Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera — a consumable that requires attention every 30–50 thousand kilometers. Their wear depends on driving style, quality of materials and condition of the brake system. If you notice squeaking, vibrations when braking, or increased pedal travel, it's time to check your pads. In this article we will look at how to replace them yourself, without resorting to the services of a service station.

The procedure does not require special skills, but has nuances: from the correct selection of pads to the correct installation of the brake cylinder. We will look at features for different generations Almera (N16, G15, B10), we list the necessary tools and show how to avoid common mistakes. If you've never done brake repair, don't worry: step-by-step photos and videos will help you figure it out.

When do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Almera?

The manufacturer recommends checking the brake pads every 15 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on several factors:

  • 🚗 Driving style: aggressive braking reduces the life of the pads by 2–3 times.
  • 🏙️ Operating conditions: In the city the pads wear out faster than on the highway.
  • 🔧 Quality of materials: cheap pads can get dusty and wear out within 10–20 thousand km.
  • 🌡️ Condition of brake discs: Warped or worn discs will accelerate pad wear.

The need for replacement can be determined by the following signs:

  • ⚠️ Creaking or whistling when braking (most often indicates wear of the friction layer).
  • 🔴 Pedal vibration or beating in the steering wheel (may indicate uneven wear).
  • 📏 Friction layer thickness less than 2–3 mm (checked visually through the caliper inspection window).
  • 🚨 Brake light came on on the dashboard (on models with wear sensors).
⚠️ Attention! If the pads are worn down to metal, they will damage the brake rotor. In this case, you will need to replace not only the pads, but also the discs, which will cost 2–3 times more.

On Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) and G15 (2012–2018) rear brakes may be disk or drums — it depends on the configuration. Check your brake type before purchasing pads! On Almera B10 (1995–2000) almost always have drum brakes.

📊 What type of rear brakes are on your Almera?
  • Disk
  • Drums
  • I don't know
  • Other

Which pads to choose for Nissan Almera?

Not only the resource, but also safety depends on the quality of the pads. Cheap analogues can become dusty, creak, or brake poorly when heated. We recommend sticking to original catalog numbers or proven analogues.

Generation Almera Original number Popular analogues Notes
N16 (2000–2006, disc) 40520-9M000 TRW GDB1465, ATE 13.0460-2764.2, Bosch 0 986 494 217 Suitable for 1.5 and 1.8 engines
G15 (2012–2018, disc) 40520-BM40A Ferodo FDB1901, Textar 2465201, Jurid 571386J For versions with and without ABS
B10 (1995–2000, drums) 40530-4M000 TRW GDB330, ATE 13.0460-0195.2, Nisshinbo NFR330 Requires adjustment after installation

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Certification: pads must meet the standard ECE R90.
  • 📦 Completeness: The kit must contain pads, guides and lubricant (if provided).
  • 🔥 Temperature: For active driving, choose pads marked "Sport" or "Heavy Duty".
⚠️ Attention! Do not install pads with asbestos composition - they are banned in the EU and are harmful to health. Modern analogues are made of ceramics or semi-metallic alloys.

If you are not sure about the choice, check the pads using the car's VIN code on the websites Nissan or Exist.ru. This guarantees 100% compatibility.

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Before purchasing, inspect the old pads: if they are worn unevenly, the problem may be in the caliper or guides. In this case, additional repairs will be required.

Tools and materials for replacement

To work, you will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. Here's the full list:

  • 🔧 Jack And supports (or lift).
  • 🔩 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
  • 🔨 Socket heads at 12, 14 and 17 mm.
  • 🔧 Ratchet wrench or a collar.
  • 🛠️ Pliers And flat blade screwdriver.
  • 🧴 Caliper Lubricant (For example, TRW PFG110 or Slipkote 220-R DBC).
  • 🧹 Wire brush And degreaser (acetone or WD-40).
  • 🔧 Caliper piston remover (for disc brakes).
  • 📏 Vernier caliper (to measure the thickness of the disc).

For drum brakes you will additionally need:

  • 🔧 Spring puller (or long nose pliers).
  • 🔨 Hammer And punch to remove the drum.
  • 🔧 Adjustment key for pads.

Don't skimp on caliper lubricant! Cheap analogues may boil when heated, which will lead to jamming of the piston. Also prepare rubber gloves — Brake dust is harmful to the skin.

Make sure that the car is on a level surface|Turn off the parking brake (if you are changing the rear pads)|Put blocks under the front wheels|Prepare tools and new pads|Clean the brakes from dirt-->

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on disc brakes

Let's look at the process using an example Nissan Almera G15 with rear disc brakes. The procedure is the same for most modifications.

Step 1: Preparing and removing the wheel

Raise the rear of the car with a jack and install supports. Remove the wheel by unscrewing the bolts with a wheel wrench. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt with a wire brush.

Step 2. Removing the caliper

Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm). Carefully remove the caliper and hang it on a wire or rope to avoid damaging the brake hose. Do not disconnect the hose from the caliper - this will allow air to enter the system!

