How to replace a wheel bearing on a Nissan Almera Classic: a guide with nuances

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Samsung SM3 in some countries) is a reliable car, but even its wheel bearings wear out over time. Their malfunction is manifested by a hum, vibration on the steering wheel or wheel play. If the problem is ignored, it may lead to wheel jam while driving - and this is a direct threat to security.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for replacing a wheel bearing on Almera Classic (body B10, 2006–2012), including selection of spare parts, necessary tools and unique nuances specifically for this model. We will also look at how to distinguish the front wheel bearing from the rear one, what mistakes beginners most often make, and how to avoid repeated repairs after 10,000 km.

Signs of a wheel bearing failure on a Nissan Almera Classic

The first sign of a problem is monotonous hum, which increases with increasing speed. On Almera Classic it often appears after 80–100 thousand km, but can appear earlier if the car was operated in difficult conditions (for example, frequent trips on gravel or driving with overload).

Other symptoms:

• 🔊 Crunching or grinding noise when turning the steering wheel - indicates critical wear of the rollers inside the bearing.
• 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, especially at speeds of 60–80 km/h. On Almera Classic This is often confused with wheel imbalance, but after balancing the problem does not disappear.
• 🔄 Wheel play when rocking it in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). For the front hub, the permissible play is no more than 0.05 mm.
• 🔥 Hub overheating after the ride (you can check it with your hand - if the rim is too hot, this is an alarming sign).

On Nissan Almera Classic Rear bearings fail less frequently than front ones, but diagnosing them is more difficult: rear noise is often masked by noise from tires or suspension. To pinpoint the source, use "transfer" method: At a speed of 40–50 km/h, slightly wiggle the steering wheel left and right. If the noise gets louder when you turn left, the problem is right bearing, and vice versa.

⚠️ Attention: If the noise remains after replacing the bearing, check hub oil seal - on Almera Classic it often leaks lubrication, which leads to repeated wear of the part. Also inspect hub bolt for corrosion or deformation.

Which bearing to choose: original vs analogues

Original front wheel bearing for Nissan Almera Classic has an article number 40520-BM00A (for models with ABS) or 40520-4M000 (without ABS). The rear bearing goes under the number 40520-4M010. The cost of the original is from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles, but many owners prefer high-quality analogues, which are 30–50% cheaper.

Proven analogues for the front hub:

• 🔧 NSK (article VKBA3504) - Japanese quality, resource 100+ thousand km.
• 🔧 Koyo (VKBA3504) - often installed on a conveyor Nissan.
• 🔧 SKF (VKBA 3504) is a Swedish brand, suitable for aggressive driving.
• 🔧 Febi (22303) - a budget option (from 1,200 rubles), but the resource is lower.

Suitable for rear hub:

• 🔧 NSK (VKBA3505).
• 🔧 SNFA (R153.58) - French manufacturer, good price/quality ratio.

Manufacturer	Article (front)	Article (rear)	Average price, rub.	Resource, thousand km
Original (Nissan)	40520-BM00A	40520-4M010	3 500–4 000	120–150
NSK	VKBA3504	VKBA3505	2 200–2 800	100–130
SKF	VKBA 3504	—	2 500–3 000	90–120
Febi	22303	22304	1 200–1 500	60–80

When purchasing, pay attention to complete set: the box should contain a bearing, a retaining ring and the hub itself (if the part comes assembled). On Almera Classic branded counterfeits are common NSK — characterized by poor quality packaging and the absence of a hologram. Check the markings: the manufacturer’s logo and article number are stamped on the original.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the wheel bearing with Nissan Almera Classic you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (be sure to insure the car!).
• 🔧 Socket heads at 17, 19, 22 and 30 mm (for the hub nut).
• 🔧 Wheel bearing puller (can be rented).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (to tighten the hub nut with a torque of 200–250 Nm).
• 🔧 Hammer And punch (to knock out the old bearing).
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.
• 🔧 New hub nut (disposable, article number 40506-4M000).

Before starting work:

1. Park your car on flat surface and secure the rear wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the wheel nuts and hub nut (it is tightened with a large torque!).
3. Remove the hub cap (if equipped) and clean the threads of dirt.
4. Jack up the car and remove the wheel.

Loosen the wheel and hub nuts|Secure the vehicle with stops|Remove the wheel and brake disc (if necessary)|Clean the hub from dirt and rust|Prepare a new bearing and tools-->

On Almera Classic With ABS, the speed sensor is mounted to the hub - be careful not to damage its wiring. If the bearing and hub assembly is changed, the sensor will have to be moved to a new part (you will need a 10 mm wrench).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use impact wrench to unscrew the hub nut - this may damage the threads on the axle shaft. It is also not recommended to heat the nut with a torch: Almera Classic this often leads to bearing deformation.

Step-by-step replacement of the front wheel bearing

The replacement process on the front axle is more difficult than on the rear, due to the need to remove the brake disc and strut. Here are the detailed instructions:

1. Removing the brake caliper:

   Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper (17 mm wrench), hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose. Remove the brake disc - it may “stick” to the hub, so pre-treat the joint WD-40.

2. Hub removal:

   Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm) and remove the washer. Remove the hub with bearing from engagement with the axle shaft. If it does not come off, gently tap the wooden spacer with a hammer.

