Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 or Almera N16 depending on market) is a reliable sedan, but even its braking system requires regular maintenance. The rear pads are often ignored here until they start to “squeak” or cause the car to pull away when braking. Unlike the front ones, they wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects safety - especially in rain or on wet asphalt, when the main load is shifted to the rear axle.

In this article we will analyze When exactly do you need to replace rear pads? on Almera Classiclike choose original or high-quality analogues (including articles and brands), and we will also give step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the features of drum and disc brakes. We will separately dwell on the typical mistakes that even experienced car owners make, and give advice on extending the service life of the pads.

Signs of rear pad wear: when is it time to change

Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera Classic (especially in the version with drum brakes) can “tolerate” up to 80–100 thousand km, but this is not a reason to ignore wear signals. The main problem is that their condition is difficult to assess visually without removing the wheel or drum. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - most often caused by worn friction material or dirt getting between the pad and the disc/drum. On Almera Classic With rear drums, squeaking can occur even with minimal wear due to the design of the mechanism.
  • 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when you press the brake pedal - indicates uneven wear of the pads or a jammed piston of the working cylinder.
  • 🛑 Increased brake pedal travel or its “softness” is a sign that the pads have worn down to metal and do not provide sufficient pressure.
  • 🔥 Rear wheel overheating after prolonged braking (for example, on a descent) - may indicate jamming of the pads due to corrosion of the guides or deformation of the brake drum.

On models with rear disc brakes (less common on Almera Classic, but is available in some configurations) the wear of the pads can be checked through the inspection window on the caliper. If the thickness of the friction layer is less 2–3 mm, replacement is required. For drum brakes, critical wear occurs when the residual thickness of the pad (together with the base) is less 6 mm.

⚠️ Attention: If metal dust or grooves appear on the inside of the wheel on the drum/disc, this is a sign that the pads have already “rubbed” to the base and are damaging the brake mechanism. In this case, replacement is required immediately, otherwise the drum/disc will also have to be replaced.
📊 How often do you check the condition of your rear brake pads?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when a squeak appears
  • Once every 2–3 years
  • Never checked

Original and similar pads: articles and brands

For Nissan Almera Classic (body B10 or N16) original rear pads are supplied by the company Akebono - the same manufacturer that makes brake systems for conveyor derailments. However, original spare parts are often more expensive than analogues, and their quality does not always justify the price. Below is a table with articles and proven brands:

Brake type Original article Analogs (brand + article) Notes
Drums (most versions) 40520-9M000 (set 4 pcs.) Akebono T7039
Nibk PB1019
Bosch 0 986 494 239
TRW GDB1446 		The original often comes complete with springs and spacer bars. Analogues Bosch And TRW softer, but more dusty.
Disc (rare configurations) 40520-4M000 Akebono ACT907A
Brembo P 24 060
Ferodo FDB1446
Textar 2464701 		Pads Brembo tougher, suitable for aggressive driving style. Ferodo — optimal price/quality balance.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

  • 🔹 Semi-metallic (semi-metallic) - durable, but noisy and require warming up. Suitable for highway driving.
  • 🔹 Ceramic - quieter and less dusty, but more expensive and may work worse at low temperatures.
  • 🔹 Organic (NAO) - soft, make little noise, but wear out faster. Optimal for the city.

On Almera Classic With drum brakes, it is not recommended to install pads with a high metal content - they accelerate drum wear and can cause vibrations during braking.

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Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility with your modification. Almera Classic by VIN code. For example, cars for the Japanese market (Nissan Sunny B10) may have different part numbers, even if they are externally identical to the European versions.

Step-by-step replacement of rear pads Nissan Almera Classic with drum brakes

Replacing rear pads with Almera Classic Drum brakes are more difficult than disc brakes due to the need to adjust the handbrake and center the drum. You will need:

  • 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (on 10, 12, 14).
  • 🔨 Hammer (for carefully removing the drum).
  • 🔩 Pliers and a flat blade screwdriver.
  • 🧴 Lubricant for guides (Molykote or Slipkote).
  • 📏 Vernier calipers (to measure drum wear).

Sequence of work:

  1. Jack up the rear of the car, remove the wheel and release the handbrake. Do not operate the jack without safety stops!

