Nissan Almera is a popular sedan that is valued for its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even the most durable cars have weak points, and one of them is rear hub. This part experiences enormous loads, especially on Russian roads with their potholes and uneven surfaces. Wear of the wheel bearing or the hub itself can lead to dangerous consequences: from increased noise to complete loss of control at speed.

In this article we will look at how to recognize a faulty rear hub on time. Almera (including models N16, G15 And Tino), what symptoms should alert you, how to choose the right spare part and replace it yourself. We will also discuss nuances that even experienced craftsmen are silent about - for example, why after replacing the hub on an Almera G15, vibration may occur at speeds of 80+ km/h if the brake disc is not balanced.

Signs of a bad rear hub: when to sound the alarm

The first signs of problems with the hub are often ignored, as they are attributed to “road conditions” or “tire wear”. However there is 5 Key Symptoms, which directly indicate a malfunction:

  • 🔊 Hum or howl from the rear wheel, intensifying at speeds of 60–90 km/h. The sound may disappear when turning (for example, the hum on the right disappears when turning left - this is a sign of wear bearing inner race).
  • 🌀 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, which manifests itself even on a flat road. It is often confused with wheel imbalance, but if balancing does not help, the hub is to blame.
  • 🔥 Wheel overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand - if one wheel is noticeably hotter than the others, this is an alarming sign).
  • 🚗 Wheel play when swinging it with your hands in a vertical plane (diagnosed on a lift or jack).
  • 🛑 Creaking or crunching when braking - may indicate bearing failure or dirt getting into the hub assembly.

On Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) and G15 (2012–2018) wheel bearings last on average 80–120 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or frequent off-road trips, the resource is reduced to 50–60 thousand km. On Almera Tino (compact van) rear hubs fail less frequently due to a different suspension design, but diagnosing them is more difficult due to the closed body.

⚠️ Attention: If, while driving at a speed of 100+ km/h, metallic knock behind you, slow down immediately! This is a sign destruction of the bearing cage — further driving may lead to wheel jamming.
📊 How often do you check the condition of the hubs on your car?
  • Once every 10 thousand km
  • Only when there is noise
  • Never checked
  • I trust service station diagnostics

Rear hub design Nissan Almera: what's inside?

Rear hub on Almera - this is not just a metal disk, but a complex assembly that includes:

  • 🔧 Hub housing - a cast part to which the brake disc and wheel are attached.
  • 🧲 Bearing - usually double-row ball or roller (on G15 they often install NSK or Koyo).
  • 🔩 Hub nut - on Almera N16 has a left-hand thread (important when replacing!).
  • 🛡️ Protective cap - prevents the entry of dirt, but often becomes deformed if replaced carelessly.
  • 🔄 ABS sensor (on models with an anti-lock braking system) - integrated into the hub or mounted separately.

On Almera G15 (2012–2018) the rear hub is often assembled with a bearing (original article number - 40520-BM40A), whereas on N16 the bearing can be replaced separately (article number - 40520-4M000). This affects the cost of repairs: replacing only the bearing will cost 1.5–2 thousand rubles., and the hub assembly is 4–6 thousand rubles. (price depends on the manufacturer).

Model Almera Hub type Original article number Compatible analogues Average resource, thousand km
N16 (2000–2006) Bearing separately 40520-4M000 NSK, Koyo, Febi 80–100
G15 (2012–2018) Hub assembly 40520-BM40A SKF, SNL, TRW 100–120
Tino (2000–2006) Hub with flange 40520-4M010 NTN, Timken 90–110

Feature Almera G15 — integrated ABS sensor into the hub. When replacing an assembly, the sensor is transferred from the old part, but it is often damaged during dismantling. If the ABS light comes on after replacement, check the integrity of the wire and sensor connector!

How to choose a rear hub: original vs analogues

When purchasing a new hub, owners Almera are faced with a dilemma: to take the original or an analogue. Original parts from Nissan guarantee compatibility, but their price is high. For example, a hub assembly for G15 will cost 7–9 thousand rubles., while analogues from SKF or TRW are worth 3–5 thousand rubles..

