Brake system Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 or G15 depending on the market) is a critical component on the condition of which your safety depends. The rear pads on this model are often neglected until they begin to “squeak” or cause longer braking distances. Unlike the front ones, they wear out more slowly, but replacing them requires specific knowledge: from the correct selection of components to the nuances of working with drum or disc mechanisms (depending on the year of manufacture and configuration).
In this article we will look at all aspects - from choosing original and analog pads to step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical mistakes. You will learn how to recognize rear pad wear on Almera Classic before they start damaging your brake drums or rotors, and which brands offer the best value for money. We will pay special attention unique feature of the model: some cars from 2006–2012 have drum-type rear brakes, while later versions (for example, for the Russian market) have disc brakes. This fundamentally changes the approach to repair.
How to determine rear pad wear on Almera Classic
The first sign that owners pay attention to is creaking or whistling when braking. However, this is already a late signal: the pads could wear down to metal and begin to scratch the drum or disc. Earlier symptoms:
- 🔴 Increased braking distance — the car slows down longer, especially on wet roads.
- 🔴 Vibration or beat in the brake pedal when pressed (usually indicates drum deformation).
- 🔴 Uneven braking — the car “steers” to the side.
- 🔴 ABS light came on (on models with anti-lock system).
For an accurate diagnosis, a visual examination is sufficient. On Almera Classic with drum brakes you will have to remove the wheel and look through the viewing window in the shield (if there is one). The normal thickness of the friction material is from 3–4 mm. If less, replacement is required. On versions with disc brakes pads are visible through the wheel spokes: critical wear is when the thickness is less 2 mm.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With drum brakes, the problem of “souring” of the pads is often encountered due to corrosion of the springs and guides. If after replacing the pads the brake “sticks”, check the mobility of all elements of the mechanism!
- Drums
- Disk
- I don't know
- Another option
Original vs analogues: which pads to choose
Original pads from Nissan for Almera Classic are supplied under article numbers:
- 📌 Drums:
40520-9M000(set for both wheels). - 📌 Disk:
40506-9M000(front pads are often suitable for rear pads on some modifications).
However, their price (from 3 500 ₽ per set) forces many owners to look for analogues. The table below shows proven brands indicating the average cost and features:
| Brand | Article (drum) | Article (disk) | Price, ₽ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nibk | PB1035 |
PD1042 |
1 800–2 200 | Soft friction material, produces little dust, but wears out faster. |
| Bosch | 0 986 494 627 |
0 986 494 216 |
2 500–3 000 | Rigid, durable, but can creak for the first 200–300 km. |
| TRW | GDB1446 |
GDB1745 |
2 800–3 200 | Optimal balance of price and quality, suitable for an aggressive driving style. |
| Sangsin | SP1399 |
SP1400 |
1 500–1 900 | A budget option, but you often come across fakes. |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to ECE R90 certification — it guarantees compliance with European safety standards. Avoid pads that are not marked or have signs like “Premium Quality"without indicating the manufacturer - this is a sure sign of a fake.
Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility using the vehicle's VIN code. On Almera Classic For the Russian and European markets, different brake systems could be installed even within the same year of production!
Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads
The replacement process differs depending on the type of brake. Below are universal instructions taking into account the nuances for Almera Classic.
For drum brakes
- Preparation: Jack up the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the drum guide pins (usually 2 pieces). If the drum is stuck, gently tap it with a rubber hammer.
- Removing the old pad: Disconnect the springs and spacer bar (use pliers). Please note the condition brake cylinder - if it leaks, it also needs to be replaced.
- Installing new pads: Apply to pad and cylinder contact points
copper grease(For example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste). Install the pads in the reverse order, adjust the gap using the eccentric on the shield.
For disc brakes
- Removing the caliper: Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually on
14or17). Hang the caliper on a wire to avoid damaging the hose. - Replacing pads: Remove the old pads and clean the guides from rust. Install new pads so that wear indicator was on top (on the outer block).
- Reassembly: Before installing the caliper push the piston down using sliding pliers or a special tool (on Almera Classic The piston is screwed in clockwise).
Free play of the brake pedal|No brake fluid leaks|Even fit of the pads to the drum/disc|Handbrake performance-->
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With drum brakes, be sure to adjust the parking brake after replacing the pads! To do this, tighten the cable under the machine (nut on 10 next to the muffler) until the wheels are locked with 3-4 clicks of the lever.