  2. Remove the brake drum. If it gets stuck, gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer along the edge of the drum. Do not hit the center - this will damage the bearing!

  3. Clean the mechanism from dirt and dust. Please note the condition working cylinder - if it leaks, it also needs to be replaced.

  4. Remove the brake pad tension springs (use pliers). Remember or take a photo of their location!

  5. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the shoe lever. This may require removing the retaining bracket.

  6. Install new pads, first applying a thin layer of lubricant to the points of contact with the support shield. Do not lubricate the friction surface!

  7. Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order. After installing the drum, adjust the gap between the shoes and the drum by turning the adjusting bolt (a slight resistance is achieved when the drum rotates).

  8. Adjust the handbrake. To do this, tighten the cable under the car (nut on 10) until the rear wheels lock with 3-4 clicks of the lever.

There are no foreign objects in the brake mechanism|The springs are installed without distortion|The handbrake cable is not twisted|The drum rotates freely (without jamming)|The adjusting bolt is secured with a locknut-->

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft”, bleed the brake system - air may have formed in it when the working cylinder was removed. Also, avoid hard braking for the first 100–200 km to allow the pads to get used to it.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is “stuck” and does not come off even after tapping, try the following methods:

1. Spray the edge of the drum with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.

2. Screw two bolts (M8) into the threaded holes on the drum (if any) - this will help to “pull it off” evenly.

3. As a last resort, use a puller, but do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the bearing.

Features of replacing rear pads on versions with disc brakes

On some modifications Nissan Almera Classic (for example, for Southeast Asian markets) rear disc brakes. Replacing them is easier than drum ones, but there are some nuances:

  • 🔧 The caliper is secured with two bolts on 14 — they need to be unscrewed without removing the brake hose.
  • 🔩 The caliper piston needs to be pressed in before installing new pads. To do this, use a special tool or sliding pliers. Do not press on the piston with a screwdriver - this will damage the boot!
  • 🛠️ Caliper guides needs to be cleaned and lubricated. If they are corroded, the caliper may seize, causing the pads to wear unevenly.
  • 📏 Brake disc thickness must be no less 10.5 mm (denomination - 12 mm). If the disc is thinner, it needs to be replaced or sharpened.

After replacing disc brake pads no need to adjust the handbrake — it pulls itself up automatically. However, check the cable movement: if the handbrake lever rises more than 6-7 clicks, the cable needs to be tightened.

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On disc brakes Almera Classic The pads wear out more evenly, but require more frequent checking - their condition is visible through the caliper inspection window.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Nissan Almera Classic. Here are the most common:

  1. Incorrect spring installation. If the pad tension springs are twisted or installed asymmetrically, this will cause uneven wear and squeaking noises. Always refer to the diagram or photograph before disassembling.

  2. Ignoring the state of the working cylinder. If the cylinder leaks or seizes, the new pads will quickly wear out. Check it for tightness and movement of the pistons.

  3. Lack of lubrication at contact points. The pads must move freely in the grooves of the support board. If they “sour”, the brake mechanism will jam.

  4. Incorrect handbrake adjustment. Too tight a cable tension will lead to overheating of the pads, and a weak one will lead to the ineffectiveness of the handbrake. Optimal: 3-4 clicks of the lever until the wheels lock.

  5. Using incompatible pads. For example, installing ceramic pads on drum brakes can cause vibrations due to differences in the coefficient of friction.

Another common problem is forget to check the condition of the brake drum. If its internal diameter exceeds 201.5 mm (denomination - 200 mm), the drum needs to be replaced. Measure it with a caliper at several points - if there is an ellipse more 0.1 mm, the drum must be grooved or replaced.

How to extend the life of your rear pads

Rear pad service life Nissan Almera Classic depends not only on the quality of materials, but also on driving style and maintenance. The following tips will help increase their resource:

  • 🚦 Avoid holding the brake pedal for long periods of time at traffic lights. It is better to use the handbrake or shift to neutral.
  • 💨 Clean your brakes regularly from dirt and rust. This is especially true for drum brakes, where dust and moisture accumulate.
  • 🔧 Check the condition of the caliper guides (for disc brakes) or the working cylinder (for drum brakes) every 20 thousand km. Jammed parts accelerate pad wear by 2–3 times.
  • 🌡️ Avoid overheating your brakes. On long descents, use engine braking rather than constantly pressing the pedal.
  • 🔄 Adjust the handbrake every 10 thousand km. Too tight a cable tension leads to wheel braking and premature wear.