Key selection criteria:

  • 🔍 Manufacturer: the best analogues - SKF (Sweden), NSK (Japan) Koyo (Japan). Cheap Chinese bearings (FENOX, Pilenga) last 2–3 times less.
  • 📦 Equipment: The kit must contain a hub nut, a locking ring (if provided) and a protective cap.
  • 🔢 Article: check with catalogs Nissan or AutoData. For example, for Almera N16 fits 40520-4M000, but there are nuances depending on the year of manufacture.
  • 🛒 Place of purchase: Avoid markets and dubious online stores. It is better to take from trusted points like Exist.ru, Autodoc or from official dealers.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 after 2015, hubs were installed with modified seat for the ABS sensor. If you buy a part for a 2012-2014 model, the sensor may not fit in place!

When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to country of origin. For example, SKF makes bearings in Romania, Poland and China - the latter are often counterfeited. The original packaging must have:

  • Manufacturer's hologram.
  • Serial number matching on the box and the part.
  • Instructions in several languages (including Russian).
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Before purchasing a hub, use a caliper to measure the diameter of the bearing mounting hole on the old part. There are cases when even original spare parts have errors of up to 0.5 mm, which leads to wheel runout.

Step-by-step rear hub replacement Nissan Almera with your own hands

Replacing a hub is a task of average complexity, but requires care and the availability of special tools. If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust the work to a service station, since errors when pressing the bearing or tightening the nut can lead to destruction of the unit after 1–2 thousand km.

Required tool:

  • 🔧 Socket wrench 30 or 32 (for the hub nut).
  • 🔨 Wheel bearing remover (or press).
  • 🔩 Socket heads and collars.
  • 🛠️ Jack and stops.
  • 🔥 Gas burner (for heating the hub during difficult dismantling).

Work order (for example Almera G15):

Loosen the wheel nut (while the car is on the ground)|Raise the car and remove the wheel|Disconnect the brake caliper and hang it on a wire|Remove the brake rotor (WD-40 may be required)|Disconnect the ABS sensor connector (if equipped)-->

  1. Removing the old hub:

    • Unscrew the hub nut (on G15 tightening torque - 180–200 Nm).
    • Remove the retaining ring (if equipped) using pliers.
    • Press out the hub with a puller or knock it with a hammer through a wooden spacer (carefully so as not to damage the axle!).

  2. Installing a new hub:

    • Clean the seat from dirt and rust.
    • Apply a thin layer of lubricant (Litol-24 or Molykote) on the axle.
    • Press in the new hub, avoiding distortions. The bearing must fit strictly perpendicular.
    • Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (see manual for torque).

  3. Assembly:

    • Install the brake disc and caliper.
    • Connect the ABS sensor (check the integrity of the wire!).
    • Place the wheel and lower the car.
    • Tighten the hub nut completely (to N16 moment - 220–250 Nm).

After replacement necessarily:

  • Drive for 10–15 km and check the hub heating (it should not be hot!).
  • Check the ABS operation (the lamp on the instrument panel should go out after the engine starts).
  • Balance the wheel - even a slight imbalance after replacing the hub can cause vibration.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 when replacing a hub they often forget about handbrake adjustment. If the handbrake becomes weaker after the repair, tighten the cable through the adjusting nut under the car.
What to do if the hub cannot be removed?

If the hub is stuck to the journal, use a gas torch to heat the inner race of the bearing (do not heat the journal itself!). After heating, tap the hub with a hammer through a wooden block. As a last resort, you can use a three-jaw puller or even a grinder (carefully!) to cut the old hub.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that shorten the service life of a new hub. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Retightening the hub nut — leads to overheating of the bearing and its premature wear. Always use a torque wrench!
  • 🧴 Lack of lubrication on landing surfaces. The bearing should fit into the hub with a slight force, but not “jam”.
  • 🔥 Using a percussion instrument when pressing. A hammer and chisel are the worst assistants: the bearing can crack.
  • 🛑 Ignoring ABS Sensor. If you forget to connect the connector or damage the wire, the system will generate an error.
  • 🌀 Failure to maintain cleanliness. Sand or dirt getting into the bearing reduces its life by 2-3 times.

On Almera Tino a common problem with trunnion corrosion. If the seat is rusty, the new hub may not fit tightly, resulting in runout. In this case, the trunnion must be cleaned with sandpaper or a special brush, and then coated with an anti-corrosion compound (WD-40 Specialist or Liqui Moly MoS2).

