Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Almera N16 in the back B10) is one of the most popular sedans on the CIS secondary market. Despite its simple design, even this model has components that require special attention. One of them is wheel hub, the condition of which determines not only ride comfort, but also safety. Bearing wear or deformation of the hub housing can lead to vibrations, play, and even wheel seizure while driving.
In this article we will look at everything the owner needs to know. Almera Classic about hubs: how to identify a malfunction based on symptoms, which original and non-original spare parts are suitable, how to replace it yourself (with nuances for the front and rear axles), and we will also give tips on extending the service life. We will pay special attention a unique problem with hubs on Almera Classic with 1.5 and 1.8 liter engines - premature wear of bearings due to the design features of the boots.
Signs of a hub failure: when to sound the alarm
Wheel bearing on Nissan Almera Classic rarely fails suddenly - usually the problem node “signals” in advance. The main thing is not to ignore these signals. Here are the key symptoms:
- 🔊 Hum or howl from the wheel side, which intensifies at speeds of 60–90 km/h. The sound may change when turning (for example, a hum on the right when turning left indicates the right hub).
- 🔄 Wheel play, checked by “swinging” on a jack. Even a minimal gap of 0.5 mm is a reason for diagnosis.
- 🌡️ Hub overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand - the operating temperature should not burn).
- 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, especially at speeds above 100 km/h. It is often confused with wheel imbalance, but if balancing does not help, the hub is to blame.
On Almera Classic There is a specific sign that many people miss: Uneven tire wear along the inner edge. This occurs due to a wheel alignment disorder caused by play in the hub assembly. If you notice such wear, immediately check the bearing and ball joints.
⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with ABS, a faulty hub may cause the system to malfunction or cause the light to illuminate. ABS on the dashboard. This is due to the fact that the ABS sensor is built into the hub assembly (on the front axle).
As a rule, the service life of the original wheel bearing is Almera Classic amounts to 80–120 thousand km, but when driving on bad roads or after an unqualified replacement, this period is reduced to 50–60 thousand km. Rear hubs last longer than front hubs due to less load.
- Every 10 thousand km
- Only when symptoms appear
- Never checked
- I trust service station diagnostics
Original and similar hubs: what to choose for Almera Classic
When purchasing a hub for Nissan Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2012) is important to consider year of manufacture And engine capacity. The fact is that on restyled models (after 2009) hubs with different catalog numbers could be installed. Below is a table with original articles and proven analogues:
| Position | Original number | Analogs (brand + article) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front hub (left/right) | 40520-BM00A |
Febi 22610 SKF VKBA 3580 NTN 512048 |
Fits 2006-2012 models. with engines 1.5 and 1.8 l |
| Rear hub (left/right) | 40530-BM00A |
SNW 512085 Koyo DAC40720040 Mapco 61005 |
The bearing on the rear axle is non-separable and is sold complete with the hub. |
| Front bearing (separately) | 40528-BM000 |
NSK 65BWD07 Timken HA590041 |
For bearing replacement without hub only (press required) |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to country of origin. For example, bearings SKF or NTN European-made ones last longer than Chinese copies of the same brands. Also check the package contents: the box should contain new hub nuts (they are disposable!) and retaining rings (if applicable).
Among the owners Almera Classic popular hubs from Febi (Germany) and SNW (South Korea). The former are distinguished by high-quality lubrication and reinforced boots, the latter by an affordable price with a decent service life. But from unnamed Chinese hubs (for example, with the inscription Made for Nissan without a brand logo) it’s better to refuse - they often “run” no more than 20-30 thousand km.
When purchasing a complete hub, check for the presence of a magnetic ring for the ABS sensor (on the front axle). Its absence will result in an error ABS on the dashboard.
Step-by-step replacement of the hub on a Nissan Almera Classic
Replacing the hub with Almera Classic - a task of medium complexity, but requiring care and a special tool. Let's look at the process using an example front hub (the rear one changes in the same way, but is simpler due to the lack of a drive shaft).
Required tool:
- 🔧 Socket wrenches for 17, 19, 22 and 30 mm (for the hub nut).
- 🔨 Socket heads with extension.
- 🔩 Wheel bearing remover (or press).
- 🔧 Torque wrench (for tightening the hub nut with a torque of 200–250 Nm).
- 🛠️ Crowbar and hammer.
Work order:
- Jack up the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the caliper (hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose).
- Remove the brake disc (WD-40 may be needed if it is stuck).
- Unscrew the hub nut (you will need an extension and a lever - it is tightened with a high torque!).
- Press out the hub using a puller or carefully knock it down with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
- Install the new hub, having first cleaned the seat from dirt and rust.
- Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (torque:
200–250 Nmfor the front axle).
Prepare new nuts and snap rings (do not reuse)|
Check the condition of the CV joint boot (when replacing the front hub)|
Apply copper grease to the seating surfaces|
Make sure that the ABS sensor is not damaged (on the front axle) -->
On the rear axle the process is simpler: you do not need to remove the drive shaft, but you will need to unscrew the handbrake rod. The main thing is not to forget adjust the handbrake after assembly.
⚠️ Attention: If you are replacing the hub and bearing separately (not as an assembly), never hit the outer ring of the bearing with a hammer - this will lead to its destruction. Use only a press or special mandrels.
After replacement, be sure to check:
- 🔄 Wheel play (it shouldn't exist).
- 🚗 Smooth rotation (the wheel should spin without jamming).
- 🔊 No extraneous sounds on the go.
What happens if you don't tighten the hub nut?
