Replacing the rear hub on a Nissan Almera N16: a complete guide with expert advice

Rear hub on Nissan Almera N16 - a unit that often fails after 100-150 thousand kilometers. Signs of trouble range from a barely audible hum to severe vibration at speed, and ignoring the problem can lead to wheel jam or damage to the axle bearing. Car services charge from 3 to 8 thousand rubles for a replacement (depending on the region), but if you have tools and minimal skills, you can do the job yourself in 2-3 hours.

In this article you will find detailed instructions taking into account the specifics Almera N16 (including nuances for models with ABS), a list of necessary tools, as well as unique advice on diagnostics and selection of spare parts, which you will not find in standard manuals. We will figure out what mistakes beginners most often make, how to avoid damage to the brake disc, and when it is worth replacing the entire hub, and not just the bearing.

Signs of a bad rear hub: when is it time to replace it?

The first signal about problems with the hub is extraneous sounds from the rear wheel area. On Almera N16 this manifests itself differently depending on the degree of wear:

• 🔊 Hum or howl at a speed of 60-90 km/h, which intensifies when turning. Most often indicates bearing wear.
• 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, especially when braking. May indicate hub play or brake disc deformation.
• 🔥 Overheating wheels after a trip (felt by hand). Indicates friction of worn parts.
• 🛑 Grinding when moving. A critical sign is that the bearing has already crumbled and requires urgent replacement.

On Almera N16 with ABS, a faulty hub can cause false alarm of the system (the light on the dashboard lights up). This is due to the fact that the ABS sensor is built into the hub assembly, and its damage or play leads to errors in the operation of the anti-lock braking system.

⚠️ Attention: If the ABS light remains on after replacing the hub, check the integrity of the sensor wiring. On Almera N16 A common problem is the cable rubbing against the lever bracket.

For an accurate diagnosis, jack up the car and check the wheel play by rocking it in a horizontal plane. If there is play, the hub must be replaced. Also inspect the brake disc: deep furrows or uneven wear may indicate prolonged use with a faulty bearing.

Which hub to choose for Nissan Almera N16: original vs analogues

Original rear hub for Almera N16 has an article number 40520-9M000 (for models without ABS) and 40520-9M001 (with ABS). The cost of a new part from Nissan is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles, which many owners find unreasonably expensive. However, the original is guaranteed to last 100+ thousand km if installed correctly.

Popular brands among analogues:

• 🔧 SKF (article VKB 3536) - high quality, price ~5 thousand rubles. Suitable for aggressive riding.
• 🔧 FEBEST (article W0133-1619933) is a budget option (~3 thousand rubles), but the resource is lower.
• 🔧 NTN-SNR (article R155.50) - optimal price/quality ratio (~4 thousand rubles).
• 🔧 GMB (article 710-0140) - often counterfeited, buy only from trusted suppliers.

When choosing, pay attention to:

1. Availability of ABS: Hubs for models with anti-lock braking system have a sensor ring.
2. Year of manufacture: on Almera N16 Before 2003, landing dimensions may differ.
3. Complete set: some analogues come without mounting bolts (you will have to buy them separately).

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Resource, thousand km	Features
Nissan (original)	40520-9M001	8 000–12 000	100–150	1 year warranty, perfect fit
SKF	VKB 3536	4 500–5 500	80–120	The best analogue, suitable for harsh conditions
NTN-SNR	R155.50	3 800–4 500	60–100	Good quality, often in stock
FEBEST	W0133-1619933	2 800–3 500	40–70	Budget option, short resource

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 with engine QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 L) hubs are interchangeable, but differ in weight. Make sure the part you select is suitable for your modification.

Before purchasing, check the hub for play in the bearing (twist the inner ring - there should be no gaps). Also inspect the seat for the ABS sensor: on cheap analogues there are often burrs that damage the wiring.

Tools and preparation: what you need for replacement

To replace the rear hub with Nissan Almera N16 will be required specialized tool, without which work is impossible. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (be sure to insure the car!).
• 🔧 Balloon wrench to remove the wheel.
• 🔧 Socket heads at 17, 19 and 22 mm (for hub and axle bolts).
• 🔧 Impact screwdriver or WD-40 for unscrewing stuck bolts.
• 🔧 Hub puller (can be rented at a car service station).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for proper tightening of bolts).
• 🔧 Vise (if you press out the bearing separately).
• 🔧 Hammer And metal drift (for careful removal).

