The brake system is one of the critical components of any car, and Nissan Almera Classic This is no exception. The rear brakes of this model are made in the form of a drum design, which has its own maintenance features compared to disc counterparts. Many owners are faced with the need to replace pads due to squeaks, decreased braking efficiency, or due to maintenance regulations.
The process of replacing rear drum pads Nissan Almera Classic requires some accuracy and a basic set of tools. Unlike front disc brakes, there are more springs and retainers that can be under tension, so safety is a priority. Properly performed work will ensure your safety on the roads and prevent premature wear of other elements of the brake system.
Preparatory activities and necessary tools
Before you begin any physical impact on the car, it is necessary to create safe working conditions. Nissan Almera Classic has sufficient ground clearance, but for comfortable work under the machine you will still need a lift or a high-quality inspection pit. If you use a jack, be sure to place safety stands under the body, as working under a vehicle supported only by a jack is not permitted.
Tools should be prepared in advance so as not to be distracted by searching for them during the dismantling process. You will need a standard set of sockets and wrenches, wrenches for unscrewing the drum guide pins, and specialized tools for compressing the springs. The presence of a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or an equivalent is mandatory, since threaded connections on old cars often stick.
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the work area. Dust from old brake pads contains asbestos or other harmful substances, so it is better to work with a respirator and gloves. Do not use compressed air to clean drums as this will raise dust into the air.
The list of required equipment is as follows:
- 🔧 Socket set (including 10, 12, 14 mm sockets)
- 🔨 Hammer with rubber or metal head
- 🔩 Special wrench or pliers for removing locking springs
- 🧼 Brake cleaner and rags for wiping parts
⚠️ Attention! Before starting work, be sure to put the car on the handbrake if you are working on only one wheel, or block the front wheels with wheel chocks if you are removing both rear axles.
Removing the brake drum and inspecting the mechanism
The first step is to remove the wheel and then remove the brake drum. On Nissan Almera Classic The drum often sits quite tightly due to rust or residual pressure from the pads. If the drum cannot be removed by hand, you need to carefully tap it around the perimeter through a wooden spacer or use a puller, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the seat.
Sometimes removing the drum requires loosening or completely removing the guide pins that hold it to the hub. In some cases, it helps to first unscrew the adjusting screw through the technological hole in the brake shield. This will allow the pads to move apart and clear the gap between them and the drum.
After removing the drum, you will have full access to the internal mechanisms. Carefully inspect the condition of the brake pads, springs and working cylinder piston. Note that there are signs of brake fluid leakage, which may indicate a cylinder failure.
It is important to check the condition of the working surface of the drum. Deep grooves or cracks may require regrooving or replacement, even if you plan to install new pads.
- Less than 50,000 km
- 50,000 - 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 150,000 km
- More than 150,000 km
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
The pad replacement process requires consistency to avoid losing small parts and springs. Start by disconnecting the parking brake cable from the rear shoe lever. This is done by loosening the lock nut and removing the end of the cable from the eye. Be careful not to damage the cable threads.
Next, you need to dismantle the upper and lower springs that tighten the pads. Use special pliers or pliers to compress the spring and remove its hook from the hole in the block. After removing the springs, remove the clamps on the upper and lower ends of the pads.
The next step is to remove the spacer bar and adjustment mechanism. Carefully remove the top part of the spacer, then disconnect the bottom part from the block. The adjusting screw can be unscrewed and cleaned of dirt and old grease. If the mechanism is soured, use a penetrating lubricant.
Now you can remove the old pads from the brake shield. Install the new pads in the reverse order, but without tensioning the springs. Make sure all fasteners are in place.
☑️ Control of the replacement process
⚠️ Attention! Never press the brake pedal when the drum is removed, as the pistons of the working cylinder may completely come out of the housing, which will cause them to fall and make it difficult to install later.
Setting the gaps and adjusting the hand brake
After installing new pads, it is necessary to correctly set the gap between the pads and the drum. On Nissan Almera Classic this is done using the adjusting screw, which is located at the bottom of the spacer bar. By rotating it, you move the pads apart or apart.
The adjustment is made until the drum begins to fit onto the pads with slight effort, but no friction against the drum should be heard when the wheel rotates. The ideal clearance ensures quick brake response when the pedal is pressed and no self-braking.
After mechanical adjustment, it is necessary to check the operation of the parking brake. The handbrake lever should move with a certain number of clicks (usually from 3 to 5). If the movement is too loose or too tight, additional adjustment of the cable under the vehicle will be required.
