Rear wheel bearing Nissan Almera G15: diagnosis, selection and replacement

Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2018) is a popular sedan, but its rear suspension, especially the wheel bearings, requires attention after 80–100 thousand km. The wear of this unit does not appear immediately, but ignoring the symptoms leads to the wheel jamming while driving or damage to the brake disc. Unlike the front bearings, the rear ones are Almera G15 they fail less often, but their replacement is more difficult due to integration with the brake mechanism.

In this article we will look at how diagnose the problem yourself, what bearing articles suitable for Almera G15 (including analogues), and we will give step-by-step replacement instructions with nuances for the right and left wheels. We will also compare prices for spare parts and work in services in Moscow and the regions for 2026.

Signs of a bad rear wheel bearing

The first symptoms of wear are often confused with wheel imbalance or suspension problems. However, the rear wheel bearing Almera G15 There is characteristic features, which help to more accurately determine the breakdown:

• 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing during acceleration (especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h). The sound may disappear when turning towards the faulty bearing.
• 🌀 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, which does not disappear after wheel balancing. More often felt in the rear seats.
• 🚗 Wheel play when rocking it in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). On Almera G15 permissible play - no more than 0.5 mm.
• 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand - the operating temperature should not burn).

In later stages of wear appears creaking or crunching when the wheel rotates, and also uneven brake disc wear (due to hub misalignment). If these symptoms are ignored, the bearing may collapse on the move, blocking the wheel - this is especially dangerous at high speed.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 With ABS, a faulty bearing can cause false braking. If the indicator on the dashboard comes on ABS, check the hubs before diagnosing the sensors.

Which bearings are suitable for Almera G15: articles and analogues

Rear wheel bearings Nissan Almera G15 (body N17) have single-row design with integrated magnetic ring for ABS sensor. Supplies original spare parts NTN or Koyo, but there are high-quality analogues from SKF, FAG And NSK.

Manufacturer	Article	Price (2026), ₽	Notes
Nissan (original)	40520-BM40A	4 200–5 500	Supplier - NTN, complete with nut
NTN	4T-40520	3 800–4 500	Complete analogue of the original, best price/quality ratio
SKF	VKBA 3643	3 500–4 100	High resource, but there are fakes
FAG	713 610 650	4 000–4 800	Reinforced design, suitable for aggressive riding
NSK	695467	3 200–3 900	Budget option, resource ~80 thousand km

When choosing, pay attention to presence of a magnetic ring — without it, the ABS sensor will generate an error. Also check complete set: Some kits do not have a hub nut (40525-BM40A), you will have to buy it separately (~300 ₽).

Bearing diagnostics: how to confirm a fault

Before replacing it is necessary make surethat the problem is in the bearing, and not in the brake mechanism or suspension. Here 3 proven methods diagnostics for Almera G15:

1. Listening on the go. Accelerate to 60–80 km/h and listen to the noise. If it comes from behind and gets stronger when turning left - the right bearing is faulty, and vice versa.
2. Checking on a jack. Lift the rear wheel, spin it by hand and listen: strange sounds or uneven rotation indicate wear. Also rock the wheel in a vertical plane - play of more than 0.5 mm is unacceptable.
3. Heating test. After the trip (10–15 km), touch the hub with your hand. If she hotthan the opposite, the bearing requires replacement.

For accurate diagnosis you can use stethoscope (or a long screwdriver with the ear attached to the handle). Apply it to the hub while rotating the wheel - crunching or grinding will confirm wear.

What to do if the hum is heard only at low speeds?

If the noise occurs at speeds up to 40 km/h, the problem may not be in the bearing, but in brake caliper (soured guides) or pads (metal shavings on the surface). Check also CV boot — damaged tires can make similar sounds when turning.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the rear wheel bearing

Replacing the rear wheel bearing with Almera G15 more difficult than on the front axle due to integration with the brake mechanism. You will need:

• 🔧 Special puller for wheel bearings (eg KUKKO 204-2).
• 🔨 Socket wrenches at 17, 19, 22 and 30 mm (for the hub nut).
• 🛠️ Torque wrench (nut tightening torque - 180–200 Nm).
• 🧲 Magnet to remove the retaining ring.

Opening hours: 2–3 hours (for one wheel). If you are changing a bearing for the first time, it is better to start with left side — it’s easier to access the hub nut.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Loosen the wheel and hub nuts (with the car standing)|Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel|Remove the brake caliper and disc (hang the caliper on a wire)|Clean the hub from dirt-->

Step 1: Removing the old bearing

1. Remove protective cap hubs (pry off with a screwdriver).

2. Unscrew hub nut (size 30 mm) - it is tightened with great force, a lever is required.

3. Remove retaining ring on the back of the hub (use pliers or a magnet).

4. Press out the hub puller. If there is none, you can carefully knock it down with a hammer through a wooden spacer, but this is risky for the seat.

