Operation Nissan Almera generation G15 in Russian road conditions often leads to premature wear of suspension components. One of the most critical parts is the front hub, which takes on enormous loads when driving over uneven surfaces. Front hub connects the wheel to the steering knuckle and ensures free rotation of the wheel with a fixed position of the brake disc.
Ignoring early signs of malfunction can lead to a wheel jam while driving, which can lead to a serious accident. Nissan Almera The G15 has a fairly simple suspension design, but the quality of the original wheel bearings leaves much to be desired. Many owners are faced with the need to replace this part after 60-80 thousand kilometers.
In this article we will look in detail at how to independently determine the malfunction, which spare parts are suitable for replacement, and how to carry out repair work correctly. You will learn the nuances of choosing between the original and analogues, and also receive step-by-step instructions taking into account the design features of this particular model.
Diagnosis of wheel bearing faults
You can identify the problem at an early stage by the characteristic sound, which changes depending on the speed of movement. When worn front hub you will hear a hum resembling the sound of a flying airplane or a low-frequency howl. This sound intensifies during acceleration and, importantly, changes its tone when cornering.
If when you turn the steering wheel to the left, the noise disappears or becomes quieter, and when you turn to the right it intensifies, then the problem is in the right hub. This happens because when turning in the opposite direction, the load on the bearing shifts and it no longer experiences maximum force. The opposite situation indicates a malfunction of the left node.
In addition to acoustic signals, there are other signs that require immediate intervention:
- 🛑 Vibration of the steering wheel, which is transmitted to the steering wheel when driving at high speed.
- 🛑 Wheel play, which can be identified by shaking it with your hands in a vertical plane when jacking up the car.
- 🛑 Creaking or grinding noise when the wheel rotates if the hub is already completely destroyed.
Remember that diagnostics must be carried out on a working suspension. If your arms or bushings are worn out, they may also make sounds similar to a bad bearing.
Choosing a spare part: original or high-quality analogues?
When selecting a part for Nissan Almera G15 It is worth remembering that the spare parts market is oversaturated with fakes. Original hub no. 40202-1KA0A is of high quality, but its cost is often not justified in terms of price-quality ratio. Manufacturers often use the same factories but brand their products differently.
Experts recommend paying attention to trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves in the field of chassis. Parts from German and Japanese companies are excellent for this car. High-quality analogue can last even longer than the original if installed correctly.
The most popular brands that are worth considering purchasing:
- 🔧 Koyo is a Japanese manufacturer that supplies bearings to the assembly lines of many automakers.
- 🔧 SKF is a Swedish company, a leader in the production of rolling bearings with excellent sealing.
- 🔧 NTN - another reliable Japanese brand, often found in original Nissan boxes.
- 🔧 FAG - German quality, guaranteeing durability even under extreme loads.
You should not save on this part by buying the cheapest Chinese analogues, since the risk of their rapid failure is extremely high.
- According to the regulations
- Upon failure
- At every maintenance
- I never follow
Specifications and Compatibility
Front hub on Nissan Almera G15 is a non-separable assembly. This means that when worn, the entire mechanism changes, and not just the inner rings or cage. The design involves pressing the bearing into the hub housing, which makes repairs impossible without special tools.
It is important to note that the hubs for the left and right wheels may be different, although they are often interchangeable. However, when ordering, you need to check the VIN code of the car, since depending on the year of manufacture and engine type (1.5 l or 1.6 l), there may be slight differences in the seats. Mounting bolts can also have different lengths.
The main parameters that you should pay attention to when selecting:
- 🔩 Number of wheel mounting bolts (usually 4 or 5).
- 🔩 Diameter of the mounting hole for the hub bolt.
- 🔩 Availability of a built-in ABS sensor (on most versions of the G15 it is integrated).
The absence of an ABS sensor in the kit with a new hub may cause the malfunction lamp on the dashboard to light up.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Original article number | 40202-1KA0A | For most G15 modifications |
| Shaft hole diameter | 40 mm | Inner ring |
| ABS sensor mount | Integrated | Cable included |
| Number of wheel bolts | 4 pcs. | Step 100 mm |
| Housing material | Cast Iron/Steel | High strength |
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the package contents. Some manufacturers sell the hub without mounting bolts or with a low-quality ABS sensor cable, which can fray after a month of use.
Preparing tools and work area
To replace the hub, you will need a garage with a pit or overpass, as well as a reliable lift. The work involves a lot of effort, so a strong jack and safety stands are a must. Do not rely solely on a hydraulic jack, as removing the hub nut may cause the vehicle to fall.
From the tools, prepare a set of sockets, including 30 mm or 32 mm for the hub nut, as well as a powerful ratchet and wrench. To knock out the old hub and press in a new one, a hydraulic press may be required, but in garage conditions they often get by with a hammer and a mandrel of a suitable diameter.
List of necessary tools and consumables:
- 🛠️ Set of sockets and extensions (including 17, 19, 21, 30/32 mm head).