Also check the spring return. The pads must clearly return to their original position after releasing the pedal or handbrake. Sticking can cause the drum to overheat and reduce braking performance.
Before final assembly, apply a small amount of high-temperature grease to the contact points between the pads and the backing plate and to the threads of the adjusting screw, but avoid getting any grease on the friction linings!
Selection of quality spare parts and labeling nuances
The quality of brake pads directly affects safety. There is a huge selection of brands on the market, from original spare parts Nissan to budget analogues. When choosing, be guided by the composition of the friction mixture and the reputation of the manufacturer.
Original pads for Nissan Almera Classic are usually labeled to meet factory standards for dust generation and coefficient of friction. However, high-quality analogues from brands such as TRW, ATE or Remsa often exceed the original in terms of service life and stability of characteristics.
Avoid buying too cheap pads from unknown manufacturers. A low-quality friction mixture can quickly wear out, squeak when braking, or, worse, lose its properties when heated. Always check the integrity of the packaging and the presence of quality certificates.
When purchasing, also pay attention to the package contents. Ideally, the kit should include not only the pads, but also new springs and sometimes adjusting wedges. Using old springs with tired steel can cause the pads to not fully decompress.
| Manufacturer | Material type | Indicative resource | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Original | Semi-metallic | 30-40 thousand km | Perfect match, high price |
| TRW | Ceramic | 40-50 thousand km | Less dust, stable braking |
| Remsa | Organic | 35-45 thousand km | Optimal price-quality ratio |
| Budget brands | Mixed | 15-25 thousand km | Possible squeaks and rapid drum wear |
Why are drum brakes still relevant?
Despite the popularity of disc brakes, rear axle drums are still widely used due to their simplicity, low cost to manufacture, and high efficiency when used as a parking brake. They are also better protected from dirt and water.
Drum installation and final check
After installing all components and adjusting the gaps, you can begin installing the drum. Make sure the hub seat is clean and free of rust. This will ensure that the drum is properly centered and does not run out.
Tighten the drum guide pins if they were removed and secure the wheel rim. Before lowering the car to the ground, it is recommended to press the brake pedal several times so that the pistons of the working cylinder come out and press against the new pads. This will restore the pedal to its normal position.
Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive it. Start with slow movement and light braking, gradually increasing the load. Check for any unusual sounds, vibrations, or the vehicle pulling to the side when braking.
If you feel vibration or hear a grinding noise when braking, the gap may be set incorrectly or the friction linings may have gotten grease on them. In this case, you will have to disassemble the mechanism and eliminate the cause.
⚠️ Attention! For the first 200-300 kilometers after replacing the pads, avoid sudden emergency braking to allow the friction linings to get used to the surface of the drum and form a uniform contact layer.
Common maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them
Many car enthusiasts make mistakes that can lead to rapid failure of the brake system. The most common mistake is using lubricant on the friction surfaces of the pads. Even a drop of oil on the friction lining can reduce braking efficiency to zero.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the working cylinder. If the piston is seized or there are signs of leakage, replacing the pads alone will not solve the problem. In such cases, the cylinder must be replaced or repaired.
Incorrect installation of the spacer bar can also cause problems. Make sure that the adjusting mechanism operates freely and does not bind. Jamming will lead to constant slowdown and overheating of the drum.
Sometimes owners forget to check the handbrake cable for broken threads or corrosion. A damaged cable may jam and the wheel will lock while driving, which is extremely dangerous.
Regularly checking the condition of the brake system, including the rear drums, avoids costly repairs and ensures the safety of the driver and passengers.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
How often do you need to change the rear drum pads on an Almera Classic?
The scheduled replacement period is usually 60-80 thousand kilometers, but the actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. It is recommended to check the thickness of the pads at each scheduled maintenance.
Is it possible to change only one rear pad?
No, you always need to change both wheels on the same axle. Replacing just one pad will result in uneven braking and may cause the vehicle to skid.
What should I do if the drum does not come off after unscrewing the bolts?
Most often, the drum is stuck to the hub or the pads are spread too wide. Try tapping it with a rubber mallet or using an adjustment screw through the hole in the shield to reduce the gap.
Do I need to change the working cylinders when replacing the pads?
It depends on their condition. If there are no signs of leakage on the cylinder, the piston moves freely, and there is no corrosion, replacement is not necessary. However, with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, many specialists recommend changing them preventively.