Replacing rear brake discs on a Nissan Almera: step-by-step instructions with photos and videos

Rear brake discs on Nissan Almera is a critical safety element that requires timely replacement. Unlike the front ones, they wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects braking efficiency, especially in emergency situations. Model owners N16 (2000–2006), G15 (2012–2018) and B17 (2019–present) are often faced with the need to replace discs after 80–120 thousand km, but this figure may vary depending on driving style and the quality of spare parts.

In this article we will look not only step by step replacement process, but we’ll also tell you how to determine disc wear without removing the wheels, what tools you’ll need, and what to look for when choosing new parts. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that beginners make - from incorrectly tightening bolts to ignoring the condition of the brake cylinders. If you plan to carry out the work yourself, our recommendations will help you avoid costly consequences.

Signs of wear on the rear brake discs on a Nissan Almera

The first signal about the need for replacement is vibration of the steering wheel or brake pedal during sudden braking. This indicates disc deformation, which occurs due to overheating or mechanical damage. On Almera G15 And B17 with ABS, such vibration may be less noticeable, so it is important to carry out a visual inspection every 20-30 thousand km.

Other symptoms:

• 🔊 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates critical wear of the disc or pads (sometimes metal shavings scratch the surface).
• 📏 Increased braking distance - if the car brakes worse than before, even after replacing the pads.
• 🔥 Disk overheating — after intense braking, the wheel may be hot to the touch (normal: up to 60°C, critical: over 100°C).
• 👀 Visible grooves or cracks on the working surface of the disk (depth more than 0.5 mm is a reason for replacement).

On Nissan Almera N16 with drum brakes at the rear (pre-restyle), signs of wear may appear differently: for example, wheel jamming due to drum deformation. In this case, the entire assembly must be replaced, not just the disk.

⚠️ Attention: If there are blue spots (overheating), it must be replaced even if the thickness is maintained. Such defects reduce the strength of the metal and can lead to cracking.

What tools and spare parts will be needed

To replace rear brake discs with Almera You will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. For example, for models with electronic handbrake (EPB) (G15 And B17) you need a scanner to reset the brakes - without it it is impossible to retract the cylinder pistons.

Main list of tools:

• 🔧 Set of heads and keys (14, 17, 19 mm - for attaching the caliper and hub).
• 🔨 Socket wrench with extension (for bolts securing the disc to the hub).
• 🛠️ Brake pad remover (or flat blade screwdriver).
• 🔩 Torque wrench (for tightening with the correct torque - 80–100 Nm).
• 🧲 Magnet or telescopic grip (so as not to lose the bolts during dismantling).
• 🖥️ OBD-II scanner (for models with EPB, for example, Launch CReader or ELM327).

Spare parts and consumables:

Name	Article (original/analogue)	Note
Brake disc (rear)	40520-4M000 (N16), 40520-BM400 (G15/B17)	Ventilated or perforated (for a sporty driving style).
Brake pads (rear set)	40520-4M025 (N16), 40520-JK00A (G15/B17)	It is recommended to change along with the disks.
Disc mounting bolts	08915-14010	Sometimes they get stuck - it’s better to have spare ones.
Caliper Lubricant	Molykote G-3407 or TRW PFG110	For guides and the back of the pads.
DOT-4 brake fluid	KE900-90040 (Nissan)	To bleed the system after replacement.

For models Almera N16 with drum brakes at the rear, additional tools will be required: a spring remover and special pliers for spreading the pads. On G15 And B17 With EPB, you cannot manually press in the cylinder pistons - this will lead to damage to the mechanism.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear brake discs

Replacement process Nissan Almera takes 2-3 hours (on both wheels) if you have experience. If this is your first time doing this, be patient and follow the instructions strictly in order. Start with right rear wheel — it’s more convenient to work with the hand brake.

Step 1. Preparing the car

• 🅿️ Place the car on a flat surface and secure the front wheels with stops.
• 🔧 Loosen the rear wheel mounting bolts (do not remove completely!).
• 🚗 Raise the rear with a jack and install support stands (never work on the jack alone!).
• ⚡ Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (for models with EPB).

Step 2. Removing the wheel and caliper

• 🔄 Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt (use a metal brush).
• 🔩 Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually 14 or 17 mm).
• 🧲 Hang the caliper on a wire or a special hook - do not leave it hanging on the hose!
• 🛑 Remove the brake pads (a puller or screwdriver may be required).

Step 3: Removing the old drive

• 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the disc to the hub (sometimes they stick - use WD-40).
• 🔨 If the disc cannot be removed, gently tap it around the edges with a rubber hammer.
• ⚠️ Do not hit the hub - this may damage the bearing!

Clean the hub from rust and dirt|Check the condition of the brake cylinder|Apply grease to the caliper guides|Make sure the new disc is compatible with the model-->

Step 4: Install a new drive

• 🆕 Place the new disc on the hub and secure with bolts (tightening torque - 80–100 Nm).
• 🔄 Install new pads (if included).
• 🛠️ Return the caliper to its place and tighten the bolts (torque - 25–30 Nm).

Step 5. Completion of work

• 🔧 Install the wheel and lower the car.
• 🚗 Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.
• 🔄 For models with EPB: connect the scanner and follow the procedure "Retraction of EPB motor".

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the disks with Almera With ABS, the malfunction light may come on. This is normal - the error will clear after several braking cycles. If the light does not go out, check the ABS sensors.

What to do if the disc cannot be removed?

If the disc is stuck to the hub, try the following methods:

1. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Gently tap the disc around with a rubber mallet.