- 🛠️ Balloon wrench and powerful wrench for unscrewing the hub nut.
- 🛠️ Hammer, chisel and pry bar for dismantling rusty parts.
- 🛠️ WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant for treating threaded connections.
Please note that the hub nut is tightened with a huge torque, so a regular wrench may not be able to handle it.
☑️ Preparing to replace the hub
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The process begins by removing the wheel and unscrewing the hub nut. To remove the nut, you need to fix the brake disc or ask an assistant to press the brake pedal. After removing the nut, unscrew the bolts securing the steering knuckle to the lever. They tend to turn sour, so use a penetrating lubricant beforehand.
Next you need to disconnect the ABS sensor. This is the most delicate moment, since the sensor wire is fragile. Carefully release the latches and remove the connector. Don't pull the wireso as not to break the wires inside the insulation. After this, unscrew the stabilizer bar link from the steering knuckle.
Now you can remove the steering knuckle along with the old hub. If the hub does not come out, carefully tap it through the spacer, being careful not to damage the threads. The old hub is knocked out of the fist using a mandrel of a suitable diameter so as not to damage the seat. Replacing a hub on a Nissan Almera G15 requires caution when working with the ABS sensor as it is expensive to replace.
We install the new hub into the steering knuckle, having previously cleaned the seat from rust and dirt. We press it in until it stops, using a mandrel resting on the outer ring of the bearing. Do not hit the bearing directly with a hammer! After installation, reassemble the unit in reverse order.
Common mistakes when replacing
If you do not lubricate the threads of the steering knuckle bolts, they will be impossible to unscrew the next time you replace them. If you overtighten the ABS sensor, it may fail. Do not forget to install a new hub nut, as the old one may become deformed.
Correct pressing of a new hub without damaging the bearing is the key to long service life of the unit. Use a mandrel resting on the outer ring.
Features of tightening and adjustment
The most critical stage is the correct tightening of the hub nut. On Nissan Almera G15 this moment is critical. If you tighten it too loosely, the bearing will quickly collapse due to play. If you overtighten it, it will overheat and jam. The tightening torque must be strictly 190-200 Nm (check the current data in the service book for your configuration).
The hub nut is often threaded or requires the use of a new nut. It is not recommended to reuse an old nut, since its internal structure could be deformed during the first tightening. Also make sure the splines on the hub and axle shaft line up perfectly before installing the nut.
Important points during final assembly:
- 🔒 Use a torque wrench to final tighten the hub nut.
- 🔒 Check the operation of the ABS sensor after assembly by connecting a scanner or simply checking that there is no light on the panel.
- 🔒 Make sure that the ABS sensor does not touch rotating parts and that its wire is securely fastened.
After installing the wheel, be sure to tighten the wheel bolts to a torque 100-110 Nm.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to tighten the hub nut with a regular wheel wrench. This may lead to bearing failure. Use only a torque wrench with the required strength.
Before starting work, take photographs of the location of the suspension wires and hoses. This will help avoid errors during assembly, especially if you are making repairs for the first time.
Testing and running-in
After completion of all work, an inspection must be carried out. Turn the wheel by hand - it should rotate freely, without jamming or extraneous noise. Check for any play by shaking the wheel with your hands in the vertical and horizontal planes.
For the first 100-200 kilometers after replacement, the car should be operated in a gentle manner. Avoid sudden starts, emergency braking and driving through deep holes. This will allow the new parts to “sit” in place and ensure even wear.
If after replacement you continue to hear extraneous sounds or feel vibration, it is possible that errors were made during installation or the unit itself was defective. In this case, it is better to return to the garage and recheck all tightening torques and the condition of adjacent suspension units.
⚠️ Attention: If the ABS light comes on after replacing the hub, check the integrity of the sensor wiring. Often, during dismantling, the wires are damaged, and the system detects an open circuit.
Owner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace only the bearing and not the hub assembly?
This is theoretically possible, but it is highly not recommended for Nissan Almera G15. This will require a special press and mandrels, as well as disassembling the steering knuckle. The risk of damaging the seats when pressing out the old bearing is very high, which will lead to the need to replace the entire knuckle. It is much more profitable and reliable to change the hub assembly.
Why did the hub fall apart so quickly?
The most common causes are driving on bad roads, seal seal failure (water and dirt ingress) or manufacturing defects. Also, the reason may lie in the hub nut being overtightened during a previous repair, which led to overheating and destruction of the bearing.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacing the hub?
Strictly speaking, when replacing a hub, the wheel alignment angles do not change, since the suspension geometry is not disturbed. However, if during the repair you removed the levers or changed the silent blocks, the wheel alignment must be done. In other cases, you can check the angles to be sure, but this is not always necessary.
What to do if the hub nut does not unscrew?
Use a long wrench and penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liquid Wrench). Heating the nut with a hair dryer or torch also helps expand the metal and strip it. In extreme cases, an impact wrench can be used, but be careful not to damage the axle shaft splines.