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

Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera G15 - a consumable that requires regular monitoring and replacement. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects the safety of braking, especially in emergency situations. If you notice squeaking, vibration, or increased stopping distance, it's time to have your brake system inspected. In this article we will look at how to replace the rear pads yourself Almera G15 (2012–2019), without resorting to the help of STO.

The procedure does not require professional skills, but will require attentiveness and a basic set of tools. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and take into account the design features. For example, on Almera G15 rear mounted drum brakes (on some modifications - disk), which affects the replacement algorithm. We will look at both options, and also give recommendations on choosing spare parts and diagnosing related problems.

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

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the pads every 20–30 thousand km, but the actual service life depends on driving style, quality of spare parts and operating conditions. On Almera G15 rear pads can last up to 50–60 thousand km, if the car is used mainly in the city without aggressive braking. However, signs of wear cannot be ignored - this could result in damage to the brake drums or discs.

The main symptoms indicating the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - often caused by worn friction material or dirt.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance, especially on wet roads.
• 🔧 Vibration or beat in the brake pedal - may indicate deformation of the drum or uneven wear of the pads.
• 💡 Brake light is on on the dashboard (on models with wear sensors).
• 👀 Visual wear: friction layer thickness less 1.5–2 mm.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. On Almera G15 With drum brakes, pad wear can be checked through the inspection window in the brake mechanism shield (if provided for by the design). For disc brakes, you will need to remove the wheel.

Which pads to choose for Almera G15: review of manufacturers and articles

Not only the braking efficiency, but also the life of the brake drums/discs depends on the quality of the brake pads. The market offers original spare parts and analogues from third-party manufacturers. For Nissan Almera G15 The following options are suitable:

Manufacturer	Article	Brake type	Notes
Nissan (original)	40520-BM400 (drum) 40520-4M000 (disk)	Drum/disc	High quality but expensive. Suitable for all modifications Almera G15.
TRW	GDB1446 (drum) GDB1560 (disk)	Drum/disc	Optimal price/quality ratio. Often installed on a conveyor.
Brembo	P24060 (disk)	Disk	Premium segment, suitable for aggressive driving.
Ferodo	FDB431 (drum)	Drums	Budget option with good braking performance.
Sangsin	SP1399 (disk)	Disk	Korean brand popular among owners Nissan.

When choosing pads, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and less efficient at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Ceramic - quiet and generate less dust, but more expensive and may work worse in cold weather.
• 🔹 Organic - soft, make little noise, but wear out faster.

For Almera G15 with drum brakes it is better to choose pads with reinforced base - they retain their shape longer when heated. If you prefer disc brakes (on versions with 1.6 l engine), give preference to ceramic or semi-metallic pads with a high coefficient of friction.

Tools and materials for replacing rear pads

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

Jack and supports (or lift)

Wheelbrace for wheel removal

Socket set and ratchet wrench (dimensions 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm)

Pliers and screwdrivers (phillips, flat)

Guide lubricant and anti-squeak plates

Brake fluid (in case of bleeding the system)

New brake pads (set per axle)

Brake cleaner (eg LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger)

Hammer and wooden spacer (for drum brakes)

Torque wrench (optional, for precise tightening)

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If on your Almera G15 installed drum brakes, additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Puller for tension springs (or long nose pliers).
• 🔨 Soft-faced hammer to remove the drum.
• 📏 Vernier caliper to measure drum wear.

For disc brakes you may need:

• 🔧 Special tool for pressing in the caliper piston (or clamp with adapter).
• 🛠️ Metal brush for cleaning the guides.

⚠️ Attention! Before starting work, make sure that the machine is on a level surface and that the handbrake is released. If the rear wheels are locked, it will be impossible to remove the drum or disc.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear drum pads on Almera G15

Drum brakes on Almera G15 found more often on basic trim levels with an engine 1.5 l. Replacing them requires care, since the springs and levers of the mechanism are easily damaged. Follow the algorithm:

Step 1: Preparing and removing the wheel

1. Loosen the wheel nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
2. Raise the car with a jack and place stands under the front wheels.
3. Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt.

Step 2: Removing the brake drum

The drum may “stick” to the hub. To remove it:

1. Unscrew the guide pins (if any).
2. Apply a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) around the perimeter of the drum.
3. Using light blows of a hammer through a wooden spacer, knock the drum off the hub. Only hit the edge to avoid damaging the work surface!

Step 3. Removing old pads

Inside the drum you will see two shoes, tightened by springs. Procedure:

1. Remove the upper and lower tension springs using pliers.
2. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the shoe lever.
3. Remove the spacer bar and the automatic slack adjustment spring.
4. Remove the pads from the support posts.

How to avoid mistakes when assembling drum brakes?

When installing new pads, make sure they are in the correct position. spacer strip — it should be between the pads and rest against the adjusting mechanism. If the bar is installed crookedly, the brakes will jam or operate ineffectively.

Also check the condition hand brake cable. If it is rusty or does not work well, it is better to replace it along with the pads, otherwise the handbrake may not hold.

Step 4. Installing new pads

Before installing new pads:

• Clean all parts of the brake mechanism from dirt and old grease.
• Apply copper grease to the contact points of the pads with the support posts (but not to the friction material!).
• Install the pads in reverse order, starting with the lower spring.
• Connect the handbrake cable and adjust the gap between the shoes and the drum using the adjusting mechanism (located on the spacer bar).