3. Use a claw puller (e.g. KUKKO 204-2).

4. As a last resort, heat the disk with a hair dryer (do not overheat the bearing!).

If all else fails, the hub assembly may need to be replaced.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear of discs or breakdown of the brake system. Let's look at the most common of them using an example Nissan Almera.

1. Incorrect bolt tightening

The bolts securing the disc to the hub must be tightened criss-cross with a force of 80–100 Nm. If you overtighten, the disc may become deformed; If you don’t tighten it enough, a beating will appear. Use a torque wrench!

2. Ignoring the caliper state

If the caliper guides have become sour or the cylinder pistons are jammed, new discs will last 2–3 times less. Required:

• 🧴 Lubricate the guides with special lubricant (not ordinary lithol!).
• 🔧 Check the movement of the pistons - they should move smoothly.
• 🛑 Replace the anthers if they are torn.

3. Installing discs without cleaning the hub

Rust or dirt on the hub mating surface will lead to disc runout already after 1–2 thousand km. Always clean the surface with a wire brush and degrease.

4. Saving on pads

Installing new discs with old pads is a serious mistake. The pads are already “ground in” to the old disk geometry, and their contact with the new surface will be uneven. This will lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating and disk deformation.
• 📉 Reduced braking efficiency.
• 🔊 The appearance of squeaks and vibrations.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 And B17 With EPB you cannot install discs thinner than 18 mm (minimum permissible thickness). Exceeding this threshold may lead to failure of the electronic handbrake.

How to break in new brake discs on a Nissan Almera

Running in (or “grinding in”) new discs and pads is an essential step that many people skip. Failure to follow this process will result in uneven wear and reduced braking performance. For Almera The following algorithm is recommended:

First 200 km:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden braking (maximum pedal effort is 50–60%).
• 🔄 Alternate smooth decelerations with accelerations up to 60–80 km/h.
• 🚫 Do not use the handbrake unless absolutely necessary (for models with EPB).

Next 300 km:

• 📈 Gradually increase the load on the brakes (up to 70–80% force).
• 🔥 Avoid prolonged braking on descents (for example, in mountainous areas).
• 🛑 After intense braking, let the discs cool down (drive 1–2 km without braking).

Full grinding takes about 500 km. After this, you can operate the brakes as normal. If vibrations or squeaks appear during the break-in process, this may indicate:

• 🔧 Incorrect disk installation.
• 🧴 Lack of lubrication on the caliper guides.
• 🛠️ Defect in new pads or discs.

On Almera B17 with the system VDC (control of dynamics) it is better to combine running in the brakes with calibration of the sensors. To do this, after replacing the disks, follow the procedure "G-sensor Calibration" through a scanner.

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Cost of replacing rear brake discs Nissan Almera in service depends on the region and type of service station. On average in Russia, expenses are as follows:

Service/Spare part	Cost (RUB)	Note
Brake disc (1 piece, original)	4 500 – 7 000	Analogs (for example, ATE or Brembo) 20–30% cheaper.
Pad set (rear)	1 500 – 3 500	The price depends on the material (ceramics are more expensive than metal-ceramics).
Work (replacement of discs + pads, 2 wheels)	3 000 – 6 000	Includes bleeding the brakes and adjusting the handbrake.
Lubricant and consumables	500 – 1 000	Caliper lubricant, brake cleaner.
Total (independent)	6 000 – 10 000	Excluding tools.
Total (in service)	10 000 – 18 000	Includes diagnostics and warranty.

Self-replacement is 30–50% more profitable, but requires:

• 🛠️ Availability of tools (torque wrench, pullers).
• 📖 Knowledge of the brake system Almera.
• ⏱️ Time (3-4 hours for a beginner).

If you have a model with EPB, saving on service can result in problems. For example, incorrectly resetting the electronic handbrake will lead to:

• 🚨 Wheel locking.
• 🔧 EPB motor breakdown (repair cost - from 15,000 rubles).
• 🛑 Loss of warranty on the brake system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to replace only one rear disc and not both?

No, this is absolutely not recommended. Even if the second disc is visually in good condition, different thickness or material will lead to uneven braking and the car pulling to the side. The exception is if the second disk is new (for example, replaced a month ago).

What is the service life of the rear brake discs on the Almera G15?

The average service life of original discs is 100–120 thousand km. However, with aggressive driving or frequent braking (for example, in the city), they can wear out after 60–80 thousand km. Perforated or ventilated discs last longer, but cost 20-30% more.

What happens if you don't change worn out discs?

The consequences depend on the degree of wear:

• 🔥 Disc thickness less than 18 mm: risk of cracking when heated.
• 🛑 Deep furrows: accelerated pad wear and reduced braking force.
• 🚨 Deformation: Vibrations on the steering wheel and beating of the brake pedal.
• 💥 Critical wear: Disc rupture at high speed (extremely rare, but possible).

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

Pumping is required only if:

• Have you removed brake hoses or cylinders?
• Air has appeared in the system (for example, when replacing a caliper).
• The brake pedal became “soft” after repair.

If you just replaced discs and pads, bleeding is not required. But check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - it may drop due to the displacement of the cylinder pistons.

Which wheels are better to choose for Almera B17 - original or analogues?

Original wheels (40520-BM400) guarantee compatibility, but are often inferior in terms of resource to premium analogues. Recommended brands:

• 🥇 Brembo — best price/quality ratio (resource 120+ thousand km).
• 🥈 ATE - soft to work with, but wear out faster.
• 🥉 TRW — optimal for city driving.
• 💎 EBC (series Ultimax) - perforated wheels for a sporty style.

Avoid cheap Chinese analogues (for example, Febi or Mapco) - they often come with defects (uneven thickness, low-quality metal).