Replacing rear brake pads with Nissan Almera G15 - a task that even a novice car owner can handle with a minimum set of tools and patience. Unlike front pads, rear pads often require more attention due to design features: here you can find both classic disc brakes and drum brakes (depending on the configuration). In this article we will analyze the replacement process on the most common version with disc brakes, focusing on nuances that are often missed in standard instructions.

Why is it important to change your pads on time? Worn brake pads not only reduce braking performance, but can also damage the brake rotors, leading to costly repairs. Average resource of rear pads Almera G15 - 40–60 thousand km, but this figure greatly depends on the driving style and the quality of the pads themselves. If you notice a creaking noise, vibrations when braking, or increased pedal travel, these are clear signals for diagnosis.

In this manual you will find not only a step-by-step algorithm, but also answers to frequently asked questions: how to properly recess the caliper piston, which pads to choose for replacement, and why a grinding noise may appear after installing new pads. We will also reveal the secret to quickly grinding in pads without vibrations, which is used by mechanics at service stations. Ready to get started? Then let's start preparing!

What tools and materials will be needed

Before you drive your car into a pit or jack it up, make sure you have everything you need on hand. The absence of even a small thing (for example, copper grease) can delay the process for hours. Here's the full list:

  • 🔧 A set of heads and socket wrenches (a head is required for 14 mm And 17 mm)
  • 🔨 Balloon wrench for removing wheels
  • 🛠️ Jack and stops (or lift, if accessible)
  • 🧲 Magnetic holder for bolts (so you don’t lose small things)
  • 🧴 Copper grease for caliper guides (e.g. LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste)
  • 🔧 Sliding pliers or a special tool for pressing in the caliper piston
  • 🛑 New brake pads (suitable for Almera G15 - see table below)
  • 🧴Brake fluid DOT-4 (in case of bleeding the system)
  • 🧹 Broom or vacuum cleaner to clean the brake mechanism from dust

Pay special attention to the choice of pads. The market offers options ranging from budget (Ferodo>, TRW) to bonus (Brembo>, Akebono). For Almera G15 pads have an optimal price-quality ratio Nisshinbo (article PF-1165) or Bosch (0 986 494 219). They provide soft braking and minimal disc wear.

Manufacturer Article Pad type Approximate price (per set) Features
Nisshinbo PF-1165 Ceramic 2 500–3 000 ₽ Minimal dust, long service life
Bosch 0 986 494 219 Semi-metallic 2 800–3 300 ₽ Good heat dissipation, suitable for aggressive driving
TRW GDB1446 Organic 2 000–2 400 ₽ Soft braking, but fast wear
Ferodo FDB1446 Low metal 1 800–2 200 ₽ Budget option, noisy at low temperatures

Don't skimp on guide lubricant! Cheap analogues can turn sour after a few months, which will lead to the caliper jamming. Also prepare rubber gloves — Brake dust contains asbestos and is harmful to the skin.

📊 Which pads do you prefer to install?
  • Original (Nissan)
  • Bosch/TRW
  • Budget (Ferodo, etc.)
  • I don't know what to choose

Preparing your vehicle: safety first

Before you begin the replacement, you need to properly prepare the car. This will not only make your work easier, but will also protect you from injury. Start by choosing a flat area - a garage with a pit or an overpass is best. If you work outdoors, use wheel chocks under the front wheels.

Preparation algorithm:

  1. Stop the engine and engage first gear (or P on automatic transmission).
  2. Loosen the rear wheel bolts without removing them completely.
  3. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and place it on reliable supports (for example, tripods).
  4. Remove the wheels completely.
  5. Clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Do not use water or detergents!

Important note: before replacing the pads, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it is close to the maximum, pump out some of the liquid with a syringe. When the caliper piston is pressed in, the fluid will rise, and if the reservoir is full, it may overflow, which will lead to air entering the system.

⚠️ Attention! Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Always use additional supports. In 2023, more than 150 cases of cars falling during repairs due to non-compliance with this rule were recorded in Russia.

If you work alone, prepare your phone in advance with the camera turned on - sometimes it’s useful to film the process so you can later check if you forgot to install anything back. We also recommend wearing safety glasses: When cleaning the brakes, dust may get into your eyes.

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Before starting work, take photographs of the location of all parts of the brake mechanism. This will help avoid confusion when reassembling, especially if this is your first time changing pads.

