Car rear brake system Nissan Almera Classic is a classic drum mechanism that many owners consider outdated, but in practice it has proven its high efficiency and durability. Unlike disc analogues, drum brakes are better protected from dirt and moisture, which is critical for Russian roads, but their maintenance requires specific skills and an understanding of the principles of the parking brake.
Many car owners are faced with the fact that after replacing the front discs, the rear drums begin to creak or stop braking normally. This is due to the fact that the rear axle Nissan Almera (and her twin Renault Logan first generation) has complex mechanics for adjusting the gap between the pads and the drum, and also requires the correct setting of the handbrake. Ignoring these nuances can lead to rapid wear of the friction linings or overheating of the rear wheels during a long descent.
Design and arrangement of the drum mechanism
In order to carry out quality repairs or replacement of components, it is necessary to thoroughly understand how the mechanism works. The base is cast iron brake drum, inside of which there are two semicircular brake pads, pushed apart by the piston of the working cylinder. Feature Almera Classic is the presence of an automatic slack adjuster that moves the lever, compensating for the wear of the linings each time the brake pedal is pressed when the gear is engaged or in reverse.
Worker hydraulic cylinder presses on the pads, and return springs, which have high rigidity, return them to their original position after releasing the pedal. The parking brake (handbrake) system is connected to the bottom of the pads through a cable drive and levers, which, when the handbrake is tightened, open the pads mechanically, without hydraulics. Understanding this connection is critically important, since incorrect assembly of the levers often leads to the handbrake not holding or the pads constantly braking.
The materials used by the manufacturer are focused on resource, and not on sports dynamics. The pads often have an asbestos base or modern non-asbestos compounds that work reliably but require periodic grinding. Drums are prone to forming a lip on the edge, which can prevent the installation of new elements without pre-treatment or replacement.
Troubleshooting and typical problems
You can determine the need for repairs not only by the light on the instrument panel, but also by indirect signs. If you feel that the brake pedal has become softer, or the car begins to pull to the side when braking, the problem may be hidden in the rear circuit. Owners often complain of an unpleasant grinding or knocking sound when driving over uneven surfaces, which indicates the destruction of the springs or wear of the guides.
- 🔍 Grinding noise when braking - a sign of critical wear of the friction linings or dirt getting inside the drum.
- 🔍 Self-tightening handbrake - indicates jamming of the cables or incorrect adjustment of the gap after replacing the pads.
- 🔍 Reduced braking performance - may be caused by depressurization of the working cylinder and ingress of brake fluid.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition brake cylinder. Over time, rubber cuffs harden and begin to leak fluid, which leads to leakage and, as a consequence, loss of pressure in the circuit. If you see wet marks on the inside of the tire or inside the drum, stop driving the vehicle immediately and call a tow truck or have it repaired on site.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to brake using only the front discs in an emergency situation. Nissan Almera Classic. The rear circuit carries a significant load, and its failure can lead to an uncontrolled skidding of the car, especially on a slippery road.
Another common problem is corrosion of the guide pins and levers of the mechanism. In winter conditions, when the roads are sprinkled with reagents, the metal begins to rust and the moving parts jam. This causes the pads to not move away from the drum, causing overheating and rapid wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication of these components extends the life of the entire system significantly.
Preparation for replacement and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. You will need a jack, reliable stands for the body, a set of sockets (including a wrench for 12 and 17), pliers, screwdrivers and special lubricant for brake mechanisms. Don't forget to purchase a can of brake cleaner, as a lot of brake dust accumulates inside the drum, which is extremely harmful to the lungs.
- 🛠️ Special puller to remove the drum if it is stuck to the hub.
- 🛠️ Brake fluid DOT-4 for topping up if it is necessary to bleed the system.
- 🛠️ Set of new pads and, if necessary, a new slave cylinder.
The process itself begins with loosening the wheel bolts with the car standing. Lift the rear of the car, place it on stands and remove the wheel. If the drum comes off easily, check it for cracks and beating. If it does not come off, perhaps the handbrake is tightened too much or the adjustment mechanism has gone to maximum. In this case, access to the adjustment mechanism will be required through the access window at the rear of the drum.
⚠️ Attention: Brake dust contains harmful particles. Be sure to use a respirator and safety glasses when working on the inside of the drum, and try not to blow dust with compressed air towards your face.
- Original (Nissan/Renault)
- High-quality analogue (TRW, Pagid)
- Budget analogue (Brand unknown)
- I don't know, I haven't watched
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
Removing the drum is the first step. If it doesn't work, try gently tapping it with a hammer through a piece of wood or using a puller. Once removed you will see the spring mechanism and levers. First, remove the upper and lower return springs using special hooks or pliers. Be careful, the springs are under high tension and may bounce to the side.
