Replacing brake pads on a Nissan Almera G15: instructions from A to Z

Replacing brake pads with Nissan Almera G15 - a procedure that many car owners prefer to perform on their own. And for good reason: with the right approach, this allows you to save up to 3-5 thousand rubles at a service station, not to mention the time spent waiting for an appointment. However poor quality pad replacement can lead to uneven disc wear, squeaking, or even brake failure in a critical situation. In this article we will analyze the entire process from the selection of spare parts to the final inspection - taking into account the specifics Almera G15 (including restyled versions 2016-2019).

The peculiarity of this model is combined braking system: front discs and rear drums (on basic versions) or discs (on versions with ABS and ESP). We will go into detail about both options, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes. For example, why after replacing the pads with Almera G15 Vibration often occurs when braking and how to fix it. If you have never worked on the brake system, don’t worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, with step-by-step photos and video links.

When to change pads on a Nissan Almera G15: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends checking the thickness of the pads every 15-20 thousand km, but the actual period depends on driving style and quality of spare parts. For example, with aggressive driving in the city, the pads can wear out after 10 thousand km, and with quiet driving on the highway, they can last up to 40 thousand km. Here are the key signs that it's time to go to the garage:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking, this is not always an indicator of wear (sometimes dust or moisture is to blame), but it cannot be ignored. On Almera G15 creaking often occurs due to metal inserts in the pads that rub against the disc during critical wear.
• 📏 Increased braking distance. If the car brakes worse than usual, this is a direct signal to check the pads and discs. On G15 with ABS this is especially noticeable during emergency braking.
• 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or squealing of the brake pedal. Most often he talks about brake disc deformation, but may also be a consequence of uneven wear of the pads.
• 🔧 Visual wear. The minimum permissible thickness of the friction layer is 2-3 mm. If less, replacement is required.

On Nissan Almera G15 there is one feature: rear drum pads wear out slower than the front ones, but their condition is more difficult to assess without removing the drum. If you hear it when braking metallic clang at the back - this is a sure sign that the pads have worn down to the base.

⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on BRAKE or ABS, don't be so quick to blame the pads. On Almera G15 This could indicate low brake fluid, a faulty ABS sensor, or problems with the vacuum booster. Check the fluid level in the reservoir before replacing the pads!

Which pads to choose for Nissan Almera G15: original vs analogues

Original pads from Nissan for Almera G15 have articles:

• 🔧 Front: 40520-4M000 (for versions with disks 259 mm) or 40520-4M001 (for disks 280 mm on top trim levels).
• 🔧 Rear (drum): 40510-4M000 (set for both wheels).
• 🔧 Rear (disc, for versions with ABS): 40520-4M010.

The cost of the original is from 3 to 6 thousand rubles per set (front or rear). However, many owners Almera G15 they choose analogues, which are often not inferior in quality, but are 1.5-2 times cheaper. The table below shows proven brands and their features:

Brand	Article (front)	Price (set), ₽	Features	Recommendation
AKEBONO	ACT907A	2 200–2 500	Soft composition, minimal disc wear, almost no dust	⭐ Best choice for city driving
Brembo	P 24 063	2 800–3 200	Tough, durable, but generates more dust	⭐ For aggressive driving style
TRW	GDB1446	2 000–2 300	Balanced, medium dust level	⭐ Optimal price/quality ratio
Ferodo	FDB1446	2 500–2 900	Low noise level, but wear out faster	⚠️ Not suitable for frequent braking
Bosch	0 986 494 219	2 400–2 700	Universal, suitable for any riding style	⭐ Good option for beginners

For rear drum pads, analogues from Sangsin (SP1399) or Nipparts (N4510510) - they are 30-40% cheaper than the original, but require mandatory pulling the handbrake cable after installation.

Important: on Almera G15 with ABS and ESP, you cannot install pads without wear sensors (if they were in the original). Otherwise, an error will appear on the panel BRAKE, and the stability control system may not work correctly.

Tools and preparation: what you need to replace pads

To replace the front pads with Nissan Almera G15 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (or lift). Never work on a machine that is only supported by a jack!
• 🔧 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔧 Socket heads by 14 and 17 mm (for caliper guides).
• 🔧 7 mm hexagon (for some caliper versions).
• 🔧 Guide lubricant (For example, TRW PFG110 or Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 🔧 Medical syringe or a bulb for pumping out brake fluid.
• 🔧 Metal brush And brake cleaner (For example, Liqui Moly Bremsen-Reiniger).
• 🔧 Hammer And screwdriver (for rear drums).

For rear drum pads you will also need:

• 🔧 Pliers for removing tension springs.
• 🔧 Drum puller (or you can get by with two M8 bolts).
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant (drums often stick).

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Park your car on flat surface and secure with wheel chocks.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts before jacking up.
3. Open the hood and pump out some of the brake fluid from the reservoir (when the caliper piston is compressed, the level will rise).
4. If you are changing the rear pads - release the handbrake.

Park the car on a flat surface|Loosen the wheel bolts|Pump out the brake fluid|Raise the car and install supports|Remove the wheel|Clean the caliper/drum from dirt-->

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with the system ESP after replacing the pads it may be necessary brake adaptation reset. To do this, you need to drive 5-10 km with several intensive braking (before the ABS is activated) or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Step-by-step replacement of front brake pads on Nissan Almera G15

The process of replacing the front pads Almera G15 takes about 1-1.5 hours (on both wheels). Follow the instructions:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt with a metal brush. Do not use water or detergents - only brake cleaner.

2. Unscrew the lower caliper guide bolt (14 mm head). There is no need to touch the top bolt - the caliper will rotate on it.