One more nuance - retaining rings. On some models Almera They are disposable and deform when removed. If the ring is not replaced, the hub may rotate under load.

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After replacing the hub, avoid sudden acceleration and braking for the first 500 km - this will help the new bearing “get in” and extend its service life.

Repair cost: service station vs independent replacement

Rear hub replacement cost Nissan Almera depends on the model, region and type of service station. On average the prices are:

Type of work STO (rub.) On your own (RUB) Notes
Bearing replacement (without hub) 2 500–4 000 500–1 000 Puller and press required
Replacing the hub assembly 3 500–6 000 1 000–2 000 Includes brake disc removal/installation
Hub diagnostics 500–1 500 Free Often offered "free" with repairs
Wheel balancing after replacement 400–800 400–800 Mandatory to prevent vibration

The savings when doing your own repairs are obvious, but there are hidden costs:

  • 🔧 Purchase of tools (puller, torque wrench) - from 3–5 thousand rubles..
  • ⏱️ Time - without experience, replacement may take 4–6 hours (at the service station - 1–2 hours).
  • 🚗 Risk of errors - if the bearing is installed crookedly, it will last for 1–2 thousand km.

If you decide to go to a service station, choose proven services. Please note:

  • 📝 Availability of a guarantee for work (minimum 6 months).
  • 🔧 Using an original tool (for example, a puller, not a hammer).
  • 📸 Photo report on the work done (many service stations provide photos of the old and new parts).

Prevention: how to extend the life of the rear hub

Hub service life Nissan Almera can be increased by 1.5–2 times if you follow simple rules:

  • 🛣️ Avoid potholes and sharp impacts — even one strong hit into a hole at speed can damage the bearing.
  • 🚿 Wash your wheels in winter — salt and reagents corrode the protective cap of the hub, allowing moisture to enter.
  • 🔧 Check wheel play every 10 thousand km (just rock the wheel with your hands on a lift).
  • 🛠️ Lubricate the hub nut at every maintenance - this will prevent it from “sticking”.
  • 🌀 Keep your wheels balanced — imbalance creates additional load on the bearing.

On Almera G15 after 2014, hubs were installed with improved moisture protection, but even they require attention. One way to extend the life of a bearing is machining the axle seat anti-corrosion composition (Molykote or Copaslip). This prevents the hub from “sticking” and makes it easier to replace in the future.

Another tip for owners Almera N16: If you often drive off-road, install protective covers for hubs (article - 40530-4M000). They are inexpensive (approx. 1 thousand rub. per set), but protect the bearing from sand and dirt.

⚠️ Attention: If you frequently carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, check your hubs every 5 thousand km. Increased axle load accelerates bearing wear by 2–3 times.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the rear hub Nissan Almera

Is it possible to drive with a humming hub if the noise appeared recently?

No! The hum points to bearing wear, and if ignored, can happen separator destruction - the wheel will jam while driving. The maximum that can be done is to get to the service station at a speed of no more than 60 km/h.

How to distinguish a hub failure from problems with the CV joint?

CV joint crunches when turning and accelerating, and the hub buzzing on a straight line. Also, if the CV joint is faulty, the sound comes from the front (on front-wheel drive Almera), and the hub is noisy at the rear. For an accurate diagnosis, lift the car on a lift and rotate the wheel manually - if you hear a crunch or play, the hub is to blame.

Is it necessary to replace the hub assembly if only the bearing is worn out?

On Almera N16 the bearing can be replaced separately, but G15 The hub comes assembled. Even if you find a “master” who agrees to press out the old bearing and press in a new one, the risk of rapid wear is high - it is better to install the original hub assembly.

Why did vibration appear at speeds of 80+ km/h after replacing the hub?

The reasons may be:

  • Unbalanced wheel.
  • The brake disc is damaged (if it was removed without care).
  • The hub is installed skewed (needs to be re-pressed).
  • The hub nut is not tightened (check the tightening torque!).

First check the balancing, then inspect the brake disc for runout (tolerance - no more than 0.1 mm).

Which hubs are best to install on Almera G15: original or analogues?

Original hubs (40520-BM40A) last longer, but if your budget is limited, take analogues from SKF (article VKB 3643) or TRW (JHB1044). Avoid cheap Chinese brands - they rarely travel more than 30 thousand km.