The braking system is a critical safety element of any vehicle, and Nissan Almera Classic This is no exception. During operation, the service life of brake linings is inevitably exhausted, which requires timely replacement to maintain braking efficiency. Ignoring wear symptoms can lead to expensive caliper repairs or even accidents on the road.
Many owners Nissan Almera Classic they prefer to carry out maintenance themselves, since the design of the suspension and brake mechanisms of this model is quite simple and understandable. However, even with the apparent ease of work, certain tools and knowledge of specific nuances specific to this platform are required.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of replacing both front and rear brake pads. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to choose the right parts, and what to pay attention to during assembly to ensure the system works flawlessly.
Preparing the workplace and necessary tools
Before you begin work, you must ensure a safe environment and prepare all the required equipment. Brake system Works under high pressure, so negligence can be dangerous. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level, hard surface and the handbrake is securely engaged.
You will need a standard set of tools that every car enthusiast should have. Pay special attention to the jack and safety stands - never work under a machine supported solely by a hydraulic lift.
List of required tools and materials:
- 🔧 Socket wrenches 17 and 12 (for calipers and guides)
- 🔨 Hammer and chisel (for unscrewing stuck bolts)
- 🛠 Torque wrench (for precise tightening of bolts)
- 🧼Brake cleaner and brake lube
- 🛡 New brake pads and brake fluid (if necessary)
It is important to prepare a container to drain the old brake fluid if you plan to bleed the system. Also, don't forget to wear gloves and safety glasses, as brake dust is extremely harmful to the skin and eyes.
⚠️ Attention: Never use oil-based lubricant on the friction surfaces of brake mechanisms. This will lead to instantaneous brake failure and complete loss of vehicle control.
Selection of quality spare parts for Nissan Almera Classic
The quality of brake pads directly affects your safety and the life of other system components. There are many offers on the market, from cheap analogues to original parts. For Nissan Almera Classic It is important to select a kit that meets the specific requirements of the manufacturer.
Original spare parts Nissan (article 41060-AN00A for the front and 41060-AN00A or analogues for the rear) guarantee perfect compliance with the dimensions and composition of the friction material. However, they often cost more and may come with dust caps, which are not always needed.
Similar brands such as TRW, Textar, Brembo or Kashiyama, often offer excellent value for money. These manufacturers supply parts to the assembly lines of many automakers, so their products are not inferior to the original in terms of characteristics.
When choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:
- 📦 All necessary springs and clamps included
- 🌡 Material resistance to overheating and dust formation
- 💰 Value for money and real reviews from other owners
Avoid buying pads without packaging or with damaged protective film. This may indicate improper storage or counterfeiting. Also check the markings on the pads themselves - they should be clear and correspond to the catalog numbers.
⚠️ Attention: Installing pads with incorrect friction material stiffness can lead to rapid wear of the brake discs. Overlays that are too soft will quickly wear off, while pads that are too hard will damage the disc.
Removing and replacing front brake pads
Let's start with the front axle, since it bears the main load during braking. The process begins with removing the wheel. Loosen the wheel bolts before jacking up the car to prevent the wheel from spinning.
After lifting the car and placing it on safety stands, remove the wheel. You will see a caliper that is attached to the steering knuckle with two guide bolts. Unscrew the lower and upper caliper mounting bolts with a 17mm wrench.
Carefully move the caliper to the side, hanging it on a wire or hook so as not to damage the brake hose. Old pads are now available for removal. Pay attention to the condition of the guides and anthers.
The replacement procedure includes the following steps:
- 🔩 Unscrew the caliper guides and remove it
- 🧹 Clean the seats from dirt and rust
- 🔄 Install new pads into the bracket
- 🛠 Return the caliper to its place and tighten the bolts
Before installing new pads, you must push the caliper piston back into the housing. This can be done with a special tool or a powerful clamp, but do it carefully so as not to damage the boot.
☑️ Inspection before replacement
If the piston does not move, the fluid level in the reservoir may be too high. Open the hood and check the reservoir Brake Fluid, if necessary, pump out some of the liquid.
The nuances of working with the caliper piston
On the front calipers of Nissan Almera Classic, the piston does not need to be screwed in, it is enough to simply press it in. If you feel a lot of resistance, check to see if it is blocked by corrosion. In such cases, it is better to use a special piston blade to avoid distortion.
After installing the new pads and replacing the caliper, be sure to press the brake pedal all the way down several times to force the pistons against the new pads. The pedal should become firm.
⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal remains soft after replacing the pads, this is a sign of air in the system. Mandatory bleeding of the brakes is required.
The front brake pads on the Nissan Almera Classic are easier to change than the rear ones, but require careful work with the caliper guides to avoid distortion and jamming.
