Rear wheel braking system on a car Nissan Almera Classic has its own design features, which often come as a surprise to owners accustomed to more modern solutions. Drum brakes are used here, where the condition repair kit directly affects the effectiveness of deceleration and traffic safety. Many car owners mistakenly believe that replacement is only brake pads will solve the problem of squeaking or beating, but often the reason lies in worn guide springs or collapsed wheel bearings.
Ignoring timely replacement of consumables in the brake system Nissan Almera Classic can lead to wheel seizure or complete brake failure in a critical situation. Correctly selected repair kit includes not only friction linings, but also all springs, couplers and clamps necessary for the correct operation of the mechanism. In this article we will look in detail at how to choose a high-quality kit, what items exist on the market, and how to carry out the replacement yourself without errors.
Design features of the rear wheel brake system
Rear suspension and braking system Nissan Almera Classic are arranged quite simply, but this simplicity requires careful attention to detail. The drum mechanism works on the principle of pushing the pads to the sides under the influence of the pistons of the brake cylinder. The key element here is brake drum, which over time can become deformed or worn out to a critical condition.
It is important to understand that rear brake pads in this model they have a specific shape and fastening, which differs from the front disc counterparts. The pad retention mechanism consists of many springs that lose their elasticity over time. If you replace only the pads, leaving the old springs, the new part may begin to “walk”, causing extraneous noise and uneven wear.
Particular attention should be paid working cylinder, which often causes fluid leaks. When purchasing a repair kit, it is recommended to immediately check the condition of the boots and sealing rings. In some cases, it is easier and cheaper to replace the entire cylinder assembly than to try to rebuild it using individual seals from a cheap kit.
Selection of high-quality repair kits and spare parts articles
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of options for Nissan Almera Classic, from original solutions to budget analogues. The original is usually indicated by a number 41060-3S500 or similar depending on the year of manufacture and manufacturer. However, original parts are often expensive, and many owners are looking for worthy replacements from trusted manufacturers.
Among the popular alternative brands it is worth highlighting Tribeca, Febi, TRW and Mapco. These manufacturers offer kits that are not inferior to the original in terms of the quality of materials and geometry accuracy. It is important to pay attention to the packaging: a high-quality repair kit should contain all the necessary springs, clips and guides, and not just the pads themselves.
- ✅ Original repair kit: guarantee of a perfect fit, but high price and risk of counterfeit on the market.
- ✅ High-quality analogues (Febi, TRW): optimal price-quality ratio, availability in stores.
- ✅ Budget options: may have problems with the quality of the metal of the springs or the composition of the friction layer.
When choosing, do not skimp on springs - they are the ones that ensure the pads return to their original position after braking. Weak springs cause the pads to constantly rub against the drum, which causes overheating, a burning smell and increased fuel consumption. It is the incorrect selection of springs that is the most common cause of squeaking after replacing brake pads on a Nissan Almera Classic.
- Original
- TRW/Remsa
- Febi/Bilstein
- Budget Chinese brand
Diagnostics before starting work
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the condition of the brake system. Remove the wheel and inspect carefully brake drum for cracks, deep marks or signs of overheating. If the surface of the drum is worn out, simply replacing the pads will not help - you will need to groove or replace the drum itself.
Check status brake cylinder through the inspection hole in the rear wall of the mechanism. Traces of brake fluid leaks or swollen boots indicate the need to replace the cylinder. Also pay attention to the guide pins and handbrake lever - they should move freely, without jamming.
Don't forget to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir under the hood. If it is at the minimum level, there may be a leak in the system that needs to be fixed before work begins. When removing the old drum, be careful: dust from worn pads contains asbestos or other harmful substances, so do not blow it off with air, but carefully remove it with a damp cloth.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use compressed air to clean the brake mechanism from dust! This will raise harmful particles into the air, which is dangerous for your lungs. Use wet cleaning or special cleaners.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the repair kit
The process of replacing rear brake pads Nissan Almera Classic requires patience and accuracy, since the mechanism consists of many small parts. Start by loosening the wheel nuts with the car stationary, then jack up the rear of the car and place it on a secure support. Remove the wheel and brake drum. If the drum is stuck, use special pullers or gently tap it with a rubber mallet.