Step 2: Install the New Bearing

1. Clean seat from rust and old grease.

2. Install new bearing into the steering knuckle using mandrel (old hub fits). Press evenly, without distortions!

3. Put it back in place retaining ring.

4. Place the hub on the axle splines and tighten the nut previously (do final tightening after assembly).

Step 3: Assembling and tightening

1. Install brake disc and caliper.

2. Tighten hub nut torque wrench (torque - 180–200 Nm).

3. Put on the wheel, lower the car and check the play (it shouldn't exist).

4. Test the car at a speed of 60–80 km/h - the hum should disappear.

⚠️ Attention: After bearing replacement be sure to check the ABS operation! If an error light appears on the device, the magnetic ring may be damaged or the sensor may not be installed correctly. On Almera G15 The ABS sensor is attached to the steering knuckle with one bolt - make sure that the gap between it and the ring does not exceed 1 mm.

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Rear wheel bearing replacement prices Almera G15 vary depending on region and service level. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, work is more expensive than in the regions, but the difference can reach 50%.

Type of work	Moscow/St. Petersburg (₽)	Regions (₽)	On your own (₽)
Bearing replacement (1 side)	3 500–5 000	2 500–3 500	0 (spare parts only)
Bearing replacement (2 sides)	6 000–9 000	4 500–6 000	0
Suspension diagnostics	1 000–1 500	800–1 200	—
Wheel balancing (4 pcs.)	1 200–1 800	800–1 200	800–1 200

When replacing yourself, the main costs are spare parts and tools. If you don’t have a puller, you can rent one (~500 ₽/day) or make a homemade one from old nuts and studs. Savings for self-repair will be 3,000–6,000 RUR per side.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that shorten the life of a new bearing or lead to breakdowns. Here TOP-5 misses when working with Almera G15:

• 🔧 Retightening the hub nut. A moment more 200 Nm deforms the bearing, and weak tightening leads to play. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🧲 Lost retaining ring. Without it, the bearing will fly out of its seat at the first load. Check the ring for integrity before installation.
• 🛠️ Impact pressing. Do not hit the bearing with a hammer - this will damage the races. Use only a puller or mandrel.
• 🔥 Ignoring lubrication. The new bearing comes with factory grease, but the seat in the knuckle needs to be cleaned and lubricated (for example, Litol-24).
• 🚗 Unchecked play after assembly. If the play is not eliminated immediately, the bearing will fail after 1–2 thousand km.

Another common mistake is incorrect installation of the ABS sensor. If after replacement the error message appears on the device, check:

• Integrity magnetic ring on the bearing.
• The gap between the sensor and the ring (must be 0.5–1 mm).
• Cleanliness of the sensor connector contacts (oxidation leads to false alarms).

When to change both bearings at once?

On Almera G15 rear wheel bearings wear unevenly, but there are situations when it is recommended to replace both:

1. Mileage over 150 thousand km. Even if the hum is heard only on one side, the second bearing will soon fail.
2. Severe wear on brake discs. If the discs “lead” or have deep grooves, this is a sign of prolonged play in the hub - both bearings could be damaged.
3. Operation in difficult conditions. Frequent off-road travel, vehicle overload or aggressive driving reduce bearing life by 30–40%.
4. Damage to the seat. If the steering knuckle is damaged when dismantling the bearing, it is easier to replace both units at once.

The cost of replacing two bearings will be cheaper than two separate service visits. For example, in Moscow set of two bearings NTN costs ~7,000 ₽, and work costs ~6,000 ₽ (versus 10,000 ₽ for separate repairs).

On your own|In the service|Only under warranty|Never had to yet-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Almera G15 bearings

Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

Short-term (up to 1-2 weeks) - yes, but it’s not worth the risk. At speeds above 100 km/h, a worn bearing may jam, which will lead to loss of control. At the first sign of a rumble reduce speed to 80 km/h and schedule a replacement.

What is the service life of the original bearing?

Under normal use (asphalt, moderate load) the original bearing Nissan or NTN serves 100–150 thousand km. Analogues from SKF/FAG have a similar resource, and budget (NSK, nameless brands) - no more than 80 thousand km.

Do I need to change the hub nut when replacing the bearing?

Yes, necessarily. Hub nut - disposable (deforms when tightened). Its article number is 40525-BM40A, price ~300 ₽. Reusing an old nut may result in self-unscrewing and accidents.

What happens if you don't tighten the hub nut?

Weak tightening (<180 Nm) leads to:

— wheel play (felt when moving);

— accelerated bearing wear (resource is reduced by 2–3 times);

— uneven wear of the brake disc.

In the worst case, the hub will strip the thread on the axle shaft, and it will need to be replaced (~15,000 ₽).

Is it possible to lubricate a bearing without replacing it?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is useless. Rear wheel bearing Almera G15 non-removable, and its clips wear out evenly. Even if you temporarily add lubricant, the hum will return after 5–10 thousand km. The only exception is replacing the boot (if it is torn, but the bearing is not buzzing yet).