Step 5: Reassembly

After installing the pads:

1. Place the drum onto the hub and secure it (if necessary).
2. Install the wheel and lower the car.
3. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in working position.
4. Check the operation of the handbrake - it should hold the car on a slope 20–25%.

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads on one wheel necessarily repeat the procedure on the second one, even if there is less wear there. Uneven braking of the rear axle can lead to skidding!

Replacing rear disc pads on Almera G15: nuances of the process

Disc brakes on Almera G15 installed on versions with engine 1.6 l and in top trim levels. Replacing them is easier than drum ones, but has its own characteristics. The main difficulty is pressing in the caliper piston, which often “sours” due to corrosion.

Step 1: Removing the caliper

1. Raise the car and remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm).
3. Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope without disconnecting the brake hose.

Step 2: Replacing the pads

• Remove the old pads from the guides.
• Clean the guides and apply high temperature grease (For example, SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC).
• Install the new pads, making sure they are mirrored (inner and outer sides).

Step 3. Pressing in the caliper piston

This is the most critical stage. The piston needs to be pushed back in to make room for new, thicker pads. Methods:

• 🔧 Special tool (For example, Lisle 25800) is the safest method.
• 🔨 Clamp: Squeeze between the piston and the old pad, squeeze slowly.
• 🔩 Screwdriver (extreme case): carefully screw in the piston, turning it clockwise (by Almera G15 a threaded mechanism is used).

Step 4. Assembly and testing

After installing the pads:

1. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to torque. 30–35 Nm.
2. Press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in working position.
3. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - it could rise when pressing the piston.

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system malfunctions. Here are the most common of them:

• 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake drums/discs. If their working surface has deep grooves or wear, new pads will quickly wear out. Drum wear limit - diameter over 201.5 mm (face value 200 mm).
• 🚫 Lack of lubrication on the guides. This leads to the caliper jamming and uneven pad wear.
• 🚫 Incorrect installation of springs on drum brakes. If the tension springs are loose, the pads will “walk” and rattle.
• 🚫 Forgetting to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads (if the system was opened).
• 🚫 Using low quality pads, which gather dust and creak.

To avoid problems:

• 🔧 Always clean and lubricate caliper guides And pad support struts.
• 📏 Check brake disc/drum thickness micrometer.
• 🔩 Tighten the bolts to the correct torque (for caliper Almera G15 — 30–35 Nm).

If after replacing the pads there is creaking, possible reasons:

• Low quality friction material (especially for cheap pads).
• Absence anti-squeak plates or lubricant on the back of the pads.
• Dirt gets between the pad and the disc/drum.

When is it necessary to replace brake drums or discs on Almera G15

Pads are not the only consumable in the brake system. Brake drums and rotors also wear out, and their condition directly affects braking performance. On Almera G15 critical wear is determined by the following parameters:

Detail	Wear limit	How to check	Consequences of ignoring
Brake drum	Diameter more 201.5 mm (face value 200 mm)	Using a caliper or using marks on the inner surface	Increased braking distance, overheating of pads
Brake disc	Thickness less 17.8 mm (face value 20 mm)	Using a micrometer or along the collar on the edge of the disk	Vibration when braking, uneven pad wear
Wheel bearing	Backlash more 0.05 mm or noise when turning	Rock the wheel in a vertical plane	Bearing failure, wheel jamming

If the drum or disc is worn beyond normal, it must be replaced. On Almera G15 original spare parts have the following article numbers:

• 🔧Brake drum: 40500-BM400.
• 🔧Brake disc: 40526-4M000 (for versions with disc brakes).

When replacing discs or drums, be sure to:

• Change them pair on one axis, even if one of them is in good condition.
• Check beating new disk - it should not exceed 0.05 mm.
• Use new pads - the old ones have already rubbed into the old surface.

⚠️ Attention! If deep grooves appear on the inner surface of the drum or the edges of the disk, they can be turned on a lathe (if the thickness allows). However, this is a temporary measure - after 2-3 grooves the part must be replaced.

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

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

No, the pads are always changed pair on one axis. If you replace only one side, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding during emergency braking. The exception is if the pads on the second wheel are practically new (less than 20% wear), but even in this case it is better to replace both sides.

What should be the gap between the pads and the drum on an Almera G15?

Nominal clearance for drum brakes Almera G15 — 0.2–0.3 mm. It adjusts automatically when moving backwards, but if you notice that the handbrake has become weaker to hold, you may need to manual adjustment. For this purpose, there is a special window on the brake shield with an adjusting “star”.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the rear pads?

Bleeding the brakes is only required if you disconnected the brake hose or opened the system (for example, when replacing a caliper). If you just changed the pads, bleeding is not necessary. However, after replacing, press the brake pedal several times until the caliper pistons are in their working position.

How much do original rear pads cost on Almera G15?

Cost of original pads Nissan for Almera G15 (article 40520-BM400 for drums and 40520-4M000 for disk) is 2500–4000 rubles per set per axle (depending on region and dealer). Analogues from TRW or Ferodo will cost 1500–2500 rubles.

Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the pads?

This can be caused by several reasons:

1. Air got into the system (if the brake hose was disconnected) - bleeding is required.
2. The pads are not installed correctly (for example, without anti-squeak plates) and they do not fit tightly to the disc/drum.
3. Brake hoses are worn - check them for cracks or swelling.
4. Low brake fluid level - add to mark MAX.

If the problem persists, check the system for leaks.