Regular maintenance of the brake system is not just a regulatory requirement, but a guarantee of your safety on the road. Owners Nissan Almera new generation (G15 body) are often faced with the peculiarity of the rear brakes, which require a more careful approach than the front ones. If you notice a squeak, vibration when braking, or hear a metallic grinding sound, it’s time to start diagnosing and possibly replacing consumables.
Many car owners try to put off a service visit, believing that the rear pads wear out very slowly. However, the design of the rear caliper on this model has a built-in release mechanism, which, if not replaced in a timely manner, can lead to jamming of the piston. Replacing rear pads - a procedure that even a beginner can handle if he has a basic set of tools and a desire to save money.
Design features of the rear brakes of the Almera G15
Rear brake system Nissan Almera equipped with disc brakes with floating caliper. The main distinguishing feature here is the presence of a built-in mechanical drive for the handbrake (handbrake). Unlike the front calipers, where the piston is simply pressed in, here it must not only retract, but also rotate at the same time. Ignoring this nuance will lead to damage to the threaded mechanism inside the piston.
The condition of the caliper guides plays a critical role in uniform pad wear. If the lubricant on them has dried out or the guides are stuck, the pad will rub against the disc even after the brake pedal is released. This leads to overheating brake discs and their rapid failure. Always check the movement of the caliper before installing new parts.
Typical problems and signs of wear
You can understand that it is time for replacement by several obvious signs. Drivers often ignore the first symptoms, considering them a feature of a new car, but later this results in expensive repairs.
- 🛑 The appearance of a specific metallic grinding or squeaking sound when pressing the brake pedal.
- 🛑 Increasing the length of the brake pedal travel or the need to press harder on it to stop.
- 🛑 Vibration of the steering wheel or body during intense braking at speed.
- 🛑 Third-party sounds similar to clicks when the car moves.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
To perform the work, you will need a standard set of plumbing tools, but there are also specific devices. Without them, the replacement procedure can turn into torture or end in the breakdown of expensive components. Make sure you are working on a level surface and that the vehicle is securely supported on a jack and stands.
You will need: a set of sockets (usually 12, 14 and 17 mm), a hexagon (often 7 mm or 8 mm for guides), a pry bar, a wheel wrench. It is also necessary to have a caliper piston compressor key. If you don’t have such a tool, you can try to rotate the piston with pliers through the special holes, but this is risky and can damage the boot.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
Selecting the right supplies
Original spare parts from Nissan will always be the best choice in terms of quality, but they are often more expensive than their counterparts. There are many brands on the market that produce high-quality duplicates. It is important not to buy the cheapest options, as the friction lining material may be too soft (quick wear) or too hard (gnaws the disc).
- 🛠️ Original articles: 41060-1EA0A (set) or 41060-3JA0A.
- 🛠️ Proven analogues: TRW, Brembo, Pagid, Textar.
- 🛠️ Budget but working options: Delphi, Ferodo, NK.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
Before starting work, make sure that you do not press the brake pedal after removing the wheel so that the piston does not extend too much. Unscrew the wheel and unscrew the two caliper guide bolts. Use a hex socket or socket of the appropriate size, carefully turning it counterclockwise.
Remove the caliper from the bracket and hang it on a wire or hook to the suspension spring. Never leave the caliper hanging from the brake hose, as this may damage the rubber line and cause brake fluid to leak. Now you can remove the old pads from the bracket.
Clean the mounting areas of the bracket from dirt and rust. Check the condition of the brake disc for deep grooves. If the disc is critically worn, it must be replaced or sharpened, otherwise the new pads will wear unevenly. Insert the new pads into the bracket, having previously lubricated their guide pads with a special high-temperature grease.
How to properly compress the caliper piston?
The rear caliper piston on the Nissan Almera G15 has a threaded structure. To recess it, you must use a special tool that simultaneously rotates and presses on the piston. If you try to simply push it in with a pry bar, you will break the handbrake mechanism inside the caliper. Rotate the piston clockwise until it is completely retracted into the housing.
Place the caliper back on the bracket, but do not screw the guides all the way in yet. Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. Open the cap to allow fluid to move as the plunger is pushed in. If the tank is full, some of the liquid will have to be sucked out with a syringe.
Final assembly and check
Gently press the piston into the caliper using a special tool. Make sure it fits in smoothly and without distortion. Place the caliper on the bracket and tighten the guide bolts. The tightening torque must meet the technical requirements, usually it is about 25-30 Nm, but it is better to check the manual.
