Rear disc brake pads for Nissan Almera N16: a complete guide to selection and replacement

Rear disc brake pads on Nissan Almera N16 - a critical safety element, the condition of which determines the braking efficiency and overall controllability of the vehicle. Owners of this model are often faced with the need to replace the pads due to their natural wear, especially if the car is operated in urban environments with frequent braking or in regions with an aggressive climate. Unlike drum brakes, disc systems require a more careful approach to the selection of components and compliance with installation technology.

In this article we will look at everything you need to know about rear disc pads for Almera N16: from original articles and analogues to step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors. You will learn how to determine pad wear by indirect signs, which brands offer the best price-quality ratio, as well as what nuances are important to consider when working with the brake system of this car. We will pay special attention to issues of compatibility with different years of production and modifications N16, since the design of the brakes could vary depending on the configuration.

Original and similar pad articles for Nissan Almera N16

Original rear disc pads for Nissan Almera N16 are produced under article number 40506-9M000 (or 40506-9M00A for some modifications). These parts are supplied in original packaging Nissan and guarantee full compatibility with the vehicle's braking system. However, their cost often exceeds 3–4 thousand rubles per set, which forces owners to look for alternatives.

Among the proven analogues, the following brands and articles stand out:

• 🔧 ATE — 13.0460-7169.2 (high quality, soft composition of friction material)
• 🔧 Brembo — P 68 016 (optimal balance of price and durability)
• 🔧 Ferodo — FDB1446 (low dust level, suitable for aggressive driving style)
• 🔧 TRW — GDB1446 (targeted at the European market, high wear resistance)
• 🔧 Bosch — 0 986 494 219 (budget option with good reviews)

When choosing analogues, it is important to pay attention not only to the article number, but also to friction material composition. For example, pads with a high metal content (semi-metallic) last longer, but wear out the brake discs more and create more noise. Ceramic (ceramic) options, on the contrary, are quieter and generate less dust, but may work worse at low temperatures. For Almera N16 The best choice is often pads with an organic composition (organic), which provide smooth braking without sudden wear of the discs.

Signs of rear pad wear and when to change them

Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera N16 wear out slower than the front ones, but their condition requires no less attention. The main signs indicating the need for replacement:

• ⚠️ Creaking or whistling when braking (most often caused by wear of the friction material to the metal base).
• ⚠️ Increased braking distance, especially noticeable on wet roads.
• ⚠️ Vibration or beat in the brake pedal (may indicate uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the discs).
• ⚠️ Pulling the car to the side when braking (uneven wear of the pads on the left and right wheels is possible).
• ⚠️ Reduced brake fluid level in the reservoir (an indirect sign, since worn pads require a longer stroke of the caliper piston).

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the pads every 20–30 thousand km, but actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. For example, with frequent driving along mountain serpentines or in traffic jams with constant braking, the pads can wear out within 15 thousand km. Critical wear occurs when the thickness of the friction material decreases to 2–3 mm (with an initial value of 8–10 mm).

⚠️ Attention: If deep cracks, chips appear on the pads, or they begin to “crumple,” they must be replaced immediately - even if the thickness of the friction layer is still acceptable. Such defects lead to uneven braking and can damage the brake disc.

How to check the thickness of the pads without removing the wheel?

Through the inspection window in the caliper (if provided by the design) or using a feeler gauge through the hole in the brake disc. However, an accurate assessment can only be given after dismantling the wheel and visual inspection.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads

Replacing rear disc pads with Nissan Almera N16 requires accuracy and adherence to several key points. Unlike front brakes, you often have to deal with parking brake, integrated into the caliper, which complicates the process. Below are detailed instructions:

1. Vehicle preparation:
   • 🔧 Place the car on a flat surface and secure the front wheels with stops.
   • 🔧 Loosen the rear wheel bolts, then jack up the car and remove the wheel.
   • 🔧 Clean the caliper and brake mechanism from dirt (use a metal brush and brake cleaner).
2. Removing the old set of pads:
   • 🔧 Unscrew the lower caliper mounting bolt (usually on 14 mm or 17 mm).
   • 🔧 Lift the caliper up and secure it with wire or a special hook so as not to damage the brake hose.
   • 🔧 Remove the old pads and inspect the condition of the guides, anthers and brake disc.
3. Installing new pads:
   • 🔧 Apply a thin layer copper grease on the contact surfaces of the pads (but not on the friction material!).
   • 🔧 Press the caliper piston using a special tool (or an adjustable wrench) by rotating it clockwise. On Almera N16 The piston is threaded and requires screwing in, not just pressing!
   • 🔧 Install new pads and assemble the caliper in reverse order.
4. Completion of work:
   • 🔧 Press the brake pedal several times so that the pads take their working position.
   • 🔧 Check the brake fluid level and add it if necessary.
   • 🔧 Bleed the brakes (if the caliper piston was screwed in too deeply).

Pay special attention adjusting the parking brake. After replacing the pads, its efficiency may decrease due to the increased gap between the pads and the disc. To adjust you will need:

1. Raise the parking brake lever 2–3 clicks.
2. Turn the adjusting nut on the cable (access through the interior or under the car).
3. Check that the rear wheels lock after 3-4 clicks of the lever.