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake failure. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake cylinder. If it leaks or gets stuck, the new pads will wear out quickly. Check it for leaks by pressing the brake pedal with the drum removed - the pistons should extend evenly.
- 🚫 Lack of lubrication on the guides. This leads to “souring” of the pads and uneven wear. Use high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
- 🚫 Incorrect clearance adjustment. On drum brakes Almera Classic there should be a gap
0.3–0.5 mm. You can check it with a feeler gauge or by ear: there should be no friction when the drum rotates. - 🚫 Tightened handbrake cable. This leads to overheating of the pads and their deformation. After replacement, check that the wheels rotate freely when the lever is lowered.
Another common problem is incompatibility of pads with brake drums. For example, if you install pads from Nissan Micra (they look similar), they will only touch the drum at the edges, which will lead to rapid wear. Always check catalogs by VIN!
What to do if after replacing the pads the brakes are “wobbly”?
If the brake pedal becomes soft, air has most likely entered the system. Bleed the brakes in the order: right rear → left rear → right front → left front. On Almera Classic To do this, you will need an assistant (one pumps the pedal, the second releases the fitting on the caliper).
When to change not only the pads: related work
Replacing the rear pads is a good reason to check other elements of the brake system. Here's what to do in parallel:
- 🔧 Brake drums/discs: If their thickness is less than permissible (for drums -
180 mm, for disks -10 mm), needs to be replaced. You can check with a caliper. - 🔧 Brake hoses: Cracks or swelling are a sign of an imminent replacement. On Almera Classic hoses often “tan” after 100,000 km.
- 🔧 Brake fluid: If it is darker than tea or flakes are visible in it, replace it (interval - every
2 yearsor40,000 km). - 🔧 Wheel bearings: When replacing pads, check the wheel play - if there is any, it’s time to change the bearing.
On vehicles with ABS (For example, Almera Classic 2010–2012) after replacing the pads, the malfunction light may come on. This is due to the fact that ABS sensors react to changes in the gap between the pad and the disc. Usually the error clears after 2-3 braking cycles. If the light does not go out, check the integrity of the sensor wiring.
On Almera Classic With drum brakes, after replacing the pads, the first 100–200 km of braking distance may be longer than usual. This is normal - the pads rub against the drum.
How much does replacement work cost in the service?
Rear pad replacement cost Almera Classic in services varies depending on the region and type of brakes:
- 💰 Drum brakes:
1 500–2 500 ₽for both wheels (excluding the cost of pads). - 💰 Disc brakes:
2 000–3 500 ₽(with bleeding the brakes).
Replacing it yourself will only cost the cost of the pads and consumables (lubricant, brake cleaner). However, if you do not have experience working with drum brakes, it is better to trust the professionals - errors during assembly can lead to wheel jamming on the go.
When choosing a service, check whether the price includes:
- 🔹 Adjusting the hand brake.
- 🔹 Checking the brake fluid.
- 🔹 Diagnostics of brake cylinders.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Almera Classic rear pads
Is it possible to put front pads on rear discs?
On some modifications Almera Classic (for example, with an engine QG15DE) front and rear disc pads are identical (article number 40506-9M000). However, on most versions they differ in size and shape. Always check VIN compatibility!
How often do you need to change your rear pads?
Service life depends on driving style and operating conditions:
- 🚗 Drums:
80,000–120,000 km. - 🚗 Disk:
50,000–80,000 km.
In the urban cycle with frequent braking, wear accelerates by 20–30%.
Why do my brakes squeak after replacing the pads?
Creak for the first time 200–500 km - normal phenomenon (grinding in). If the sound does not go away:
- 🔊 Low quality pads (for example, with a high metal content).
- 🔊 Incorrect installation (anti-squeak plate missing).
- 🔊 Brake disc/drum wear (furrows form).
Solution: use anti-squeak paste (For example, ATE Plastilube) on the back of the pads.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the rear pads?
Bleeding is required only if:
- 🔧 You disconnected the brake hoses.
- 🔧 Brake fluid was leaking from the system.
- 🔧 The brake pedal has become “cotton”.
On Almera Classic Drum brakes require bleeding less often than disc brakes.
Which pads are better - ceramic or semi-metallic?
For Almera Classic optimal choice:
- 🔥 Semi-metallic: Cheaper, dissipate heat better, but wear out discs/drums more and generate dust.
- ❄️ Ceramic: More expensive, but quieter, less dusty and last longer. Suitable for a relaxed driving style.
For the city we recommend ceramics (for example, Bosch Ceramic), for the route - semi-metal (TRW GDB1745).