Reinstall the wheel and lower the car. Before starting to drive, be sure to press the brake pedal all the way down several times. This is necessary so that the pistons return to their working position and press the pads against the disc. If the pedal is soft, the brakes will not work effectively.
Be sure to test drive at low speed before driving. Check for unusual sounds and if the handbrake works. If the handbrake does not hold, the release mechanism may not have been fully assembled.
Technical nuances and common errors
One of the most common mistakes is improper lubrication of the caliper guides. Many people use graphite or lithium grease, which cannot withstand high temperatures and is washed off by brake fluid. It is necessary to use specialized high temperature caliper lubricants such as Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube or analogues from Loctite.
Another problem is ignoring the wear of the guide boots. If the rubber is cracked, moisture and dust get inside, which leads to corrosion and jamming. Replace the boots every time you change your pads, it's inexpensive but will add years to the life of your caliper.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Brake disc diameter | 280 mm | Standard for G15 |
| New disc thickness | 12.0 mm | Minimum thickness 10.0 mm |
| Pad thickness (new) | 14.0 - 15.0 mm | Including metal base |
| Guide tightening torque | 25-30 Nm | Depends on year of manufacture |
| Brake fluid type | DOT 4 | Replace every 2 years |
Important Cautions
Always use safety precautions when working on the brake system. Brake fluid is harsh on paint, so be careful not to spill it on the body or rims. If liquid gets on the paint, wash it off immediately with water.
⚠️ Caution: Never use compressed air to remove old grease from the guides, as this can damage the rubber boots and introduce abrasive dust inside.
Also remember that after replacing the pads, braking performance may be temporarily reduced while the friction material rubs into the disc. Avoid sudden braking in the first 200-300 kilometers.
- Original Nissan
- TRW/Brembo
- Ferodo
- Textar
Diagnostics and maintenance of the hand brake mechanism
Handbrake mechanism on Nissan Almera G15 is integrated into the caliper and is cable driven. If, after replacing the pads, the handbrake does not work or does not release, the problem may be in adjusting the cables or jamming the mechanism inside the caliper.
To check operation, lift the rear of the car and try turning the wheel by hand. It should rotate freely, without creaking or delay. If the wheel turns with difficulty, check whether the piston is fully retracted when the handbrake lever is released.
- 🛑 Check the tension of the handbrake cables under the bottom of the car.
- 🛑 Inspect the handbrake lever on the caliper for free play.
- 🛑 If necessary, lubricate the cables with a special grease for cables.
Disk maintenance specifics
Brake discs are a consumable item that is replaced less frequently than pads, but requires regular inspection. On Nissan Almera Discs are prone to corrosion if the car sits idle for a long time. This can cause uneven wear and vibration.
When replacing pads, be sure to clean the disc seat from rust. Irregularities in the surface of the hub can cause the disc to run out, resulting in vibration when braking. Use a wire brush and rust converter if necessary.
Regularly checking the condition of the caliper guides and using the correct high-temperature lubricant is the key to ensuring that the new pads will last their full service life and will not damage the brake discs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace rear pads on a Nissan Almera G15?
Typically the replacement takes from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours per car, depending on the experience of the technician and the condition of the bolts. If the guides have become sour, the process may take longer.
Do I need to change the brake fluid after replacing the pads?
No, replacing the pads does not necessarily require changing the fluid if you did not drain it from the system. However, it is recommended to change the brake fluid every 2 years or 40-50 thousand km, regardless of work on the pads.
Why do you hear a squeaking sound after replacing the pads?
Creaking can occur due to lack of grinding in of new pads, dust getting between the pad and the disc, or the use of low-quality consumables. Also check if you forgot to lubricate the contact pads.
Is it possible to replace only one pad on each side?
Absolutely not. Pads on the same axle must be replaced in pairs (left and right) to ensure uniform braking and avoid caliper misalignment.
⚠️ Attention: Using a special tool to compress the rear caliper piston is a prerequisite for successful replacement, since a regular jack or pry bar can destroy the handbrake mechanism.
Correct replacement of rear pads Nissan Almera G15 requires attention to detail and consistency of actions. Do not neglect the instructions for lubrication and adjustment to avoid a repeat visit to a specialist in the near future. Regular brake system maintenance will save you money and keep you healthy.