Insufficient tightening will lead to bearing play, accelerated wear and possible destruction on the move. Over-tightening is no less dangerous - the bearing will overheat and jam. Always use a torque wrench!
Subtleties and mistakes when replacing: what not to do
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with hubs Nissan Almera Classic. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- 🔧 Using an old hub nut. It deforms when tightened and does not provide reliable fixation. Always take a new one (original article number -
40538-N1000). - 🛠️ Replacing a bearing without a puller. Hammering will damage the seating surfaces and shorten the life of the new bearing.
- 🔩 Ignoring the CV boot. When replacing the front hub, be sure to check the integrity of the boot - if it is torn, dirt will quickly kill the new bearing.
- 🌡️ Lack of lubrication on the seating surfaces. Use copper paste or Litol-24 to protect against corrosion and facilitate future replacement.
Another common mistake is Incorrect installation of the ABS sensor magnetic ring. If it is turned over or displaced, the system will generate an error, and in the rain, false alarms of the ABS are possible. On original hubs, the ring is marked with a marker (usually a red dot), which should match the mark on the body.
On Almera Classic with motor QR20DE (1.8 l) there is a problem: due to the more powerful engine and the increased weight of the front end, the wheel bearings wear out faster. In this case, it is recommended to install reinforced bearings (For example, SKF VKBA 3580 with additional lubrication).
If, after replacing the hub, vibration appears at speeds of 80–100 km/h, most likely the problem is an imbalance of the brake disc or improper tightening of the nut. Recheck the tightening torque (200–250 Nm).
How to extend the life of hubs: prevention and care
Wheel bearing service life Nissan Almera Classic can be significantly increased if you follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid deep puddles at speed. Rapid cooling of a heated bearing with water leads to microcracks and corrosion.
- Check the tightening torque of the wheel nuts. Over-tightening deforms the hub, and under-tightening leads to play. The optimal moment is
90–110 Nm. - Check the CV joint boots regularly. A damaged boot lets dirt through, which gets into the hub assembly.
- Use quality lubricant. When replacing a bearing, apply lithium grease (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus) - it can withstand high temperatures.
It is also worth paying attention to driving style. Sharp starts with the wheels turned out (especially on asphalt) and frequent off-road trips increase the load on the wheel bearings. If you frequently drive on gravel or dirt roads, reduce the hub inspection interval to every 30 thousand km.
On vehicles with ABS Additionally, monitor the condition of the sensors. Oxidation of contacts or damage to wiring can lead to false signals about hub failure. Clean the sensor contacts WD-40 or a special cleaner every 20 thousand km.
Cost of work and spare parts: where is cheaper and more reliable?
Hub replacement price Nissan Almera Classic depends on the region and type of service station. The average cost in Russia looks like this:
| Service/Spare part | Price (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing the front hub (work) | 1 500–2 500 | Excluding removal/installation of caliper and brake disc |
| Replacing the rear hub (work) | 1 200–2 000 | Easier than the front one, but requires adjustment of the handbrake |
Original front hub (40520-BM00A) |
3 500–5 000 | The price depends on the supplier (original Nissan or rebrand) |
| Analogue (Febi or SKF) | 2 200–3 500 | Optimal price/quality ratio |
| Bearing separately (NSK or Timken) | 800–1 500 | Requires a press for installation |
Replacing it yourself will cost less, but will require tools. If you don’t have a puller or a torque wrench, it will be cheaper to go to a service station - errors during replacement can lead to even greater expenses.
Where to buy spare parts?
- 🏪 Official Nissan dealers - guarantee of originality, but high price.
- 🛒 Large online stores (Exist, Autodoc, Kolesa.ru) - a wide selection of analogues with reviews.
- 🔧 Local spare parts stores — you can touch the product before buying, but there is a risk of running into a fake.
When purchasing online, be sure to check seller reviews And photo of real product (some sell Chinese counterfeits under the guise SKF or NTN). The most reliable suppliers - Exist, Autodoc And Emex.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Almera Classic hubs
Is it possible to drive with a humming hub?
Short-term (up to a service station) - possible, but risky. The hum indicates wear on the bearing, which can seize at any moment. It is especially dangerous at high speeds: a stuck wheel leads to loss of control. If the bearing has been “howling” for more than 1,000 km, it needs to be replaced urgently.
How to distinguish a fake hub from the original?
Original hubs Nissan have:
- Clear engraving of the article number and logo on the case.
- Even color without streaks.
- High-quality packaging with a hologram (for the original).
- New nuts and retaining rings are included.
Counterfeits are often lighter in weight, have rough metal processing and unreadable inscriptions.
Do I need to replace the hub assembly or just the bearing?
On Almera Classic The front hub can be disassembled and only the bearing can be replaced (part number 40528-BM000), but it requires abs and experience. The rear hub is replaced only as an assembly. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to install the hub assembled - it is more reliable and faster.
Why does the brake disc get hot after replacing the hub?
This may be caused by:
- Tightening the hub nut (the bearing overheats and heats up the disc).
- If grease gets on the pads (if you lubricated the caliper guides).
- Deformation of the brake disc during removal/installation.
Check the tightening torque of the nut (200–250 Nm) and the condition of the pads.
Which hubs are better - original or analogues?
Original hubs Nissan They last longer, but their high price is not always justified. High-quality analogues (SKF, Febi, NTN) are often not inferior in terms of service life, especially if the machine is operated in a gentle mode. The main thing is to avoid cheap Chinese counterfeits.