3. Removing the old bearing:

   Using a puller or press, press the bearing out of the hub. On Almera Classic It fits tightly, so heating may be required (for example, with a hair dryer). Do not use a chisel - it will damage the seat!

4. Installing a new bearing:

   Clean the seat from rust and lubricate it with a thin layer litol-24. Install the new bearing using a mandrel (you can use the old bearing as a spacer). Press only on the outer ring!

5. Assembly:

   Install the hub onto the axle shaft, tighten the new nut and tighten it with a torque wrench to 200–250 Nm. Don't forget to install the retaining ring (if included).

After assembly, check the wheel play: there should be no play. If play is felt, it means the bearing is installed incorrectly or is not tightened enough.

What to do if the bearing does not press in?

If the new bearing does not fit into the seat, check:

1. **Bottom hole diameter** - on Almera Classic it should be 72 mm (front) or 68 mm (rear). If the hole is broken, the hub will have to be replaced.

2. **Presence of burrs** - sand the edges with sandpaper.

3. **Temperature of parts** - heat the hub with a hairdryer (up to 80–100°C), and cool the bearing in the freezer for 30 minutes. This will make pressing easier.

Features of replacing the rear bearing

Rear wheel bearing on Nissan Almera Classic It’s easier to change than the front one, but there are some nuances:

• 🔧 There is no need to remove the brake caliper - just unscrew the brake drum (it can “stick”, so first tap it with a hammer through a wooden block).
• 🔧 The rear hub bearing comes complete with the hub (item number 40520-4M010), so replacing just the bearing will not work.
• 🔧 When installing a new hub, be sure to check bearing adjustment — on the rear axle it is carried out by tightening the nut with a torque of 150–180 Nm.

Replacement algorithm:

1. Remove the wheel and brake drum.
2. Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the hub to the beam (17 mm wrench).
3. Remove the hub assembly with bearing. If it does not come off, use a puller or gently tap with a hammer.
4. Install a new hub, tighten the bolts crosswise to a torque of 80–100 Nm.
5. Tighten the bearing nut (torque 150–180 Nm) and check the play.

On the rear axle Almera Classic often wears out axle shaft seal — it is recommended to replace it simultaneously with the bearing (article no. 38340-4M000). If the oil seal leaks lubricant, this will lead to rapid failure of the new bearing.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing wheel bearings with Nissan Almera Classic. Here are the most common of them:

1. Retightening the hub nut:

   If you tighten the nut with a torque of more than 250 Nm, the bearing will quickly overheat and fail. Use a torque wrench!

2. Ignoring the retaining ring:

   On the front hub Almera Classic the bearing is secured with a retaining ring. If it is not installed, the bearing will play.

3. Reusing an Old Nut:

   The hub nut is disposable! When re-tightened, it will become deformed and the tightening torque will not be accurate.

4. Incorrect pressing:

   If you hit a bearing with a hammer without a mandrel, it will become deformed. Use only a press or a special puller.

5. Forget about lubrication:

   The bearing seat must be clean and lubricated. Without lubrication, the part quickly corrodes.

Another typical problem is bearing incompatibility. For example, on Almera Classic With ABS, you cannot install a bearing without a hole for the sensor. Before purchasing, check whether the part is suitable for your modification (with or without ABS).

How much does a service replacement cost and when to go to the experts?

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the replacement to professionals. Average prices for services:

• 💰 Replacement front bearing: 2,500–4,000 rub. (excluding spare parts).
• 💰 Replacement rear bearing: 2,000–3,500 rub.
• 💰 Replacement of bearing assembly with hub: +1,000–1,500 rub.

You should contact the service in the following cases:

• 🔧 There is no puller for bearings (buying one for one replacement is unprofitable).
• 🔧 The bearing is “stuck” and cannot be dismantled.
• 🔧 Installed on the car ESP system — after replacement, you will need to reset the errors (you need a diagnostic scanner).
• 🔧 There is no torque wrench to tighten the nut.

In Moscow and St. Petersburg, replacing the bearing with Almera Classic can be done in 1-2 hours. In the regions, the price may be 20–30% lower, but the quality of services varies. Before visiting the service, please check:

• 🔧 Is there a guarantee for work (at least 6 months).
• 🔧 Do they use original spare parts or analogues.
• 🔧 Is wheel alignment adjustment included in the price (after replacing the front bearing, it is required!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a wheel bearing

Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

Short-term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but not worth the risk. On Almera Classic a worn bearing may jam at speed, which will lead to an accident. At the first sign of trouble, begin preparing for replacement.

What lubricant should I use to treat the bearing before installation?

Use lithium grease (For example, Litol-24 or Molykote BR2 Plus). Do not apply it too much - excess lubricant will lead to squeezing out the oil seal. A thin layer per seat is sufficient.

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

If replaced front bearing - necessarily, since the hub was removed and the wheel alignment angles could be lost. The rear bearing does not require camber.

Is it possible to replace a bearing without a puller?

Theoretically yes, but it's risky. Without a puller, it is easy to damage the seat or the new bearing. If you don't have a puller, use vice and a mandrel of suitable diameter (for example, an old hub).

Why is there any play left after replacing the bearing?

Probable reasons:

• The hub nut is not tightened enough (check the tightening torque).
• The bearing seat in the hub is worn out (the hub needs to be replaced).
• The retaining ring is not installed (relevant for the front hub).
• Defective new bearing (less common, but it happens).