<em>Nissan Almera G15</em> rear drums: how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems

Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan that has won the trust of car owners due to its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even this model has weaknesses, one of which is rear drum brake system. Over time, the drums wear out, which leads to reduced braking efficiency, the appearance of extraneous noise and even the risk of wheel seizure.

In this article, we will look at how to independently diagnose problems with rear drums, what tools you will need for replacement, and what to look for when choosing spare parts. You will also find step-by-step instructions with photos, tips for adjusting brakes and answers to frequently asked questions from owners Almera G15. If you notice that your car slows down worse or you hear a grinding noise from the rear, this article is for you.

Signs of wear on the rear drums Nissan Almera G15

The first signal that something is wrong with the rear drums is increased braking distance. If before the car stopped abruptly, but now the brakes are “wobbly” and require more force on the pedal, this is a reason to check the condition of the drums and pads. Another clear sign - vibration or beating when braking, especially at high speeds.

Other symptoms that should not be ignored:

• 🔊 Grinding or squealing when pressing the brake - often indicates wear of the pads to the metal or deformation of the drum.
• 🚗 The car pulls to the side when braking - can be caused by uneven wear of the drums or jamming of one of the wheels.
• 🔥 Rear wheel overheating after a trip - if the drum or pads are stuck, the brake mechanism heats up more than usual.
• 🛑 Wheel jam - an extreme case when the drum is deformed or the pads are worn to the limit.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. On Nissan Almera G15 Rear drums often suffer from dirt and water, which accelerates corrosion and wear. Unlike front disc brakes, drum mechanisms are less noticeable, but their condition is critical for safety.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice a burning smell or smoke coming from under the rear wheel when braking, stop immediately! This is a sign of a stuck brake mechanism, which can result in a fire or loss of control.

Which rear drums are suitable for Nissan Almera G15

When choosing spare parts for Almera G15 important to consider year of manufacture And complete set car. Drums for 2013-2018 models may differ from earlier versions (2012 and older). Key parameters to pay attention to:

• 📏 Drum diameter - standard size for G15 amounts to 200 mm (sometimes found 203 mm for versions with ABS).
• 🔧 Mounting type - number and location of bolt holes (usually 4 or 5).
• 🔄 Presence of stiffeners — some drums have additional reinforcements for better cooling.
• 🏷️ Manufacturer — original spare parts Nissan (article 40520-BM400 or 40520-BM40A), but there are high-quality analogues from ATE, TRW, Brembo And Febi.

Below is a table with popular drum options for Almera G15 and their average prices (for 2026):

Manufacturer	Article	Diameter (mm)	Notes	Average price (RUB)
Nissan (original)	40520-BM400	200	Suitable for most versions	4 500–6 000
ATE	24.0120-0181.2	200	Reinforced design, good quality	3 800–4 200
TRW	GDB1408	203	For versions with ABS	4 000–4 500
Brembo	09.6367.11	200	Long service life, resistance to overheating	5 000–5 500
Febi	22610	200	Budget option, average quality	2 500–3 000

When purchasing drums, be sure to check them for no cracks, chips or corrosion. Even new parts can have defects, especially if they were stored in unsuitable conditions. Also note completeness - some manufacturers sell drums together with bearings, others - separately.

Tools and materials for replacing rear drums

To change the drums yourself Nissan Almera G15, you will need the following set of tools:

Jack and supports (or lift)

Wheelbrace for wheel removal

Set of sockets and socket wrenches (10, 12, 14, 17 mm)

Hammer (rubber or metal)

Flat blade screwdriver

Pliers and round nose pliers

Brake lubricant (e.g. LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste)

New drums and pads (if necessary)

Brake Fluid (DOT-4)

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Also useful WD-40 or similar cleaner — drums often stick to the hub, and without penetrating lubricant they are difficult to remove. If you plan to replace the pads as well, buy brake cylinder repair kit (article 40530-4M000 for Almera G15), since rubber cuffs become tanned over time and may leak.

Don't forget about security measures:

• 👷 Use gloves - brake dust contains asbestos and is harmful to the skin.
• 🚫 Do not smoke near brake fluid - it is flammable.
• 🔧 Work on a flat surface and secure the machine with stops.

⚠️ Attention: If on your Almera G15 system installed ABS, be careful when removing the drum - the ABS sensor is attached nearby and can be easily damaged. Before work, disconnect the battery terminal to avoid errors in the control unit.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear drums

The process of replacing drums Nissan Almera G15 can be divided into several stages. If you have never worked on the brake system, it is better to invite an assistant or record the process on video so as not to miss the details.

Step 1: Preparing and removing the wheel

1. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and place jack stands under the front wheels.
2. Remove the wheel by unscrewing the bolts with a wheel wrench.
3. Clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a brush or compressed air.

Step 2: Removing the Drum

This is the most difficult stage, since the drum often sticks to the hub. Proceed like this:

1. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) or remove the bearing protective cap.
2. Apply WD-40 at the junction of the drum and the hub, wait 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently tap the edge of the drum through the wooden spacer with a hammer (to avoid damaging the ribs).
4. If the drum does not budge, use a puller or two bolts screwed into the threaded holes (if present).

