Replacing rear brake pads on a Nissan Almera G15: detailed instructions with photos and videos

Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera G15 - a consumable that requires attention every 30–50 thousand km (depending on driving style). Their wear is manifested by squeaking, increased braking distance or vibrations when pressing the pedal. If you ignore the problem, the risk of damaging the brake disc or caliper increases significantly. At a car service center they will charge from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (excluding the cost of spare parts), but if you have the tools and patience, the procedure is easy to do yourself.

In this article - step by step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, recommendations for choosing pads and unique nuances for Almera G15, which are not taken into account in standard manuals. For example, how to properly recess the caliper piston without a special key, or why the ABS may light up after replacement (and how to avoid this). The material is suitable for model owners 2013–2019 with rear disc brakes.

Signs of wear on the rear pads on a Nissan Almera G15

Rear pads on Almera G15 wear out more slowly than the front ones (due to the distribution of braking forces), but their condition is critical for safety. The main symptoms that it’s time to change:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - appears when the friction layer is worn down to metal and the wear indicator touches the disc.
• 🛑 Increased braking distance, especially on wet roads - the pads lose effectiveness due to a decrease in the contact area.
• 🔥 Vibration or beat in the brake pedal - often indicates uneven pad wear or disc deformation.
• 🚨 ABS lamp on the dash - may light up if the pad sensor is damaged or the brake fluid has gone below the minimum level.

On Almera G15 rear pads are usually enough for 40–60 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or frequent braking (for example, in the city), the resource is reduced to 25–30 thousand km. You can check their condition visually through the caliper inspection window or by removing the wheel. Critical wear - when the thickness of the friction layer is less 2–3 mm.

⚠️ Attention! If the pads have deep cracks or chips, they need to be replaced. immediately - even with sufficient thickness. Such defects lead to uneven braking and overheating of the disc.

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

Original rear pads for Almera G15 supplies Nissan under the article 40520-4M000 (set for both sides). Their average price is 2,500–3,000 rubles. However, many owners choose analogues that are not inferior in quality, but are 30–50% cheaper. The table below shows the tested options:

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic (30–65% metal) - durable, but noisy and aggressive towards disks.
• 🔹 Ceramic — quiet and generate little dust, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic - soft and silent, but wear out faster.

For Almera G15 optimal choice - ceramic or semi-metallic pads mid-price segment (for example, TRW or Ferodo). The original is worth taking if you prefer “native” braking characteristics. Before purchasing, check whether the pads are suitable for your year of manufacture (pre-restyle or restyle), as the fastenings may differ.

Tools and materials for replacing rear pads

To replace the rear pads yourself Nissan Almera G15 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift) - for lifting a car. Use only a flat surface!
• 🔩 Balloon wrench - to remove the wheel.
• 🛠️ Socket set and ratchet wrench (dimensions: 14 mm, 17 mm).
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer - for accurately knocking out the guides.
• 🧰 Caliper puller or clamp - to press in the piston.
• 🧴 Brake cleaner (For example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger) - to remove dirt and oil.
• 🔧 Copper grease — for processing caliper guides.
• 🛡️ Gloves and safety glasses — Brake dust is harmful to health!

Additionally you may find it useful:

• 🔦 Flashlight - for lighting hard-to-reach places.
• 📸 Smartphone - to photograph the process (useful during reassembly).
• 🔧 Torque wrench — for precise tightening of bolts (optional).

⚠️ Attention! Never use WD-40 or other all-purpose lubricants for machining caliper guides! They burn out at high temperatures, which leads to jamming of the mechanism. Only specialized copper or graphite grease!

Remove the negative terminal from the battery (to avoid ABS activation)

Jack up the car and install chocks under the front wheels

Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt

Prepare new pads and tools -->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads

Replacement process Almera G15 takes 1.5–2 hours (if you have experience). Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes:

Step 1: Preparing the car

1. Stop the engine, engage first gear (or “P” on automatic transmission) and remove the negative terminal from the battery (this will prevent false activation of the ABS sensor).

2. Loosen the wheel bolts, then jack up the vehicle and place jack stands on the front wheels. Remove the wheel completely.

Step 2: Removing the Caliper

1. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt using a wire brush and brake cleaner.

2. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm or 17 mm). The top bolt may be covered with a protective cap - remove it with a flat-head screwdriver.

3. Carefully pry the caliper with a screwdriver and remove it from the disc. Hang the caliper on a wire or hook to avoid damaging the brake hose.

What to do if the caliper bolts won't come off?

If the bolts are stuck, use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist) and let it run for 10–15 minutes. Then try to unscrew it using an impact screwdriver or lightly hitting the key with a hammer (not the bolt!).

Step 3: Replacing the Pads

1. Remove the old pads from the caliper. They may be tight; use a screwdriver to pry them loose.

2. Clean the seats of the new pads from preservative grease (if any) and install them in the caliper. Make sure wear indicators (metal plates) are positioned correctly (usually on the inside).

3. Before installing the caliper back push the piston down using a puller or clamp. On Almera G15 The piston is screwed in clockwise (unlike the front pads!).

⚠️ Attention! If the piston does not recess, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - at the maximum level, the fluid may overflow when the piston is pressed in. If necessary, pump out the part with a syringe.

Step 4: Assembly and Testing

1. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the mounting bolts. Tightening torque - 25–30 Nm (do not overtighten!).

2. Put on the wheel and lower the car. Do not fully tighten the wheel bolts until the vehicle is on the ground.

3. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place. Check the brake fluid level and add if necessary.