Also prepare:

• 🧴 Litol or graphite grease for processing seats.
• 🧴 Brake cleaner (For example, ABRO) to remove dirt.
• 🧤 Gloves — the work is dirty, and brake dust is harmful to the skin.

Before starting work:

1. Place the car on a level surface and tighten the handbrake.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts while the vehicle is on the ground.
3. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (if you are working with the ABS sensor).
4. Place chocks under the front wheels.

Loosen the wheel bolts

Raise the car on a jack and install supports

Remove the wheel and brake drum

Disconnect ABS sensor (if equipped)

Clean the seats from dirt -->

On Almera N16 there is often a problem with stuck bolts axle shafts If they don't budge, use a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work (10-15 minutes). Do not use excessive force - you risk stripping the threads.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove and install the rear hub

The process of replacing the hub Nissan Almera N16 consists of several stages. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Removing the wheel and brake mechanism

Raise the car with a jack and remove the wheel. Then:

1. Unscrew the two brake drum guide pins (17mm socket).
2. Remove the drum. If it does not come off, gently tap the wooden spacer with a hammer.
3. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the lever (you will need a 10mm wrench).

Step 2: Disconnecting the Axle Shaft and ABS Sensor

This is the most critical stage:

1. Unscrew the nut securing the axle shaft (22 mm head). It is tightened with a large torque, so use a lever.
2. If your model has ABS, disconnect the sensor connector (located on the strut).
3. Press the axle shaft out of the hub. To do this, you will need a puller or a hammer with a drift (you need to hit it carefully, in the center!).

⚠️ Attention: Do not damage the splines on the axle shaft - this will lead to the need to replace it. If the axle shaft does not come out, do not apply excessive force: check that all bolts are unscrewed.

Step 3: Removing the old hub

The hub is attached to the axle with four bolts (19 mm head). Unscrew them and remove the hub. If it does not give way, use a puller or evenly tap the edges with a hammer.

Inspect the seat on the axle: if there is scoring or corrosion, sand them with sandpaper. This will prevent the new hub from warping.

Step 4: Install the New Hub

Before installation:

1. Apply a thin layer of graphite grease to the seat.
2. Make sure that the bearing in the new hub rotates smoothly without any play.
3. If the hub comes with an ABS sensor, check the integrity of the wiring.

Install the hub onto the axle and tighten the bolts crosswise to torque 80–100 Nm (use a torque wrench!). Then:

1. Insert the axle shaft into the new hub and tighten the nut to torque. 180–200 Nm.
2. Connect the ABS sensor (if equipped).
3. Install the brake drum and wheel.

Step 5: Check after replacement

After assembly:

• Spin the wheel by hand - it should rotate no gaps or noise.
• Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.
• Drive 5–10 km and check if the hub is heating up (by hand after stopping).

If a hum remains after replacement, possible reasons:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening of bolts.
• 🔧 Damage to the new bearing during installation.
• 🔧 Worn axle shaft (needs replacement).

Common mistakes when replacing a hub and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated replacement or additional expenses. Here are the most common:

1. Using inappropriate tools. For example, an attempt to unscrew the axle shaft bolts with a regular wrench without a lever often ends in the edges breaking off. Always use socket heads And extension cord.
2. Incorrect tightening. The hub bolts and axle nut must be tightened with at a strictly defined moment. Over-tightening leads to deformation, under-tightening leads to play.
3. ABS sensor damage. When installing the hub, it is easy to touch the sensor wiring, which will lead to an error on the dashboard. Check the integrity of the cable after assembly.
4. Ignoring axle state. If the axle shaft splines are chipped or corroded, the new hub will quickly fail. In this case, the axle shaft also needs to be changed.
5. Saving on lubrication. Lack of lubrication on the seats accelerates corrosion and complicates future replacement.

Another common problem is incompatibility of spare parts. For example, a hub from Nissan Primera P12 looks similar, but has different mounting dimensions. Always check catalogs by VIN code.

What should I do if the wheel locks after replacing the hub?

