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

Nissan Almera G15 - a popular sedan with a balance of price and quality, but even its brake pads wear out after 30-50 thousand km. Rear pads are often “forgot” to be checked, although their condition directly affects safety. In this article, we will look at how to replace them yourself without damaging the brake mechanism and saving money at the service station.

The process of replacing rear pads Almera G15 (2013–2018) has nuances: it uses drum brakes with automatic clearance adjustment, rather than disc brakes, as in the front. This means that you will have to disassemble the drum, adjust the mechanism and check the condition of the springs. If you have never worked with drum brakes, this article will help you avoid common mistakes - from broken springs to incorrect assembly.

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

The manufacturer recommends checking the rear pads every 20 thousand km, but actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. For example, frequent driving on mountain roads or with a trailer reduces the life of the pads by 30–40%. Here are the key symptoms that it’s time to change them:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - a sign of thinning of the friction layer or dirt getting between the block and the drum.
• 🛑 Increased braking distance, especially on a wet road - the pads become oily or worn down to metal.
• 🔧 Steering wheel beating When you press the brake pedal, the drum may become deformed or the pads may wear unevenly.
• 🚨 ABS light is on (if the pad wear sensor is connected to the system).

On Almera G15 rear pads often “sour” due to corrosion of the guides. If you hear a metallic grinding sound when moving backwards, this may mean that the pads are not moving away from the drum after braking. In this case, replacement is required urgently - otherwise the hub bearings will overheat.

⚠️ Attention: If brake dust with metal particles is visible on the inside of the wheel, the pads have worn down to the base. Driving with such wear is dangerous - the metal will scratch the drum, and it will have to be sharpened or replaced.

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

Original rear pads for Almera G15 (article 40500-4M000) cost from 2,500 to 3,500 rubles per set. They are guaranteed to fit in size and material, but many owners choose analogues from trusted brands. Here is a comparison table:

Brand	Article	Price (set), ₽	Features
Nissan (original)	40500-4M000	2 500–3 500	Optimal balance of wear resistance and braking effect. Suitable for aggressive riding style.
Bosch	0 986 494 627	1 800–2 200	Softer than the original, they creak less, but wear out faster with frequent braking.
TRW	GDB1446	2 000–2 400	Hard friction material, suitable for difficult conditions (trailer, mountains).
Ferodo	FDB1446	1 900–2 300	Low noise level, but can produce more dust than analogues.
Sangsin	SP1399	1 500–1 800	A budget option, but the quality of the friction layer is unstable.

When choosing pads, pay attention to friction coefficient (indicated on the packaging). For Almera G15 optimal value - 0.35–0.45. Pads with a coefficient below 0.3 will slow down worse, and higher 0.5 - wear out the drum faster.

Also check the contents: the box should contain pads, springs, a spacer bar and clamps. If there are no springs, they will have to be replaced from the old pads (which is not always safe).

Tools and materials for replacing rear pads

To work, you will need not only a standard set of keys, but also specialized tools. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Keys and heads: slip-on 14 mm (for guides), end 17 mm (for hub nut), head E14 (for ABS sensor).
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer - to remove the drum (a metal hammer can deform it).
• 🔩 Pliers - for removing springs and tension rings.
• 🛠️ Brake spring remover (optional, but simplifies the work).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant - for unscrewing soured bolts.
• 🧲 Magnet - so as not to lose small parts (springs, cotter pins).
• 📏 Vernier caliper - to measure the wear of the pads and drum.
• 🔥 Brake Lubricant (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC) - for processing guides.

If the drum is stuck to the hub, you may need drum puller or a homemade device made of two bolts M8, screwed into the threaded holes of the drum. Do not try to knock it down with a sledgehammer - you risk damaging the bearing.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use graphite grease for guide pads - it will burn out at high temperatures. Only specialized brake lubricant that is resistant to heat up to 300°C.

Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt | Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (it will rise when replacing the pads) | Prepare new pads and compare them with the old ones | Wear gloves - brake dust is toxic | Block the front wheels with chocks-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove rear pads on Almera G15

Before starting work, place the machine on a level surface, engage first gear (or P on automatic transmission) and place chocks under the front wheels. Then follow these steps:

1. Removing the wheel. Loosen the wheel nuts, jack up the car and remove the wheel. Clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a wire brush.
2. Removing the drum. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and carefully knock the drum with a hammer through the wooden spacer. If the drum does not budge, screw in the two bolts M8 into the technological holes and tighten them evenly until the drum comes off.
3. Loose handbrake cable. Inside Almera G15 Under the tunnel casing, find the adjusting nut for the handbrake cable and loosen it 3-4 turns. This will make it easier to remove the pads.
4. Removing the springs and spacer bar. Using pliers or a puller, remove the upper and lower springs, then the spacer bar. Be careful - the springs may shoot out!
5. Removing the pads. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the shoe lever and remove both shoes. Pay attention to the location of the left and right pads - they are asymmetrical!

On Almera G15 The rear pads are attached to the support disc using cotter pins and washers. Don't lose them during disassembly - without them, the new pads will wobble.

After removing the pads, inspect the drum for deep grooves or cracks. If the inner diameter of the drum exceeds 201.5 mm (maximum permissible for Almera G15), it needs to be replaced or sharpened.

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck to the hub, try the following methods:

1. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Tap the hammer through the wooden spacer along the edge of the drum, alternating blows from different sides.