Comparison of disc and drum brakes on Almera N16

Not all modifications Nissan Almera N16 equipped with rear disc brakes. The basic package often came with drum mechanisms, which are cheaper to maintain, but inferior to disk ones in efficiency. Below is a comparison table of key characteristics:

Parameter	Disc brakes	Drum brakes
Braking efficiency	High (better cooling)	Medium (overheats with heavy use)
Pad life	20–40 thousand km	50–80 thousand km
Difficulty of replacement	Medium (requires screwing in the piston)	High (requires drum puller)
Cost of a set of pads	2,500–5,000 rub.	1,500–3,000 rub.
ABS Compatible	Yes (best system performance)	Limited (may fail)

If your Almera N16 initially equipped with drum brakes, but you want to improve braking performance, it is possible modification to disk mechanisms. To do this you will need:

• 🔧 Purchase calipers, discs and pads from the version with disc brakes (for example, from Almera N16 1.8 SLX).
• 🔧 Replace the brake hoses and, possibly, the main brake cylinder (due to changed pressure in the system).
• 🔧 Reflash the ABS unit (if there is one), since the algorithms for working with disc and drum brakes are different.

⚠️ Attention: Independent modification of the brake system may lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and requires mandatory certification by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. In addition, incorrectly selected parts can disrupt the balance of braking forces between the axles, which is dangerous!

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Nissan Almera N16which may lead to reduced braking performance or premature wear of parts. Let's look at the most common mistakes:

1. The caliper piston is not screwed in correctly.

   On Almera N16 The caliper piston is threaded and requires clockwise rotation for drowning. If you simply press on it, as you would on the front brakes, you can damage the threads or the parking brake mechanism. Use a special tool (for example, Lisle 25800) or an adjustable wrench with pliers.

2. Ignoring the condition of the caliper guides.

   Soured or worn guides lead to uneven wear of the pads and jamming of the caliper. Be sure to clean them and apply new lubricant (eg SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC).

3. Failure to check the brake disc.

   If the disc has deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm) or its thickness is less than permissible (the minimum thickness is indicated on the disc itself), the pads will wear out quickly. In such cases, the disc requires resurfacing or replacement.

4. Incorrect parking brake adjustment.

   After replacing the pads, the gap between them and the disc increases, which is why the handbrake may not hold. Always check its operation and adjust the cable tension if necessary.

5. Using poor quality lubricant.

   Caliper lubricant should be high temperature and compatible with brake systems (For example, ATE Plastilube or Permatex 24110). Regular lithol or graphite lubricant is not suitable, as it dries out or is washed out.

How to extend the life of brake pads

Rear pad service life Nissan Almera N16 can be increased by 30–50% if you follow a few simple rules of operation and maintenance. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden braking. A smooth reduction in speed reduces the load on the pads and discs. This is especially true in the first 200–300 km after replacement, when the pads are being ground in.
• 🚗 Control the weight of the car. Overload (such as towing a trailer) increases the load on the rear brakes, accelerating pad wear.
• 🚗 Monitor the condition of the brake fluid. Old or contaminated fluid reduces braking performance and can lead to corrosion in the calipers. Recommended replacement interval - every 2 years.
• 🚗 Check wheel geometry. Incorrect wheel alignment leads to uneven wear on the pads and discs.
• 🚗 Clean your brakes. After driving in mud or salt, clean the calipers and discs with water (no detergent!) to prevent corrosion.

It is also worth paying attention to quality of brake discs. Cheap non-original discs often have uneven hardness, which leads to accelerated pad wear. The best choice for Almera N16 - disks from Brembo (09.9708.11) or ATE (24.0122-0117.1). They are characterized by high wear resistance and good heat dissipation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Almera N16 rear pads

Is it possible to put front pads on rear brakes?

No, that's impossible. Front and rear pads on Nissan Almera N16 have different shapes, sizes and friction material compositions. In addition, the rear calipers are integrated with the parking brake mechanism, which requires a special pad design. Using unsuitable parts will result in ineffective braking and may damage the caliper.

How often do you need to change brake fluid when replacing pads?

It is recommended to change the brake fluid every 2 years or every 40–50 thousand km, regardless of replacing the pads. However, if you screwed in the caliper piston (for example, when installing new pads), fluid may be forced out of the system. In this case, check its level and add if necessary. A complete replacement of the fluid should be done if it has darkened or dirt particles are visible in it.

Why do the brakes squeak after replacing the pads?

Creaking after replacing pads can occur for several reasons:

• 🔊 Grinding in new pads (should disappear after 200–300 km).
• 🔊 Entry of dirt or grease on the friction surface of the pads.
• 🔊 Poor quality pad material (especially budget brands).
• 🔊 Worn or corroded caliper guides (requires cleaning and lubrication).

If the squeaking does not go away, check the condition of the discs (perhaps need re-grooving) and the quality of the pad installation.

Which pads are better - ceramic or metal?

The choice depends on driving style and operating conditions:

• 🚘 Ceramic pads suitable for a quiet ride. They generate less dust, are quieter and last longer, but may slow down worse in the cold.
• 🚘 Metal (semi-metallic) pads better for aggressive driving style. They provide sharper braking, but wear out the discs more and are noisier.
• 🚘 Organic pads - golden mean for Almera N16. They are softer on the discs and provide smooth braking, but wear out faster.

For most owners Almera N16 the best choice would be organic or ceramic pads from Ferodo or ATE.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the rear pads?

Bleeding the brakes is only required if the brake fluid leaked out of the system when the caliper piston was pushed in or if you disconnected the brake hoses. In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times so that the pads take their working position. If the pedal becomes soft or “falls in”, this is a sign of air getting into the system - then bleeding is required.