The wheel bearing is one of the most loaded components of the chassis Nissan Almera, and its wear can lead to serious consequences: from an unpleasant hum at speed to complete wheel locking. Model owners N16 (2000–2006), N17 (2006–2012) And G15 (2012–2019) They often encounter this problem after 80–120 thousand km, especially when used on bad roads. Car services charge from 3 to 8 thousand rubles for a replacement (depending on the region), but if you have the tools and patience, you can do the job yourself.
In this article we will look at all stages of replacement — from diagnosing a malfunction to assembling the unit, and also cutting key point: why on Almera G15 the bearing is changed together with the hub, but on N16/N17 it can be replaced separately. You will learn what tools are needed, how to avoid mistakes when pressing, and what “tricks” the craftsmen use to speed up the process. If you have never repaired a chassis, don’t worry: step-by-step photos and videos at the end of the article will help even a beginner figure it out.
Signs of a wheel bearing failure on a Nissan Almera
The first symptoms of bearing wear are often confused with CV joint or brake system failures. However there is 5 Key Signs, which directly indicate the problem:
- 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing during acceleration (especially noticeable at speeds of 60–90 km/h). At an early stage, the noise may disappear when the steering wheel is turned towards the faulty bearing.
- 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, which does not depend on wheel balancing. More often occurs when driving on uneven roads.
- 🔄 Wheel play when rocking it in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). For Almera, the permissible play is no more than 0.5 mm.
- 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand - the operating temperature should not burn).
- 🛑 Grinding or crunching noise when rotating the wheel manually (indicates complete destruction of the bearing).
On Nissan Almera N16/N17 The bearing more often “fails” due to moisture ingress (leaky boot) or natural wear. But on G15 the problem is often related to design feature: The bearing is integrated into the hub, and when it wears out, the entire assembly must be replaced. This increases the cost of repairs, but simplifies the process - there is no need to press out the old bearing.
⚠️ Attention: If you ignore the noise of the bearing, it can fall apart while driving, which will lead to the wheel jamming. At speed this can lead to an accident! Particularly dangerous on Almera G15where the bearing is non-separable - its destruction leads to damage to the hub and brake disc.
Tools and materials for replacement
To work you will need specialized tool, which is not always in the garage. If you do not plan to do repairs regularly, some items (for example, a puller) can be rented. Here's the full list:
| Tool/material | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jack and stops | Lifting and securing the car | Use only reliable supports! |
| Wheel bearing puller | Pressing out/pressing in the bearing (for N16/N17) | Not needed for G15 - the hub assembly is replaced |
| Sockets (17, 19, 30 mm) | Unscrewing the hub nut and bolts | The hub nut on Almera often gets stuck - WD-40 may be needed |
| Torque wrench | Torque the hub nut to the correct torque | Torque for Almera: 180–220 Nm (see repair manual) |
| Hammer and drift | Carefully knocking out a hub or bearing | Use soft a drift (copper, aluminum) so as not to damage the seats |
Additionally prepare:
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent) to loosen stuck bolts.
- 🔧 Screwdriver set (flat and cross) for removing the brake caliper.
- 🧲 Magnet — will help not to lose the bearing balls during disassembly (relevant for N16/N17).
- 🛠️ New bearing or hub assembly (see articles below).
For Almera N16/N17 the original bearing has the article number 40520-4M000 (or analogues NSK 6206LLU, SKF VKBA 3505). On G15 buy a hub assembly: original 40520-BM00A or analogues Febi 23903, TRW JTC1343. Issue price: from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles per part.
- Never studied
- Minor repairs (replacement of pads, shock absorbers)
- I changed the bearings/hubs myself
- Professional auto mechanic
Step-by-step instructions for replacing a bearing on a Nissan Almera N16/N17
Replacement process Almera N16/N17 more difficult than G15, since it requires pressing out the old bearing and installing a new one. Let's look at the process step by step:
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Remove the wheel and brake caliper. Hang the caliper on a wire to avoid damaging the hose. Unscrew the brake disc (if it interferes).
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Unscrew the hub nut (you will need a 30mm socket and a long lever). If the nut won't budge, use WD-40 and a hammer to loosen it.
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Remove the hub from the axle. Here you may need a puller or careful blows with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
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Press out the old bearing using a puller. If you don’t have one, you can use a cage from an old bearing and a hammer, but this is risky - you can damage the seat.
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Clean and lubricate the seat new bearing. Use
Litol-24or similar lubricant. -
Press in the new bearing. Important! Just click on outer ring, otherwise the bearing will be deformed. Use a mandrel or an old clip.
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Reassemble the assembly in reverse order. Don't forget to tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench!
The seat is free of rust and dirt|
New bearing lubricated (inside and outside)|
The puller or mandrel is sized |
The hub nut unscrews/twists smoothly (without jamming) -->
⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 With ABS, the speed sensor is attached to the hub. When removing/installing, do not pull it by the wire - you can damage the connector! If the ABS light comes on after replacement, check the gap between the sensor and the magnetic ring (should be 0.5–1 mm).
