Driving safety directly depends on the serviceability of the braking system, and in the car Nissan Almera Classic This aspect is given special attention. Many owners mistakenly believe that rear drum brakes do not require close attention, but they are often the cause of long braking distances in critical situations.
Choosing the right consumables is not just about buying a box labeled “brake pads”, but a careful analysis of the friction mixture composition, geometry and quality of the metal. Operating a budget sedan on Russian roads requires the driver to understand the characteristics of the resource original parts and worthy substitutes.
In this article, we will look at all the nuances, from part number markings to the intricacies of self-replacement, so that you can confidently drive your car and avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road.
Features of the brake system Nissan Almera Classic
Construction Nissan Almera Classic (B10) is a simplified version of previous generations, which is also reflected in the braking system. The front axle is equipped with ventilated disc mechanisms that effectively dissipate heat during heavy braking, and classic drum units are installed at the rear.
Many car owners underestimate the importance of rear pads, believing that the front pads do most of the work. In fact, when braking hard, the load is distributed unevenly, and if the rear elements are worn out or of poor quality, the car may skid or begin to “yaw” along the trajectory.
A special feature of this model is the use of specific anthers and guides, which often jam due to dust and dirt. That is why, when replacing pads, it is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and lubricating the calipers, otherwise the new part will quickly fail due to uneven wear.
It is important to understand that brake disc and the pads work in pairs, and replacing only one element without checking the second is unacceptable. If there are deep grooves on the disc, the new pads will wear down unevenly, causing the steering wheel to wobble.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel vibration in the steering wheel when braking, do not rush to change the pads. Most likely the problem lies in deformation brake disc or jammed caliper guides.
Original parts and popular analogues
When choosing consumables for Nissan Almera Classic A dilemma arises: should you overpay for the original or trust proven analogues? Original pads Nissan (articles 41060-8H200 for the front and 44060-8H200 for the rear) guarantee a perfect fit to the geometry, but their price is often inflated, and the quality of the friction composition can vary depending on the batch.
There are excellent alternatives on the market that are equal in performance and sometimes even superior to dealer options. Brands like Tokico, TRW and Textar offer products with an optimal balance between braking force and disc wear. These manufacturers use modern composite materials that produce less dust and are quieter.
The budget segment is represented by such brands as SBS, Finwhale or Kashiyama. They are suitable for quiet city driving, but can quickly wear out during aggressive driving or on the highway. The choice depends on your budget and driving style, but you shouldn’t skimp on safety.
- 🚗 Original (Nissan): Ideal geometry, but high price and risk of counterfeit.
- 💎 Premium analogues (TRW, ATE): Excellent braking, low disc wear, high price.
- 💰 Budget analogues (SBS, Kojima): Affordable price, acceptable quality for the city.
Pay attention to the markings: sometimes you can find pads with indexes in catalogs 041060-8H200, where the leading zero may be missing. Always check the vehicle's VIN when ordering.
- Original Nissan
- TRW/ATE
- SBS/Finwhale
- Other brand
Signs of wear and troubleshooting
Determining the wear of the front pads is relatively simple: just remove the wheel and visually assess the thickness of the friction lining. However, with rear drum mechanisms everything is more complicated, since inspection requires dismantling the wheel and the drum itself.
Indirect signs of wear include the appearance of a specific squeak or grinding noise when braking, an increase in the brake pedal travel and the appearance of metal in brake dust on the discs. If you notice that the car pulls to the side when you press the pedal, this is a sure sign that one of the pads has worn out faster than the other or the caliper is stuck.
Regular diagnostics should be carried out at least once every 10,000 kilometers. Owners Nissan Almera Classic It is worth remembering that rear drums are often clogged with dust, which reduces braking efficiency and accelerates pad wear.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic grinding sound when braking, this means that the friction lining has completely worn out and metal is rubbing against metal. Operation in this mode will lead to expensive repairs of the brake discs.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads
Replacing the front pads is a procedure that can be performed independently in a garage with a minimum set of tools. Start by securing the vehicle on a level surface, apply the handbrake and chock the rear wheels for safety.
Loosen the wheel bolts, jack up the car and remove the wheel. Unscrew the caliper guides, which are usually located at the back, and carefully move the caliper without pinching the brake hose. The old pads are removed from the bracket, and the bracket, if necessary, is completely dismantled.