3. Lift the caliper up and secure it with wire or a tie so that it does not hang on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the hose!

4. Remove old pads and inspect the brake disc. If it has deep furrows (more than 0.5 mm) or edge collar — the disc needs to be sharpened or replaced.

5. Sink the caliper piston. To do this, use sliding pliers or a special tool. On Almera G15 the piston is pressed in clockwise (with rotation), as it has a thread. If you simply press, you can damage the boot.

6. Install new pads, having previously applied anti-squeak paste on their back side (but not on the friction layer!).

7. Lubricate the caliper guides special lubricant and reassemble everything in reverse order.

After assembly, press the brake pedal several times to adjust the piston. Then check the brake fluid level and add if necessary.

Replacing rear drum pads: nuances for Almera G15

Rear drum pads Almera G15 They change less frequently than the front ones, but the process is more labor-intensive. The main difficulty is drum removal, which often sticks to the hub. Here's how to do it right:

1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the drum guide pins (if any). On some versions Almera G15 The drum is mounted on two 10 mm wrench bolts.

2. Apply WD-40 at the junction of the drum and the hub, wait 5-10 minutes.

3. Gently knock down the drum hammer through a wooden spacer or use a puller. Do not hit the drum itself with a metal hammer - it may crack!

4. After removing the drum clean the mechanism from old grease and dust. Please note handbrake pull lever — it will need to be disconnected from the cable.

5. Remove the tension springs pliers (it is convenient to use special pliers for springs). Be careful - the springs are under tension!

6. Install new pads, starting from the bottom. Place the upper block under the working cylinder piston.

7. Adjust the handbrake. To do this, after assembly, pull the handbrake lever several times until it stops, then release. Repeat 3-4 times until the pads are in place.

If after replacement the handbrake does not hold or is too tight, you will need cable adjustment. On Almera G15 this is done with a nut on the equalizer (under the car, next to the rear beam).

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum doesn't move even after using WD-40, try the following:

1. Insert two M8 bolts into the threaded holes on the drum (if there are any) and tighten them evenly - this will help “press out” the drum.

2. Use a three-jaw puller (available at auto stores).

3. As a last resort, warm up the drum with a hair dryer (do not overheat!), then try to knock it down again.

If all else fails, the drum may be deformed and needs to be replaced.

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to squeaking, uneven wear, or even brake failure. Here are the most common mistakes on Nissan Almera G15:

• 🚫 Unlubricated caliper guides. This leads to jamming and uneven pad wear. Always use high temperature grease (not ordinary lithol!).
• 🚫 Forgot to press in the caliper piston. If this is not done, the new pads simply will not fit into place.
• 🚫 Installed pads without anti-squeak plates. On Almera G15 this often leads to constant whistling when braking.
• 🚫 Didn't check the condition of the brake discs. If the disk has shoulder more than 1 mm, new pads will wear out 2-3 times faster.
• 🚫 The handbrake was not adjusted after replacing the rear pads. This may lead to drum overheating and loss of braking efficiency.

Another typical problem is Steering wheel vibration after replacing pads. On Almera G15 this is usually associated with:

• 🔧 Incorrect installation of the pads (right/left sides mixed up).
• 🔧 Contamination of the disk surface (needs to be cleaned brake cleaner).
• 🔧 Deformation of the brake disc (checked by an indicator when the wheel rotates).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft” or falls down, this is a sign air entering the system. On Almera G15 with ABS, it is better to leave the brake bleeding to specialists, since a diagnostic scanner is required to activate the ABS valves.

Running in new pads: why is it important?

Many car owners ignore running in new pads, but Nissan Almera G15 this could lead to accelerated wear And uneven fit to disk. Follow these rules:

• 🚗 First 200 km Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly, with moderate force.
• 🚗 Do not use handbrake on the first day after replacing the rear pads (if not adjusted).
• 🚗 Via 500 km Check the tightness of all bolts and inspect the pads for uneven wear.

On Almera G15 with the system ESP After break-in it is recommended to do test braking with ABS in a safe area. This will help the system adapt to the new pads.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No! On Almera G15 pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (front or rear). Otherwise there will be uneven braking, which is dangerous, especially at high speeds. The exception is if the pad is mechanically damaged (for example, after an accident), but even in this case it is better to replace both.

How much do original pads cost for Almera G15?

The cost of original pads from Nissan (2023):

• Front: 3 500–4 500 ₽ per set (depending on the disc version).
• Rear (drum): 2 000–2 500 ₽.
• Rear (disc): 4 000–5 000 ₽.

Analogues will cost 1.5–2 times cheaper, but be careful with fakes - buy only from official dealers or trusted sellers.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?

If you just replaced the pads and did not disconnect the brake hoses - no pumping needed. However, if you pressed the caliper piston in and brake fluid leaked out of the reservoir, check the level and add if necessary. Bleeding is only required if air has entered the system (for example, when replacing hoses or cylinders).

How often do you need to change brake fluid on Almera G15?

The manufacturer recommends replacement every 40,000 km or once every 2 years (whichever comes first). Brake fluid is hygroscopic - over time it absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to brake failure under heavy braking. On Almera G15 liquid is used DOT-4.

Why did a squeak appear after replacing the pads?

Creaking noise after replacing pads Almera G15 can be called:

• 🔧 No anti-squeak plates (if they were in the original).
• 🔧 Ingress of dirt between the pad and the disc (needs to be cleaned).
• 🔧 Poor quality pads (especially cheap analogues without certification).
• 🔧 Worn brake discs (grooves or shoulder).

Solution: remove the wheels, clean the discs and pads brake cleaner, apply anti-squeak paste to the back of the pads. If the squeak does not disappear, check the quality of the pads or discs.