Step 3: Replacing the pads

Remove the old pads from the guides. Clean any rust from the seats and apply a thin layer of lubricant to the back of the new pads (where they contact the caliper). Reinstall the pads.

Step 4. Recessing the caliper piston

To put the caliper on the new (thicker) pads, you need to recess the piston. To do this:

  1. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
  2. Use a puller or adjustable wrench to slowly push the piston in.
  3. Monitor the fluid level in the tank - when the piston is pushed in, it will rise.

Step 5: Assembly and Testing

Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts firmly 25–30 Nm. Put the wheel on, lower the car and press the brake pedal several times until the pads click into place. Check the brake fluid level and add if necessary.

What to do if the piston does not recess?

If the piston is stuck, try the following:

1. Check that the parking brake is disengaged (on some models it blocks the piston).

2. Treat the piston with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.

3. Use the puller with great force, but do not distort the piston.

4. If the piston is damaged, the caliper will need to be replaced.

Features of replacing pads on drum brakes

Drum brakes were installed on Nissan Almera B10 and earlier versions N16. Replacing them is more difficult than disk ones, but is quite doable in a garage environment.

Step 1: Removing the Drum

Loosen the parking brake cable (adjustment under the vehicle). Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and hammer the drum through the wooden spacer. If the drum does not come off, check to see if it is sticking on the pads - it may need adjustment.

Step 2. Removing old pads

Using a puller or pliers, remove the upper and lower springs, then the pad tension springs. Disconnect the parking brake cable and remove the pads. Clean the brake shield from dust and rust.

Step 3. Installing new pads

Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order:

  1. Install new pads into the seats.
  2. Connect the parking brake cable.
  3. Install the tension springs (start from the bottom).
  4. Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum using an eccentric.

Step 4. Adjustment and check

Install the drum and adjust the parking brake. To do this:

  1. Raise the parking brake lever 2-3 clicks.
  2. Spin the wheel - it should lock.
  3. Lower the lever and check that the wheel rotates freely.
⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads on drum brakes, be sure to bleed the brake system to remove air. Otherwise, braking efficiency will decrease.
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Drum brakes require mandatory adjustment after replacing the pads. If this is not done, the wheels will jam or, conversely, the braking will not be enough.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing pads. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

  • 🔧 Incorrect pad installation (right and left are mixed up). Solution: Most pads have marks L (left) and R (right).
  • 🧴 Lack of lubrication on the guides. Solution: Use special high temperature grease.
  • 🔩 Overtightened caliper bolts. Solution: Tighten firmly 25–30 Nm (use a torque wrench).
  • 🚗 Forgot to recess the caliper piston. Solution: Before installing new pads, be sure to press in the piston.
  • 🔥 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. Solution: if the disk is thinner 10 mm or has deep grooves - replace it.

Another common problem is squeaking pads after replacement. The reasons may be as follows:

  • Low quality friction material (choose pads marked "Low Noise").
  • Lack of anti-squeak plates (install them if they were included).
  • Grease gets on the working surface of the pads (wipe them with a degreaser).

If after replacement the brake pedal becomes “soft”, this is a sign of air getting into the system. In this case you will need bleeding the brakes.

When is it necessary to replace brake discs?

Pads and discs wear out at the same time, but discs last longer. However, there are situations when their replacement is required:

  • 📏 Disc thickness less than the minimum allowable (for Almera this is usually 10–11 mm).
  • 🔍 Deep grooves or cracks on the work surface.
  • 🌀 Disc runout (feels like vibration on the steering wheel when braking).
  • 🔥 Disk overheating (blue discoloration of the metal indicates critical temperatures).

Check the disc with a caliper. If its thickness is close to the limit value, replace the disc along with the pads. Installing new pads on a worn disc will cause them to wear unevenly and reduce braking efficiency.

On Nissan Almera The original rear brake discs have the following catalog numbers:

  • N16: 40500-9M000 (diameter 260 mm).
  • G15: 40500-BM40A (diameter 262 mm).
⚠️ Attention! When replacing disks, be sure to use new mounting bolts - they are disposable and lose their strength after unscrewing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, the pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axis. If you replace the pads on only one side, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How long does it take to replace pads?

If you have the tools and experience, the work takes 1–1.5 hours (on both wheels). If you are doing this for the first time, allow 2-3 hours, taking into account possible difficulties.

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

Bleeding is only required if you disconnected the brake hose or retracted the caliper piston with the reservoir open (and air entered the system). In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times to get the pads into place.

Why does the car pull to the side after replacing the pads?

There are several reasons: uneven tightening of the calipers, contamination of the working surface of the pads or discs, wear of the wheel bearing. Check all elements and repeat assembly if necessary.

Is it possible to drive if the brake pads squeak?

Creaking does not always indicate critical wear, but it should not be ignored. If the pads are worn down to metal, they will damage the disc and cost more to repair. It is better to check the thickness of the friction layer.