3. Screw in two bolts M8×1.25 into the threaded holes of the drum and tighten them evenly until the drum moves.

4. As a last resort, use a puller or heat the drum with a hair dryer (do not overheat the bearing!).

Installing new pads and assembling the brake mechanism

Before installing new pads, clean all parts of the brake mechanism from rust and old grease. Then follow these steps:

1. Applying lubricant. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the contact points between the pads and the support disc and the guides. Do not get lubricant on the friction layer!
2. Installation of pads. Place the new pads in place, respecting the left and right alignment. Connect the handbrake cable to the shoe lever.
3. Installation of spacer bar and springs. Install the spacer bar and secure it with springs. Start with the bottom spring, then the top. Use a puller or pliers.
4. Gap adjustment. On Almera G15 The gap is adjusted automatically when you press the brake pedal, but after replacing the pads it needs to be “reset”. To do this, press the brake pedal all the way 10–15 times.
5. Drum installation. Place the drum onto the hub and tighten the guide pins (if equipped). The drum should rotate freely, without jamming.
6. Adjusting the handbrake cable. In the cabin, tighten the handbrake cable so that with 3-4 clicks of the lever the wheels are locked. Check that the drum does not heat up after test braking.

After assembly, press the brake pedal several times so that the pads “get used” to the drum. Then test the brakes while driving: accelerate to 30–40 km/h and brake sharply. The car should brake evenly, without pulling to the side.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal becomes “soft” or sinks, it means that air has entered the system. It is necessary to bleed the brakes, starting with the rear right wheel.

Common mistakes when replacing rear pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to squeaking, uneven braking or mechanism failure. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect spring installation. If the upper or lower spring is installed crookedly, the pads will hang or jam. Check spring tension after assembly.
• 🛑 Forgot to adjust the handbrake cable. A cable that is too tight leads to overheating of the drum and accelerated wear of the pads. The optimal tension is 3-4 clicks of the lever.
• 🔨 Using unsuitable lubricant. Graphite or lithol lubricant burns out when heated, and the pads “stick” to the support disk. Use only specialized brake lubricant.
• 🚗 Incorrect pad position. The left and right pads are asymmetrical - if they are mixed up, the braking effect will be weak and wear will be uneven.
• 🔥 Ignoring drum condition. If the drum has deep grooves or is more elliptical 0.1 mm, new pads will wear out quickly. In this case, the drum needs to be sharpened or replaced.

Another common mistake is unbleeded brakes after replacing the pads. If there is air left in the system, the pedal will be “wobbly” and the braking distance will increase. Bleeding must be done in strict sequence: rear right → front left → rear left → front right wheel.

If after replacing the pads there is creaking, this may be caused by:

• Dirt getting between the block and the drum (needs to be disassembled and cleaned).
• Low-quality friction material (especially for budget pads).
• Lack of anti-creaking plates (if they are provided for in the design).

How much does it cost to replace rear pads on an Almera G15 at a service center?

Cost of replacing rear pads Nissan Almera G15 in service depends on the region and level of the service station. On average prices are as follows:

Type of work	Cost (for 1 wheel), ₽	Cost (set of 2 wheels), ₽
Replacing the pads (without removing the drum)	800–1 200	1 600–2 400
Replacing pads + removing/installing drum	1 200–1 800	2 400–3 600
Replacing pads + turning drums	1 500–2 500	3 000–5 000
Replacing pads + replacing drums	2 000–3 500	4 000–7 000
Replacing pads + bleeding brakes	1 500–2 000	3 000–4 000

Replacing it yourself will only cost the cost of the pads (1 500–3 500 ₽) and, if necessary, brake lube (300–500 ₽). Thus, the savings will be 2 000–5 000 ₽ depending on the amount of work.

However, if you don't have experience with drum brakes, it's best to leave the replacement to a professional. Errors during assembly can lead to jamming of pads, overheating of bearings or even brake failure on the go.

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

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

No, the pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axis. If you replace the pads on only one side, the braking effect will be uneven, which will lead to the car pulling away when braking. An exception is if the pads on the second wheel are almost new (the thickness of the friction layer is more than 3 mm).

How often do you need to check the rear pads on Almera G15?

The manufacturer recommends inspecting the rear pads every 20 thousand km or once a year. However, if you often drive around the city with frequent braking or use a trailer, it is worth checking every 10–15 thousand km. Also pay attention to indirect signs of wear: creaking, increased braking distance, beating of the steering wheel.

What happens if you don't change the rear pads?

Ignoring rear pad wear leads to:

• Damage to the brake drum (deep grooves, ellipse).
• Overheating and failure of the wheel bearing.
• An increase in braking distance by 30–50%, which is dangerous in emergency situations.
• Jamming of pads due to corrosion of guides.

In a critical situation (for example, when the friction layer breaks), the shoe may jam the drum, which will lead to loss of control.

Do I need to change the brake fluid after replacing the pads?

Changing brake fluid is regulated by mileage (every 40 thousand km or once every 2 years), rather than replacing the pads. However, if, when replacing the pads, you find that the fluid in the reservoir has darkened or there is sediment in it, it is better to replace it. It is also necessary to bleed the brakes if air gets into the system (for example, when a brake hose is disconnected).

Is it possible to install pads from another Nissan model on the Almera G15?

No, the pads must strictly match the model. For example, pads from Nissan Note or Micra will not fit, even if they are visually similar. U Almera G15 unique:

• Friction lining size (100×25 mm).
• Spacer bar shape.
• Handbrake cable fastening.

Using non-original pads may result in incomplete contact with the drum and poor braking performance.