Operation Nissan Almera Classic requires regular attention to the braking system, since it is the rear drum mechanisms that experience enormous loads during daily trips through city traffic jams. Many owners mistakenly believe that drum brakes last forever, but this misconception can lead to critical wear on the caliper and higher repair costs in the future.
Replacement procedure rear pads This model has its own specific features related to the design of the hand brake and spring system. Correct installation of new elements guarantees not only traffic safety, but also the absence of extraneous noise when pressing the pedal.
Tool preparation and wear diagnostics
Before you begin dismantling the wheel, you need to prepare a specialized set of tools, since a standard jacking kit may not be able to cope with stuck elements. You will definitely need wrenches for 12, 14 and 17, as well as a brake drum puller or a strong pry bar for careful pressing.
A visual inspection of the condition of the brake system is often impossible without removing the drum, but indirect signs of wear can be noticed already while driving. If you hear a metallic grinding sound or feel vibration when you tighten the handbrake, this is a sure sign that friction linings require immediate replacement.
For high-quality repairs, you will need to purchase not only the pads themselves, but also consumables, such as guide lubricant and brake cleaner. Ignoring preparation can lead to the fact that during the work you will be faced with the need to buy additional parts on the spot.
- 🛠️ Drum puller or powerful screwdriver set
- 🧼 Brake Cleaner can
- 🔧 Copper grease for guides and springs
- 🔨 Hammer with a rubber nozzle for accurate knocking
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to put the car on the handbrake and place wheel chocks under the front wheels to prevent accidental movement of the car.
- Up to 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
- I don't know for sure
Removing the brake drum and inspecting the mechanism
Removing the drum is often the most difficult part of the job, as it can be very stuck to the hub due to corrosion and long service life. If the drum cannot be removed by hand, do not hit it directly with a metal hammer so as not to damage the seats and ABS sensors.
Use special holes at the end of the drum and screw in M8 or M10 bolts, which will evenly push it out of the seat. If there are no bolts, gently tap the sides with a rubber hammer, alternating blows from above and below, to break up the rust contact.
After removing the drum, you will have a view of the spacer bar and the pad spreading mechanism. Please note the condition upper and lower springs, which may be stretched or show signs of corrosion, reducing their elasticity.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
Removing old pads and disassembling the mechanism
The disassembly process requires caution, since the springs under high tension can bounce off and injure your hands or scratch the car body. First you need to remove the upper tension spring using special pliers or powerful pliers, hooking it onto the hook.
Next, you should remove the spacer bar, which is held in place by a lock washer and a nut on the regulator rod. Be extremely careful not to lose small parts such as washers and spring clips, which can easily fall onto the asphalt.
It is important to remember or photograph the location of the springs and levers before removal, so as not to confuse them during reassembly. Mistakes at this stage can result in the handbrake not working or the brake pads constantly rubbing against the drum.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of all springs before disassembling
- 🧤 Use protective gloves to protect your hands from dirt and oil
- 🗑️ Prepare a container for old springs and lock washers
- 🧽 Clean all metal elements from old grease and dust
What to do if the springs are stuck?
If the springs cannot be removed in the standard way, they can be heated with a hair dryer or a blowtorch (careful with paint), but it is best to use a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 and give it time to work.
Installing new pads and adjusting the regulator
Before installing new Nissan Almera Classic Before installing the pads, the landing pads on the caliper base must be thoroughly cleaned of carbon deposits and rust. Use a wire brush and cleaner to ensure perfect friction lining contact, which is critical for effective braking.
Install the spacer bar and adjust its length to fit the standard dimensions for the new kit. Manufacturers often supply bars with extra length, so you need to shorten it by turning the adjusting nut so that the pads fit easily into the drum.
After installing all springs and levers, check whether the handbrake mechanism moves freely. The lever should move smoothly, without jamming, and the pads should move apart and converge in accordance with the operation of the handbrake cable.
Apply a thin layer of copper grease only to the contact points between the pads and the base (shoes), but do not lubricate the friction linings themselves!
Compatibility table and tightening parameters
For correct assembly, it is important to observe the tightening torque of all bolted connections to avoid self-unscrewing or damage to the threads. Below is a table with recommended parameters for the main components of the rear brake system.
| element | Thread size | Tightening torque (Nm) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel bolts | M12x1.25 | 105-115 | Tighten crosswise |
| Strap adjuster nut | M8 | 15-20 | Pull with force, but do not tear |
| Lock washer | Fixation | — | Rivet or bend the edges |
| Handbrake cable | Nut M10 | 25-30 | Check tension after |
Pay special attention to the nut securing the spacer bar. If it is not securely secured, the bar may become dislodged during use, causing uneven pad wear and reduced braking performance.
Checking operation and adapting brakes
After assembling the mechanism and installing the drum, it is necessary to check the operation of the hand brake. The lever should click 3-5 clicks when fully tightened. If it rises too high or too low, the cable will need to be tightened under the interior floor.
Before heading out on the road, perform several braking cycles in place so that the pads get used to the surface of the drum. This will avoid sudden braking and squeaking during the first trips after replacement.
This is a normal phenomenon that goes away after several dozen braking cycles, when the new pads take their working position.
⚠️ Attention: For the first 200-300 kilometers after replacing the pads, avoid sharp braking and extreme maneuvers to give the friction linings time to completely grind into the drum.
Proper grinding in of new pads is the key to stable braking and absence of vibrations on the steering wheel in the future.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many car owners make the mistake of installing pads without first cleaning the pads. Even a microscopic particle of dirt can cause uneven wear and persistent squeaking that cannot be corrected by re-tightening.
Another common problem is incorrect adjustment of the length of the spacer bar. If the bar is too long, the drum simply will not fit on the mechanism, and if it is too short, the brakes will not work effectively.
You should also avoid using harsh chemical solvents to clean springs, as they can change the metal structure and reduce their elasticity. Use only specialized brake cleaners or kerosene.
- 🚫 Do not use WD-40 as a guide lubricant
- 🚫 Don’t ignore the condition of the handbrake cable
- 🚫 Do not place the drum on dirty or rusty surfaces
- 🚫 Do not tighten wheel bolts without a torque wrench
Conclusion
Replacing rear pads with Nissan Almera Classic - This is a task that even a novice car enthusiast can handle with basic skills and tools. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and take your time at the disassembly and adjustment stage.
Regularly checking your brake system will help you avoid costly repairs and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Remember that brakes are a system that should not be neglected.
Follow the recommendations, use high-quality spare parts and regularly maintain your car so that it serves you faithfully for many years.
How often do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
The average life of rear drum pads ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 km, but this depends on driving style and operating conditions. It is recommended to check their condition at every scheduled maintenance.
Is it possible to change the pads on only one side?
No, you must change the pads on both rear wheels at the same time. This will ensure uniform braking and prevent the car from skidding during emergency braking.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is stuck, try using a puller or screwing bolts into the technological holes to squeeze it out. You can also treat the contact area with a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work.
Do new pads need to be lubricated?
Only the contact points between the metal base of the pads and the base of the caliper (shoes) need to be lubricated. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate friction linings, as this will worsen braking.
How to check the functionality of the handbrake after replacement?
After installation, check the number of clicks when tightening the handbrake. It should be 3-5 clicks. If the lever rises higher, it is necessary to tighten the cable under the interior floor.