the brake pedal: it should be elastic and not fall through
- ✅ Adjust the handbrake by checking the number of clicks before the wheels lock
- ✅ Test drive at low speed to check braking performance
After the first few rides, be sure to check the condition of the brakes and check for any abnormal noise. New pads require a break-in period, so avoid emergency braking in the first 200-300 kilometers.
Proper cleaning of the hub seating surface before installing the drum is the key to avoiding runout and vibration during braking.
Common mistakes and expert advice
Many car owners make the mistake of trying to remove the drum without first adjusting the handbrake. If the pads are moved too far apart, the drum simply will not fit onto the mechanism. Always check the condition of the cable and adjusting unit before starting work.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the guide pins. If they show signs of corrosion or damage to the threads, they must be replaced. Using lubricant on the threads of the pins during installation is also critical for easy removal in the future.
Don't forget about brake dust. It is very toxic. Work in a well-ventilated area, use a mask and do not wipe dust with your hands. After completing work, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
⚠️ Warning: Never use motor oil or conventional lubricant on brake parts. This will lead to loss of braking efficiency and an emergency situation.
If you're faced with a serious problem, such as a seized wheel cylinder piston or broken handbrake mechanism, it's best to call a professional. Poor brake repairs can cost lives.
How to check brake drum wear?
A bore gauge is used to accurately measure the inner diameter of the drum. The maximum allowable wear is usually indicated on the drum itself (for example, 202 mm). If the size exceeds this value, the drum must be replaced.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Why doesn't the drum come off even after unscrewing the pins?
This is the most common problem. The drum may be stuck to the hub due to rust, or the shoes may be loose due to wear or improper adjustment of the handbrake. Try using the bolts to press it out or gently tap the drum.
Do I need to replace the brake drum every time I replace the pads?
No, you only need to change the drum if it has critical wear, cracks or severe grooves. If the condition of the drum is normal, it is enough to simply clean it and check for runout.
How to properly adjust the handbrake after removing the drum?
After installing the new shoes and drum, tighten the handbrake to 3-5 clicks. If the pads do not lock, tighten the adjusting nut on the cable under the car. Then lower the handbrake and check that the wheel rotates freely.
Can the guide pins be lubricated during installation?
Yes, they need to be lubricated with high temperature brake lubricant or graphite lubricant. This will prevent them from sticking in the future and will make the next dismantling easier.
What to do if the spring brake pads are broken?
Springs and retainers are consumables. If they break or lose elasticity, they need to be replaced with new ones. Skimping on these parts can result in uneven pad wear.