Owners Nissan Almera Classic Often faced with the issue of upgrading the brake system, especially in the rear of the car. Factory equipment with drum mechanisms, although reliable in simple conditions, often loses to disc counterparts in braking efficiency and ease of maintenance under high loads.
Installation rear disc brakes for this model - this is not just tuning, but a real increase in safety on the road. Disc mechanisms provide better heat transfer, which is critical during long descents or emergency braking, and allow the owner to independently replace the pads without using a specialized tool to open the drums.
Why are the drums on Almera Classic inferior to discs?
Construction Nissan Almera Classic originally designed with an emphasis on efficiency, which led to the installation of drum brakes at the rear. In the city cycle this may not be noticeable, but with an aggressive driving style or driving along mountain serpentines, the drums quickly overheat.
The main problem with drums is the decay effect. When the heat gets too hot, braking performance drops dramatically and you'll need much more pedal force. Disc mechanisms open to air flow cool much faster, providing stable braking torque even after a series of sudden stops.
In addition, drum maintenance is a real quest for a car enthusiast. To check the wear of the pads, it is necessary to completely disassemble the mechanism, remove the springs and drum. In the case of a disc system, you just need to look through the caliper window or remove the wheel to assess the condition brake pads.
Upgrade options: from complete kit to custom assembly
There are two main ways to solve the problem. The first is the purchase of a ready-made tuning kit from specialized companies. Such kits usually include calipers, discs, brackets and all the necessary hardware. This is the fastest, but also the most expensive option.
The second way is to use donor spare parts from other models Nissan. Car enthusiasts often adapt calipers and discs from Nissan Tiida or Nissan Almera G15. This requires extensive knowledge of suspension geometry and possibly modifications to the brake lines and brackets.
- 🔧 Ready-made kits guarantee compatibility and ease of installation.
- 🔍 Donor spare parts require careful fitting and processing.
- 💰 Custom assembly is often cheaper, but takes time.
Selection of quality components for conversion
When choosing disc brakes Don't chase the cheapest option. The quality of the disc metal directly affects its service life and resistance to beating. Cheap soft metal wheels will quickly become deformed, which will lead to vibration in the steering wheel and knocking in the suspension.
Pay attention to brands that specialize in brake systems. For Nissan Almera Classic products from TRW, Brembo or Textar. It is also important to check wheel bearing compatibility, as some wheel models require hub replacement.
Pay special attention to the calipers. They must be equipped with high-quality guides and crimps. If the guides become sour, the pads will stop moving away from the disc, which will lead to constant braking and overheating of the wheel.
Below is a comparison table of popular rear axle component options.
| Component | Option A (Budget) | Option B (Optimal) | Option C (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disc brand | Samara wheels | TRW | Brembo |
| Material | Gray cast iron | Gray cast iron, coated | Ventilated cast iron |
| Caliper | Analog (China) | Original Nissan (donor) | TRW ATE |
| Set price | Low | Average | High |
- Complete tuning kit
- Donor spare parts
- Keep factory drums
- Install ventilated discs
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to install calipers from the front wheels without special adapters. This will disrupt the braking force geometry and may lead to the rear axle locking during emergency braking!
Technical nuances of installation and adaptation
The replacement process requires precision. Before starting work, it is necessary to dismantle the rear drums, hubs and brake cylinders. It often becomes necessary to shorten or lengthen the brake pipes, since the standard lines are designed for the position of the drum mechanism.
The key point is installing the bracket. It should firmly fix the caliper relative to the disc. The slightest play will cause the pads to wear unevenly, and the disc will begin to “eat” unevenly. Use a torque wrench when tightening the mounting bolts.
Don't forget about the handbrake. In drum brakes, the parking system is implemented inside the mechanism. When switching to discs, you will either have to use calipers with an integrated handbrake cable, or install separate drum mechanisms inside the disc (the so-called “drums in the disc”).
☑️ Preparation for installation
In some cases, modifications to body elements are required. For example, wheel arches may be too narrow for wide rims, requiring them to be flared or spacers installed. This is a complex procedure that requires bodywork experience.
It is also worth checking the condition of the brake fluid. When replacing the entire system, air may get into the lines, so a bleeding procedure will be mandatory. Use fresh liquid DOT-4 or DOT-5.1.
Checking and adjusting after installation
After installing all components, a thorough check must be carried out. First, check that the calipers and discs are securely fastened. Make sure that the wheels rotate freely and do not touch the suspension or body parts.
Then start bleeding the system. This is a critical stage. If there is air left in the circuit, the brake pedal will feel “wobbly” and braking efficiency will decrease dramatically. Bleed the system in order: from the far wheel to the near one.
The first kilometers after installation should be done in a gentle manner. The pads need time to get used to the disc. Avoid sharp braking and high speeds in the first 200-300 kilometers.
What to do if the disc does not fit on the hub?
You may have an inconsistent center bore diameter (DIA). In this case, you will need to bore the hub or use adapter rings, but this may upset the wheel's balance.
Before installing new discs, be sure to remove the protective oil coating from them with solvent or brake fluid to prevent the pads from slipping when you first press the pedal.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you feel the steering wheel shaking when braking, stop using it immediately. This is a sign that the disc is crooked or not installed correctly.
Operation and maintenance of the updated system
Disc brakes require regular maintenance. Once a season, check the thickness of the pads and the condition of the disc. The disc should not have deep grooves or cracks. If there are thermal cracks, the disk must be replaced immediately.
Lubricate the caliper guides with special high-temperature grease. This will prevent them from jamming. Use only special lubricants for brake systems; ordinary grease or lithol will not work here and may melt.
- 🛠️ Once a year, check the condition of the guide dust caps.
- 🚗 Keep the brake disc clean, remove sand and dirt.
- 🌡️ Avoid washing hot discs with cold water to avoid deformation.
Correct selection and installation rear disc brakes will turn your Nissan Almera Classic into a more predictable and safer car. Investments in quality components will pay off with peace of mind on the road and confidence in any driving situation.
Remember that the quality of the build is no less important than the quality of the parts. Even the most expensive kit can perform poorly if errors are made during installation. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, entrust this work to professionals in a specialized service.
The handbrake system on disc wheels requires special attention: either integrated calipers or drums inside the disc, otherwise the parking brake will not work.
Do I need to change the front brakes when replacing the rear ones?
Not necessarily, but recommended. If the front brakes are worn out, after installing more efficient rear brakes, the balance of braking forces will change and the front axle will experience increased load. It is better to bring the entire system to the same level of wear.
Can I use old brake lines?
Not recommended. Old tubes may have microcracks or corrosion. When switching to disc brakes, the supply geometry often changes, so it is better to install new, high-quality hoses that are suitable in length and thread.
How to determine which caliper is suitable for Almera Classic?
You need to look at the catalog numbers and seats. Calipers from Nissan Tiida or Sentra, but be sure to check the distance between the caliper mounting bolts and the diameter of the hub seat.
Does installing disc brakes affect fuel consumption?
The impact is minimal. Disc brakes may be slightly lighter than drum brakes, which will reduce unsprung weight, but in real conditions this change is almost invisible on the on-board computer.