Features of replacing the hub assembly on a Nissan Almera G15
On Almera G15 (2012–2019) the bearing is non-separable - it is pressed into the hub at the factory. This simplifies replacement, but increases its cost. The work algorithm is as follows:
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Remove the wheel, brake caliper and disc (as on N16/N17).
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Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque - 200 Nm) and remove it from the axle. Here you may need a puller or a hammer with a soft tip.
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Disconnect the ABS sensor (if equipped) and remove the old hub along with the bearing.
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Install the new hub assembly. Please note marking — different parts are installed on the right and left sides!
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Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench and reassemble the assembly in reverse order.
The advantage of this method is there is no risk of damaging the bearing when pressing, since it is already installed at the factory. However, there is a minus: if only one side is worn out (for example, the inner race), you will have to replace the entire assembly. Average price of hub assembly for G15 — 3,000–5,000 rubles.
Before purchasing a hub for Almera G15, check it for the presence of an ABS magnetic ring (if your car is equipped with one). Some “budget” analogues come without a ring, which will lead to an ABS error after installation.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a wheel bearing. Here TOP-5 misses, which can undo all the work:
- 🔧 Retightening the hub nut — leads to overheating of the bearing and its rapid failure. Always use a torque wrench!
- 🛠️ Impacts on the bearing during pressing - the hammer should only hit the mandrel, and not the bearing itself. Otherwise it will become deformed.
- 🧴 Lack of lubrication on the seat - leads to corrosion and complicates future replacement.
- 🔄 Mixed up sides (left/right) - relevant for Almera G15, where the hubs are not interchangeable.
- 🚨 Ignoring ABS Sensor — if you forget to connect it after assembly, an error will appear on the device.
Another common mistake is use of non-original bearings of questionable quality. Cheap analogues (for example, without markings) can crumble after 10–20 thousand km. It is better to overpay for proven brands: NSK, SKF, NTN or Koyo.
What happens if the bearing is pressed in incorrectly?
If the bearing is installed skewed or deformed during pressing, it will begin to heat up and hum after 500–1000 km. In the worst case, it will jam on the move. Signs of incorrect installation:
- The hub gets very hot after a short trip.
- Uneven hum (it appears and then disappears).
- Wheel play even after replacement.
If you notice these symptoms, redo your work immediately!
How much does service replacement cost vs DIY repair?
Wheel bearing replacement cost Nissan Almera in service depends on the region and model:
| Model | Cost of work (rub.) | Cost of parts (RUB) | Total (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almera N16/N17 (bearing replacement) | 3 000–5 000 | 1 500–2 500 | 4 500–7 500 |
| Almera G15 (replacement of hub assembly) | 2 500–4 000 | 3 000–5 000 | 5 500–9 000 |
Self-repair will only cost the cost of parts and tools (if they are not available). For example, a bearing puller can be bought for 1,500–3,000 rubles or rented for 300–500 rubles per day. Thus, the savings will be from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles.
However, keep in mind: if you do not have experience, the first replacement may take 4-6 hours (versus 1-2 hours for a specialist). There is also a risk of damaging parts, which will lead to additional costs. Conclusion: If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
The main rule of saving: if you plan to change the bearings yourself more than once every 3-5 years, buying a puller and a torque wrench will pay off after the second repair.
Video instructions and useful materials
For clarity, we recommend that you watch the video from experienced professionals:
- 📹 Replacing the bearing on Almera N16 (step by step with comments): YouTube link.
- 📹 Replacing the hub assembly on Almera G15 (with nuances for ABS): YouTube link.
- 📖 Nissan Almera repair manual (PDF): can be downloaded from the website example.com.
It is also useful to study owner forums, where typical problems are discussed:
- Almera-Club.ru (section “Chassis”),
- Drive2.ru (search by tag “Almera bearing”).
There you will find reviews of specific parts and repair tips.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a wheel bearing
Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?
Short-term (1-2 weeks) is possible, but it’s not worth the risk. The hum indicates the beginning of bearing failure. If it falls apart while driving, the wheel may jam. On Almera G15 this is especially dangerous since the bearing is non-separable - its destruction will damage the hub and brake disc.
How to check a bearing without a jack?
Place the car on a level surface and rock the wheel with your hands in a vertical plane (up and down). If there is play, the bearing is worn out. Also, lift the wheel on a jack and spin it by hand: grinding or uneven rotation is a sign of a problem.
Do the bearings need to be replaced on both sides?
Not necessarily. Bearings wear out independently of each other. Change only the one that hums or has play. An exception is if the car was used in difficult conditions (for example, off-road), and the mileage exceeds 150 thousand km. In this case, it is advisable to replace both.
What lubricant should I use on a new bearing?
High-temperature lubricants are suitable for wheel bearings:
- Litol-24 (budget option),
- Molykote BR2 Plus (optimal for Almera),
- SKF LGMT 2 (premium class).
Do not use graphite lubricant or grease - they do not withstand loads.
What should I do if there is still a hum after replacement?
The reasons may be as follows:
1. The bearing is installed skewed.
2. Insufficient tightening of the hub nut.
3. The boot is damaged (dirt has gotten into the bearing).
4. The CV joint is worn out (its noise is similar to a bearing).
Check all components and replace if necessary.