After removing the drum, a mechanism with springs and pads will open in front of you. Remember or take a photo of the spring layout, as they can be confused. First remove the upper tension spring, then the lower spacer spring and pad retainers. Dismantle the old one slave cylinder, having previously unscrewed the brake pipe fitting.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Installation of new parts occurs in the reverse order. First secure the new slave cylinder, then install the pads and tension the springs using special pliers or pliers. Make sure the pads are tight and have no play. After assembling the mechanism, check the travel of the handbrake lever - it should operate by 3-5 clicks.
⚠️ Attention: When installing springs, use special pliers. Trying to tighten the spring with a screwdriver or your fingers often leads to their deformation or injury to your fingers, as they can come off with enormous force.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
Use two M8 bolts screwed into the technological holes at the end of the drum. By tightening them alternately, you will evenly push the drum away from the hub. Do not hit the drum with a hammer, this may cause it to break.
Technical nuances and typical errors
Many owners make the mistake of forgetting to lubricate the contact points between the pads and the support shield. Use a special high-temperature brake lubricant, such as silicone or copper based. Apply lubricant to the areas where the pads contact the metal protrusions of the support plate, but under no circumstances get it on the friction layer or the working cylinder.
It is also important to correctly adjust the gap between the pads and the drum. On Nissan Almera Classic this process occurs automatically when the brake pedal is pressed after assembly, but sometimes manual adjustment is required through an adjusting mechanism. If the handbrake does not hold the car on a slope, the handbrake cable may be stretched or the mechanism requires adjustment.
- ✅ Regularly check the condition of the handbrake cables - they can rust and seize.
- ✅ Monitor the condition of the working cylinder boots - their damage leads to rapid failure of the part.
- ✅ Do not use graphite-based brake lubricant as it may cause overheating and loss of performance.
Before installing new pads, lightly sand their friction layer with fine sandpaper to remove the transport layer and improve the running-in to the drum.
Compatibility table and main articles
For the convenience of selecting spare parts, below is a table with the main articles of original and analog repair kits, as well as related elements that often require replacement along with the pads.
| Part name | Original article | Analogue (brand) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear pad repair kit | 41060-3S500 | TRW GS8190 | Complete set with springs |
| Brake slave cylinder | 41150-3S500 | Febi 29483 | With O-rings |
| Brake drum | 42431-3S500 | Remsa 610325 | Diameter 200 mm |
| Handbrake cable (left/right) | 46640-3S500 / 46630-3S500 | Stellox 51-00118-SX | Check the length before purchasing |
| Brake Lubricant | - | Loctite 77164 | High temperature, red |
Proper lubrication of contact points and the use of high-quality springs from the repair kit are the key to the absence of squeaks and even wear of the pads in the future.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace rear pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
For an experienced technician, replacement takes about 40-60 minutes on one side. If you are doing this for the first time, allow 1.5–2 hours, as it will take time to study the spring diagram and carefully dismantle stuck parts.
Is it possible to replace just one pair of rear pads?
No, the brake system requires replacing the pads on both sides of the axle at the same time. Different degrees of wear or different quality of friction material can lead to uneven braking and the car skidding when the pedal is pressed hard.
Why do new pads squeak after replacement?
Creaking can occur due to lack of lubrication at the contact points between the pads and the support shield, the use of a low-quality repair kit with hard springs, or dust getting between the pad and the drum. It is also possible that the drum has a groove that needs to be machined.
How can I check that the handbrake is adjusted correctly?
Raise the car on a jack and have an assistant tighten the handbrake lever. The wheel should lock at 3-5 clicks. If more than 6-7 clicks are required, the adjustment must be strengthened by turning the adjusting nut inside the mechanism.