Before installing new parts, be sure to clean the seats from rust and dirt. Lubricate the caliper guides with special silicone grease and make sure that the caliper piston is completely recessed. This will allow the caliper to fit freely on top of the new, thicker pads.
- 🔧 Prepare keys for 12, 17 and 19, as well as a hexagon.
- 🧹 Clean the caliper and bracket from dirt with a metal brush.
- 🛢️ Use only specialized high-temperature lubricant.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
⚠️ Attention: Never press the brake pedal after installing new pads until the calipers are fully assembled and tightened. This can cause the piston to fly out and cause loss of brake fluid.
After assembly, you must press the brake pedal all the way down several times to press the pads against the disc. Only after this can you lower the car to the ground and start driving.
The nuances of servicing rear drum brakes
Rear brakes on Nissan Almera Classic They are a classic drum design that requires more careful care when replacing. The main difficulty lies in dismantling the drum itself, which often sticks to the hub due to corrosion.
To remove the drum, you must first unscrew the guide screw and then carefully hit the inside of the drum with a hammer through a wooden spacer. If the drum does not budge, do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the seating surface or wheel bearing.
When replacing rear pads, be sure to inspect the springs and retainers. If they have lost their elasticity or have traces of corrosion, it is better to replace them with a set. Weak springs can cause the pads to not move completely away from the drum, causing overheating and jamming.
It is also important to check the condition working cylinder. Brake fluid leaks from the cylinder are a common problem with this model, which requires its replacement. Ignoring this malfunction can lead to complete failure of the brakes on the rear axle.
Comparison table of popular items
To make your choice easier, we have compiled a table with the article numbers of the most popular brands of brake pads for Nissan Almera Classic. Please note that item numbers may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and manufacturer.
| Brand | Type | Article | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | Front | 41060-8H200 | High |
| TRW | Front | GDB1336 | Average |
| Textar | Front | 2333601 | Average |
| SBS | Front | 1901336 | Low |
| Finwhale | Rear | V152 | Low |
When choosing between brands, keep in mind that more expensive pads often contain less metal dust and provide smoother braking. However, for urban use, budget options are also quite acceptable if they are produced by a well-known plant.
Critically important: When purchasing, be sure to check the hologram on the packaging and the integrity of the protective film, as the spare parts market for Nissan is saturated with low-quality fakes.Frequent errors during replacement and operation
One of the most common mistakes is using multi-purpose grease instead of special high-temperature grease. When heated, ordinary lithium grease or grease turns into a liquid substance and flows out, which leads to jamming of the guides.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the brake fluid. If the fluid has not been changed for more than two years, it has absorbed moisture, which reduces the boiling point and can lead to “sinking” of the pedal during heavy braking on a descent.
Also, many owners forget about “breaking in” new pads. In the first 200-300 kilometers, you should avoid sudden braking and give the system time to adapt. This will ensure maximum braking performance in the future.
- ❌ Do not use regular guide lubricant.
- ❌ Do not change only one side of the pads (change them as a set).
- ❌ Don't ignore replacing brake fluid every 2 years.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions from owners
How often do you need to change brake pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
Front pads usually last from 30,000 to 50,000 km, depending on driving style and road surface quality. Rear drum pads have a longer life and can last from 60,000 to 80,000 km. However, regular visual inspection is required.
Is it possible to change only the front pads if the rear ones are not yet worn out?
Yes, this is acceptable. However, it is recommended to check the condition of the rear pads every time you replace the front ones. If the rear ones show signs of uneven wear or jamming, it is better to replace them with a set, even if the lining is still thick enough.
Why do new pads squeak after replacement?
The creaking can be caused by several reasons: lack of lapping, dirt getting between the pad and the disc, or poor-quality material of the pad itself. Sometimes applying a special anti-creaking paste to the back of the pad helps.
Do I need to grind in new pads after replacement?
Yes, the lapping process is necessary. During the first 200-300 km, sharp braking from high speeds should be avoided, allowing the surfaces of the pads and discs to contact evenly. This will ensure maximum contact area and braking efficiency.
Which brake fluid is best for Nissan Almera Classic?
The manufacturer recommends using DOT-4 brake fluid. DOT-5 fluid is not suitable as it does not mix with DOT-4 and can cause problems in the system. It is recommended to change the fluid every 2 years or 40,000 km.