Also note brake fluid quality. On Almera Classic it must meet the standard DOT-4 and replaced every 2 years (or 40 thousand km). Old fluid accumulates moisture, which lowers the boiling point and impairs the performance of the brakes, especially the rear ones.

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If you often drive around the city with frequent braking, install pads with a softer friction material (for example, Ferodo Premier). They put less strain on the brakes, although they wear out faster.

Replacement cost: yourself vs service

Cost of replacing rear pads Nissan Almera Classic depends on brake type and region. Below are approximate prices for 2026:

Type of work On your own (RUB) Service (rub.) Notes
Pads (drum) 1 200–2 500 2 000–4 500 Price for a set of 4 pads (excluding working cylinder and springs).
Pads (disc) 1 500–3 000 2 500–5 000 The original is more expensive, but lasts longer than its analogues.
Work (replacing pads) 0 1 500–3 000 The cost is higher for drum brakes due to the complexity.
Grooving of drums/discs 500–1,000 (by yourself on the machine) 1 500–2 500 Recommended for runout or ellipse of more than 0.1 mm.
Replacing the working cylinder 800–1,500 (spare part) 2,000–3,500 (with work) Often required when there is a leak or jamming.

Replacing it yourself is cheaper, but requires time and tools. If you have never worked with drum brakes, it is better to contact a service center - assembly errors can lead to wheel jam or handbrake failure.

The cost of the service may vary depending on the region. For example, in Moscow they charge from 3,000 rub., and in the regions - from 1,500 rub.. Check to see if the price includes adjusting the handbrake and checking the brake system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear pads Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive if the rear pads squeak?

Creaking does not always mean critical wear - it can occur due to sand or corrosion on the surface of the pad. However, if the creaking is accompanied by vibrations or the car pulls when braking, the pads need to be inspected. On drum brakes, squeaking often appears when wear reaches 30–40%, so it is better not to delay replacement.

How often do you need to change rear pads? Almera Classic?

Service life depends on driving style and operating conditions:

  • 🚗 City mode (frequent braking): 40–60 thousand km.
  • 🛣️ Route (rare braking): 80–100 thousand km.
  • 🏔️ Highlands: 30–50 thousand km (due to constant loads).

Check the pads every 15–20 thousand km, even if there are no signs of wear.

What happens if you don't change the rear pads?

Ignoring rear pad wear leads to:

  • 🔥 Overheating of brake mechanisms — risk of brake fluid boiling and brake failure.
  • 💥 Damage to the drum/disc - if the pads are worn down to metal, they will cut grooves and the entire assembly will have to be replaced.
  • 🚗 Deterioration in controllability - the car will “yaw” when braking, especially on a wet road.
  • 🔧 Working cylinder failure — worn pads increase the load on the hydraulics.

On drum brakes, worn pads may jam, which will lead to the wheel blocking while driving.

Is it possible to put front pads on the rear axle?

No! The front and rear pads have different friction material composition and shape. The front ones are designed for high temperatures and intense loads, and the rear ones are designed for smooth braking. Installing front pads on the rear axle will result in:

  • 🔥 Overheating of the rear brakes (risk of fluid boiling).
  • 🚗 Uneven braking (the car will “nod off”).
  • 💥 Rapid wear of the drum/disc.

How to check if the rear pads are sticking?

Take the test:

1. Drive 5–10 km without heavy braking.

2. Stop and touch the rear wheel rims with your hand (be careful - they may be hot!).

3. If one wheel is noticeably hotter than the other, the pads on it become wedged.


Also pay attention to:
  • 🔥 Burning smell from the side of the wheel after a trip.
  • 🚗 Increased fuel consumption (due to constant braking).
  • 💨 Rapid tire wear on one side.

The cause of jamming may be a rusted handbrake cable, soured guides or a faulty working cylinder.