4. Test the brakes at low speed (5-10 km/h), then perform running-in: 200–300 km of quiet driving without sudden braking.

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After replacing the pads, the first 100–200 km the braking distance may be longer than usual - this is normal, as the pads grind into the disc.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Almera G15. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect piston pressing - if you twist it counterclockwise, you can damage the thread. On the rear calipers Almera G15 the piston is screwed in clockwise!
• 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant - universal lubricants (such as Litola) burn out and cause jamming of the guides. Use only copper or ceramic grease.
• 🚗 Forgetting to remove the negative terminal of the battery - this can lead to false operation of the ABS sensor or errors in the control unit.
• 🔩 Retightening the caliper bolts — the tightening torque should not exceed 30 Nm, otherwise the thread will break.
• 🛑 Don't check brake fluid — when the piston is pressed in, the level in the tank rises and the liquid may overflow.

Another common problem is new pads squeak. Causes and solutions:

• 🔊 Preservation lubricant - Clean the pads with brake cleaner before installation.
• 🔧 Incorrect installation — check that the anti-squeak plates (if any) are in place.
• 🚗 Low quality friction material — cheap pads often squeak during the first 500–1000 km.

If the ABS light comes on after replacing the pads, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the pad sensor (if it is included in your configuration).
• 🔋 Brake fluid level - if it is critically low, the sensor may be triggered.
• 🔧 Wiring integrity near the caliper - sometimes the wires fray or come off.

Running in new pads: why is it important?

New pads on Almera G15 require running-in - a process in which the friction material is evenly rubbed onto the disc. Without break-in, braking performance decreases and pads and discs wear out faster.

Break-in recommendations:

1. First 200 km - Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly, with no more than 50% pedal force.
2. Next 300 km - you can gradually increase the load, but without emergency stops.
3. After 500 km — the pads are completely ground in, and the brakes work 100%.

During break-in, keep an eye on:

• 🔥 Overheating of disks - If there is smoke or a strong smell after braking, allow the brakes to cool.
• 🚗 Vibrations - if they do not pass after 200 km, perhaps the pads are installed incorrectly or the disc is deformed.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds - a slight creaking sound at the beginning of the break-in is normal, but a knocking or grinding noise is not.

⚠️ Attention! If after break-in the braking distance has increased or the pedal has become “soft”, check:

• 🔧 Brake fluid leak — Inspect the calipers and hoses.
• 🚗 Caliper jamming — after the trip, touch the rims: if one is hotter than the other, the caliper is faulty.
• 🛑 Pad quality - it may be defective or counterfeit.

When to change not only pads, but also discs

Brake discs on Almera G15 last longer than pads - usually 80–120 thousand km. However, their condition directly affects braking efficiency. Disc replacement is required if:

• 📏 Disc thickness is less than permissible - for Almera G15 The minimum thickness of the rear disc is 8.4 mm (nominal - 10 mm). Measure with a caliper.
• 🔧 Deep grooves or cracks — if the depth of scratches exceeds 1 mm, the disc must be replaced.
• 🌀 Disc runout — if you feel vibration on the pedal or steering wheel when braking, the disc has spun (checked with an indicator at the service station).
• 🔥 Overheating and turning blue - indicates critical temperatures that change the structure of the metal.

If the discs are still in good condition, but there are minor grooves on them, they can be sharpened. However, after grooving, the thickness of the disc will decrease, and next time both the pads and discs will have to be changed.

Cost of new rear discs for Almera G15:

• Original (Nissan) — 3 500–4 500 ₽ per disc.
• Analogues (Brembo, TRW, Ate) — 2 500–3 500 ₽.

When replacing disks, be sure to:

• 🔧 Change pads necessarily — the old pads will not rub evenly against the new disc.
• 🧴 Clean the hub from rust before installing a new disk (use a metal brush).
• 🔩 Tighten the disk mounting bolts to a torque 100–120 Nm.

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

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

No! Pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (i.e. on both rear wheels at the same time). Otherwise, the braking forces will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How much does it cost to replace rear pads at a service center?

Cost of work in a car service:

• 🔧 Replacing pads (without spare parts) - 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• 🔧 Replacing pads + discs - 3 000–5 000 ₽.
• 🔧 Brake system diagnostics - 500–1 000 ₽.

Prices depend on the region and level of service. At dealerships Nissan the cost is 20–30% higher.

What is the service life of the rear pads on Almera G15?

Service life depends on several factors:

• 🚗 Riding style — in the city the pads wear out faster (30-40 thousand km), on the highway - longer (50-60 thousand km).
• 🔥 Pad quality - original or premium analogues (for example, Akebono) last 20–30% longer than budget ones.
• 🛑 Disk status - if the discs are crooked or grooved, the pads wear unevenly.

It is recommended to check the thickness of the pads every 15 thousand km or when changing tires seasonally.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Air entering the system - Brakes need bleeding.
• 🚗 Incorrect pad installation — check that they are level and do not touch the caliper.
• 🔥 Brake fluid leak — Inspect the hoses and connections for leaks.
• 🛑 Brake hose wear - if they are old, it's time to replace them.

If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics.

Can I use pads from other Nissan models?

On Almera G15 pads are installed that are compatible with other platform models Nissan V:

• 🚗 Nissan Note (E12) - the same articles.
• 🚗 Nissan Micra (K13) — partial compatibility (check by VIN).
• 🚗 Renault Logan/Sandero (2nd generation) - some analogues are suitable.

However, it is better to use pads designed specifically for Almera G15, since they may differ:

• 🔧 Shape and size of wear indicator.
• 🚗 Composition of friction material.