If the wheel locks or rotates with force, most likely the bearing was damaged during installation or the axle nut was overtightened. Necessary:

1. Remove the wheel and check the hub play.

2. Check the temperature of the hub after a short trip (should be slightly warm, not hot).

3. If the problem remains, replace the hub under warranty (if you bought a new one) or check the axle shaft for bending.

On Almera N16 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, not only the hub often wears out, but also trunnion. If, when installing a new hub, it loosens or does not fit tightly, the axle will also have to be replaced.

Do I need to change the hub assembly or can I limit myself to the bearing?

On Nissan Almera N16 hub and bearing are non-separable unit. Unlike older models (eg. Nissan Sunny), where the bearing could be pressed out and replaced separately, here this is technically impossible without special equipment.

However, some masters try repress the bearing, which is fraught with:

• 🔧 Violation of geometry seat, which will lead to wheel runout.
• 🔧 Rapid wear new bearing due to improper seating.
• 🔧 Damage to the ABS sensor (if it is built into the hub).

The exception is if you find original used hub in good condition, but the bearing in it is worn out. In this case, you can contact a lathe to replace the bearing, but the savings will be minimal (the cost of work is comparable to the price of a new hub FEBEST).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 With ABS, replacing just the bearing will almost always cause ABS errors. The ABS sensor is calibrated for a specific hub, and moving it to another unit disrupts operation.

Conclusion: change the hub assembly. This guarantees reliability and eliminates additional problems with the selection of bearings and ABS sensor.

How much does it cost to replace a rear hub: comparison of prices in a service center and on your own

Rear hub replacement cost Nissan Almera N16 depends on several factors: region, type of service and selected spare parts. Let's look at the prices for 2026:

Service/Part	On your own	Unofficial service	Official dealer
Hub (original)	8 000–12 000 ₽	8 000–12 000 ₽	10 000–14 000 ₽
Hub (SKF)	4 500–5 500 ₽	5 000–6 000 ₽	6 000–7 000 ₽
Work (replacing one hub)	0 ₽	2 500–4 000 ₽	5 000–8 000 ₽
Extras (lubricant, cleaner)	300–500 ₽	Included in work	Included in work
Total (with SKF spare part)	4 800–6 000 ₽	7 500–10 000 ₽	11 000–15 000 ₽

Replacement yourself saves money up to 50% cost, but requires time and tools. If you don’t have a torque wrench or a puller, renting will cost 500–1,000 rubles.

At an official dealer the price is higher, but you get:

• 🔧 Labor warranty (usually 1 year).
• 🔧 Diagnostics of related components (axle shaft, brake system).
• 🔧 Possibility of a claim in case of defective parts.

In unofficial services, the cost of work varies. Cheap offers (less than 2,500 ₽) should be wary - they often skimp on lubrication or do not observe tightening torques.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the rear hub on a Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a humming hub if there is no play?

No, you can't. The hum indicates wear on the bearing, which can crumble at any moment. On Almera N16 this often leads to wheel jam at speed, which is dangerous for you and other road users. The maximum mileage with a humming hub is 500–1,000 km, but it’s not worth the risk.

Do I need to change the hub on both sides if only one is humming?

Not necessarily. On Almera N16 The hubs wear out independently of each other. It makes sense to change in pairs if the car’s mileage exceeds 200 thousand km or the second hub also has play. In other cases, it is enough to replace only the faulty one.

How can I check if the hub I was sold is original?

Original hub Nissan has:

• Clear engraving of the article number (40520-9M000/1).
• Logo Nissan on the body.
• Factory packaging with a hologram.
• Quality certificate indicating the country of origin (Japan or Taiwan).

Counterfeits often have vague markings, rough metal processing and come without documentation.

What should I do if the ABS light comes on after replacing the hub?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. The ABS sensor was damaged during installation.
2. The sensor connector is not connected correctly.
3. There is dirt or metal shavings on the sensor ring.
4. The ABS unit is faulty (rare, but it happens).

First, check the integrity of the wiring and clean the sensor. If the error remains, contact diagnostics.

Is it possible to replace the hub without removing the axle shaft?

Technically it is possible, but it is extremely inconvenient and risks damaging the axle shaft. On Almera N16 The axle shaft interferes with the accurate removal of the hub, so it is recommended to press it out. If you don’t want to remove the axle shaft completely, at least unscrew the nut and move it to the side.