Features of replacing rear brake pads
Rear brake system Nissan Almera Classic has its own characteristics, since it uses a drum mechanism (as opposed to disc brakes at the front). This makes the process a little more labor-intensive, but quite accessible for doing it yourself.
First you need to remove the rear wheel and unscrew the brake drum mounting screw. Sometimes it gets stuck, and then you will need the help of a hammer and chisel to tear it out of place. Rotate the drum counterclockwise while looking at the wheel.
After removing the drum, you will see a mechanism with springs and a spacer bar. Be extremely careful as the springs are under tension. It is recommended to have an assistant or use a special tool to remove the springs.
Procedure for replacing rear pads:
- 🔩 Remove the brake drum (you may need to tap it)
- 🕸 Remove the upper and lower springs holding the pads
- 🔧 Disconnect the spacer bar and the handbrake mechanism
- 🛠 Install new pads, having previously lubricated the contact points
During assembly, it is important to correctly install the spacer bar and handbrake mechanism. Make sure the handbrake lever moves freely and does not bind. The springs must be tensioned evenly so that the pads do not touch the drum when the brake is not working.
- Front disc
- Rear drums
- Both
- I contact the service
After installing all the elements, put the drum back on and secure it with the screw. Before putting on the wheel, check the operation of the hand brake - it should lock the wheel when lifting by 3-5 clicks.
If the drum does not lock into place, check to see if the shoes are too far apart. The adjusting mechanism may require tightening to reduce the gap.
Before installing the drum, apply a thin layer of copper grease to the hub seating surface to make it easy to remove next time. This will prevent metal from sticking to metal.
Compatibility table and recommended brands
To make it easier to select spare parts, we have prepared a table with recommended articles and manufacturers. This will help you quickly navigate the variety of offers on the auto parts market.
| Brake type | Original article | Recommended analogues | Approximate resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 41060-AN00A | TRW, Textar, Brembo | 30 000 - 50 000 |
| Rear | 41120-AN00A | NTN-SNR, Akebono, Ferodo | 40 000 - 60 000 |
| Guides (set) | 41550-AN000 | Mann-Filter, Febi Bilstein | Every time you replace the pads |
| Brake fluid | 40206-AN00A (DOT4) | Castrol, Motul, Lukoil | Every 2 years |
Please note that pad life is highly dependent on driving style. Aggressive driving with frequent hard braking can reduce the service life by half.
It is also important to check the condition of your brake fluid regularly. It is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, which lowers the boiling point and can lead to vaporization in the system.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced technicians can make mistakes when replacing brake pads if they do not follow certain rules. One of the most common problems is incorrect installation of the caliper guides.
If the guides are not lubricated or are installed misaligned, the caliper may jam. This will cause the pad to constantly rub against the disc, causing overheating and rapid wear. Always use special guide lubricant.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the discs have deep grooves or their thickness is less than the maximum permissible, installing new pads will not give the desired effect.
Basic mistakes to avoid:
- 🚫 Lack of lubrication on guides and contact pads
- 🚫 Installing pads without first cleaning the bracket
- 🚫 Ignoring brake disc wear
- 🚫 Incorrect bolt tightening (too tight or too loose)
Also, do not forget to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. After replacing the pads, the pistons are pressed in, which can raise the fluid level above the mark MAX.
Regular checking and cleaning of the caliper guides is the key to long and trouble-free operation of the Nissan Almera Classic brake system.
If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary equipment, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. However, knowledge of the theory will help you control the quality of work performed in the service.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions that owners have. Nissan Almera Classic when replacing brake pads.
How long does it take to replace pads?
For an experienced technician, replacing the front pads takes about 30-40 minutes per axle, and the rear pads - about 40-50 minutes. A beginner may need twice as much time, especially if he has to deal with stuck parts.
Do I need to change the pads on all wheels at once?
It is recommended to change the pads in pairs on the same axle (front together or rear together). This ensures even braking and prevents the vehicle from skidding. It is not necessary to change all four wheels at once if the rear pads are still in good condition.
What to do if the brake pedal fails after replacement?
This means that there is air left in the system or the pistons were not fully pressed in before installation. It is necessary to press the pedal sharply several times so that the pistons take their working position. If this does not help, the brake system will need to be bled.
Can I use old pads if they look intact?
No, not recommended. Even if the lining appears normal, the friction material may have lost its properties due to overheating or aging. The braking system is a safety issue, and savings are unacceptable here.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
The manufacturer recommends changing the brake fluid every 2 years or 40,000 km, whichever comes first. This is necessary to maintain its physicochemical properties.