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck tightly, try the following:

1. Heat it with a hair dryer (do not overheat the hub!).

2. Use a three-jaw puller.

3. As a last resort, cut the drum with a grinder (carefully so as not to damage the hub), but this will require subsequent replacement of the bearing.

Step 3. Inspect and replace the pads

After removing the drum:

1. Check the condition of the pads - if their thickness is less than 1.5 mm, replacement is required.
2. Inspect the brake cylinder for leaks. If the cuffs are damaged, the cylinder must be repaired or replaced.
3. Clean all parts from rust and old grease.

Step 4: Install a new drum

1. Apply a thin layer of high temperature grease to the hub seat.
2. Install the new drum, tightening the bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern.
3. Adjust the gap between the shoes and the drum using the eccentric mechanism (on Almera G15 it is located on the back plate).

Step 5. Check and bleed the brakes

After assembly:

1. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.
2. Check the brake fluid level and add if necessary.
3. Bleed the brakes (if you opened the hydraulic system).
4. Test drive the car at low speed, making sure the brakes operate evenly.

Adjusting the rear brakes after replacing the drums

On Nissan Almera G15 rear brakes required manual adjustment, since the automatic mechanism (if there is one) does not always cope with the task. Incorrect clearance between the pads and the drum leads to:

• 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel (if the gap is too big).
• 🔥 Overheating of drums (if the pads are too tight).
• 🔊 Grinding noise when moving (the pads rub against the drum).

To adjust:

1. Raise the rear of the car so that the wheels are hanging in the air.
2. Find adjustment hole in the brake flap (usually closed with a rubber plug).
3. Rotate regulator sprocket with a screwdriver until the wheel begins to slow down slightly as it rotates.
4. Release the adjuster 1-2 clicks back until the minimum gap appears.

Check the adjustment by spinning the wheel by hand - it should rotate freely without snagging. If after adjusting the brakes are still “wobbly”, it may be necessary to pumping the system or changing the brake fluid.

Common mistakes when replacing rear drums

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. Here are the most common ones:

1. Ignoring the condition of the brake cylinder. If the cylinder seals are worn out, new pads and drums will quickly fail due to brake fluid leaks.
2. Incorrect drum tightening. If you tighten the bolts, the drum may become deformed, and if you don’t tighten it enough, it will wobble.
3. Lack of lubrication on the guides. The pads must move freely in the grooves - without lubrication they will turn sour and the brakes will begin to jam.
4. Using low quality pads. Cheap friction linings wear out quickly and leave grooves on the drum.
5. Unbleeded brakes after repair. Air in the system causes a soft pedal and reduced braking performance.

Another common mistake is drum diameter mismatch. For example, if you put a drum on one wheel 200 mm, and on the other - 203 mm, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, and the car will pull to the side.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera G15 with ABS After replacing the drums, the malfunction light may come on. This is normal - the error will clear after several braking cycles. If the light does not go out, check the sensor ABS for damage.

When is the best time to contact the service?

Some rear brake repair work is best left to professionals. Contact the service if:

• 🔧 Brake cylinder is leaking — its repair requires special tools and skills.
• 🔄 Drums need to be sharpened - for this you need a lathe.
• 🚨 After replacement, brakes do not bleed - perhaps air got into ABS, and diagnostics are needed.
• 🔍 Can't remove drum — the service has pullers and experience working with stuck parts.

Average cost of replacing rear drums Almera G15 in the service - 3,000–5,000 rubles per side (excluding spare parts). If pads and cylinders need to be replaced, the price will increase to 8,000–12,000 rubles for both sides.

Do-it-yourself repairs will be cheaper, but require time and care. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to overpay for the work than to risk safety.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear drums Nissan Almera G15

🔹 Is it possible to drive if the rear drum squeaks?

The squeaking noise can be caused by worn out pads, sand ingress, or a deformed drum. If the grinding noise is metallic, driving is dangerous, since the pads have already worn down to the base and damage the drum. If the squeak appears only when braking and is not accompanied by vibration, you can go to a service center, but do not put off repairs for too long.

🔹 How often should you replace rear drums? Almera G15?

Drum service life - 100,000–150,000 km, but depends on driving style and operating conditions. In cities with frequent braking or when driving on unpaved roads, wear accelerates. It is recommended to check the condition of the drums every 30,000–40,000 km or when replacing pads.

🔹 Is it possible to sharpen the drums instead of replacing them?

Yes, if their thickness after grooving remains within tolerance (usually at least 180 mm for Almera G15). However, grooving is possible only with uniform wear and the absence of deep grooves. If the drum has been sharpened before, it is better to replace it - repeated sharpening weakens the metal.

🔹 Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the drums?

This is a sign air entering the brake system. It is necessary to bleed the brakes, starting with the rear right wheel. Also check the brake fluid level - if it drops below the minimum, add DOT-4 and bleed the system again.

🔹 Which pads are better to install with new drums?

For Nissan Almera G15 suitable pads from Nissan (article 40501-BM400), ATE (13.0460-2839.2), TRW (GDB1409) or Brembo (P24064). It is important that the pads are softer than a drum - this will increase their resource. Avoid linings that are too hard (such as ceramic ones) as they will wear out the drums faster.