Next, disconnect the handbrake cable from the rear shoe lever. To do this, you need to remove the cable tip from the hole in the lever. After this, you can remove both pads, having first disconnected them from the spacer bar and the piston of the working cylinder. Pay attention to the condition of the guide pins: they should move freely. If they are rusty, they must be cleaned and lubricated with high temperature grease.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
Installation of new elements is carried out in the reverse order. It is important to install the springs correctly and make sure that the handbrake levers are in place. Pay special attention to the spacer bar: its length should be adjusted so that the pads do not touch the drum, but move completely apart when you press the pedal. Before installing the drum, be sure to check that it rotates freely on the new shoes.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
Often the problem is that the inside edge of the drum has formed a bead due to wear. Try to loosen the adjustment mechanism through the technological hole by rotating the screwdriver in the desired direction until the pads move away from the drum. If this doesn't help, use a puller or gently tap the drum around with a hammer to loosen the rust.
Setting up the handbrake and adjusting the gaps
After replacing the pads, it is critical to adjust the clearance correctly. On Nissan Almera Classic this is done through the technological window on the back side of the drum or automatically when reversing with the brake pedal pressed. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjusting nut or gear until the shoes just lightly touch the drum, then loosen them slightly.
The parking brake is adjusted after the clearances have been adjusted. Tighten the handbrake 3-5 clicks. If the wheel does not rotate, and the wheel is free when the handbrake is lowered, the adjustment is correct. If the handbrake is tightened too tightly or does not hold, it is necessary to tighten the cables under the bottom of the car or replace them if they are worn out.
Do not forget that the automatic adjustment mechanism must work. Try pressing the brake pedal sharply several times with reverse gear engaged (with the engine off but in gear, or while driving with caution). You should hear a characteristic click from the mechanism, which means that the clearance is decreasing as the pads wear. If this does not happen, the mechanism may be blocked.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Permissible drum wear | up to 200.0 mm | Maximum diameter according to marking |
| Friction lining thickness | min. 1.5 mm | Change when minimum is reached |
| Handbrake tightening force | 3-5 clicks | With a load on the lever of 20 kgf |
| Brake pressure | 100-150 bar | During emergency braking |
Selection of spare parts and alternative solutions
There are many options for brake pads on the market. Nissan Almera Classic. Original parts Nissan or Renault (since this is a B0 platform) usually have a long service life and stable characteristics, but are not cheap. Alternatives include quality brands such as TRW, Bosch, ATE or Remsa, which often surpass the original in the composition of the friction mixture.
- 🚀 Budget segment — suitable for quiet city driving, but can wear out faster and become dusty.
- 🚀 Premium segment — provide better braking performance and less wear on the drums.
- 🚀 Sports pads — not recommended for normal use, as they require warming up and may creak.
As for the drums, they rarely need to be replaced. Usually it is enough to turn them on a lathe if there is wear, but not exceeding the permissible limit. If the drum has deep grooves or is cracked, replacement is required. Ignoring critical drum wear can lead to its destruction during emergency braking, which is life-threatening.
When purchasing pads, be sure to check that all the necessary springs and clips are included. Often, cheap kits do not have them, and you have to buy them separately, which increases repair time and costs.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Rear brake service Nissan Almera Classic - a task quite feasible for a home craftsman, if you approach it with attention and accuracy. The main thing is not to rush, thoroughly clean the mechanisms and adjust the gaps correctly. Regularly checking the condition of the brake system will avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure safety on the road.
Remember that rear drum brakes play a key role in stabilizing the vehicle when braking. Their good condition directly affects controllability. If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary tools, it is better to entrust this work to professionals in a specialized service.
Timely replacement of pads, lubrication of guides and monitoring of brake fluid levels are simple steps that will significantly extend the life of your car. Don't neglect scheduled maintenance and listen to the sounds your car makes when braking, as they are often the first sign that repairs are needed.
How often do you need to change the rear brake pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
The service life of rear drum pads is significantly longer than front disc pads. On average, they last for 60-80 thousand kilometers, but this depends on the driving style and operating conditions. It is recommended to check their condition at every maintenance.
Why do rear brakes squeak after replacing pads?
Creaking can occur due to a lack of lubrication at the contact points between the metal part of the pad and the caliper or guides. The reason may also be poor-quality material of the linings or the need to grind them in. Drum mechanisms often creak due to improper adjustment of the handbrake.
Is it possible to replace rear drum brakes with disc brakes?
Theoretically, this is possible using special adapters and calipers from other models, but this is a complex and expensive procedure that requires reconnecting the hydraulics and adjusting the ABS. For normal operation, drum brakes are on Almera Classic quite sufficient and reliable.
What to do if the handbrake stops holding the car?
First, try adjusting the tension of the handbrake cables under the bottom of the car. If this does not help, the cables may have stretched or the pads may have worn out. In some cases, it helps to adjust the gap in the drum mechanism itself through the technological window.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the rear brake mechanisms, as well as timely replacement of the pads before critical wear, are the key to safe operation of the Nissan Almera Classic in any road conditions.