Removing an old set of pads: step-by-step instructions

Now we move on to the most important stage - dismantling the worn pads. On Nissan Almera G15 With rear disc brakes, the process is similar to front ones, but there are a couple of important differences. Follow the instructions:

  1. Using the key on 14 mm unscrew the lower caliper mounting bolt (usually it sticks, so WD-40 may be needed).
  2. Unscrew the top bolt (key on 17 mm) and carefully remove the caliper by hanging it on a wire or a special hook. Do not let the caliper hang on the brake hose!
  3. Remove the old pads. They can fit tightly - help yourself with a screwdriver by prying from the side.
  4. Inspect the brake rotor for grooves or cracks. If the groove depth exceeds 1 mm, the disk needs to be replaced.

Pay special attention to the condition caliper guides. If they are rusty or do not move smoothly, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. To do this:

  • 🔧 Remove the guides from the grooves.
  • 🧴 Clean them of old grease and rust (use brake cleaner in a spray).
  • 🔧 Apply a thin layer copper grease and install it back.

Don't ignore this step! Soured guides are one of the main reasons for uneven pad wear and brake jamming. Also check the integrity caliper boots. If they are torn, they must be replaced, otherwise dirt will get into the mechanism.

Caliper guides cleaned | Brake disc checked for wear | Pad contact points lubricated | Caliper piston ready to press in | Brake fluid in reservoir at a safe level-->

Installing new pads and assembling the mechanism

Installing new pads is a process that requires care. Start by preparing the kit: some manufacturers (for example, Bosch) the pads are supplied with anti-squeak paste already applied, but if you don’t have it, apply a thin layer yourself to the back of the pads.

Procedure:

  1. Install the new pads into the caliper, making sure that they fit into the grooves without distortion.
  2. Before installing the caliper in place, you must drown the piston. There is a nuance here: on Almera G15 rear calipers are often equipped built-in automatic gap adjustment mechanism (for parking brake). To press the piston, it must be simultaneously rotate clockwise and press. To do this, use a special tool or sliding pliers.
  3. After recessing the piston, install the caliper in place and secure with bolts (tightening torque - 30–35 Nm).
  4. Install the wheel and lower the car.

If the piston does not want to recess, do not apply excessive force! This may indicate:

  • 🔧 Piston souring (repair or replacement of caliper required).
  • 🔧 Malfunction of the parking brake mechanism (you need to check the cable).
  • 🔧 Air entering the system (brake bleeding will be required).

After assembly, press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in working position. Then check the pedal stroke - it should be elastic, without dips. If the pedal becomes soft, this is a sign of air in the system.

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads with Almera G15 may be observed increased brake pedal travel in the first 100–200 km. This is normal - the pads rub against the discs. However, if the pedal remains soft longer, check the system for leaks.
What to do if a grinding noise appears after replacing the pads?

Grinding in the first days after replacement is a normal phenomenon associated with grinding in. However, if the sound persists for more than a week, check:

1. Correct installation of the pads (are the right/left sides reversed).

2. The presence of anti-squeak plates (they are often lost when replaced).

3. Condition of the brake disc - it may require re-grooving or replacement.

If the grinding noise is metallic, stop immediately and check for old pads or foreign objects on the disc.

Checking and running in: how to avoid mistakes

Replacing the pads is only half the battle. It is equally important to carry out proper running-in and diagnostics. Start with a visual inspection:

  • 🔍 Check that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque.
  • 🔍 Make sure that the brake hoses are not kinked or touching rotating parts.
  • 🔍 Inspect the brake disc for scratches from new pads (this is acceptable during the first kilometers).

Now start running in. Follow these rules:

  1. First 200–300 km Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly, with moderate force.
  2. Do not use the parking brake on the first day after replacement (if you replaced the rear pads).
  3. After break-in, check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

Via 500 km It is recommended to re-inspect the pads and discs. If you notice uneven wear, it may indicate:

  • 🔧 Caliper malfunction (wedging).
  • 🔧 Warped brake disc.
  • 🔧 Incorrect installation of pads.

Also note pad wear indicator (if it is included in your configuration). On Almera G15 it usually triggers when there is residual thickness of the friction material 2–3 mm.

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Running in new pads is a mandatory step! Ignoring break-in instructions can result in uneven wear, cracked discs and reduced braking performance.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Incorrect compression of the caliper piston Damage to cuffs, brake fluid leakage Use a special tool to rotate the piston
Lack of lubrication on the guides Caliper wedging, uneven pad wear Apply copper grease to the guides every time they are replaced.
Installing pads without anti-squeak plates Constant grinding noise when braking Check the completeness of the pads before installation
Ignoring brake disc inspection Rapid wear of new pads, vibration when braking Measure the thickness of the disc with a caliper (minimum - 10 mm)

Another common mistake is Incorrect tightening of caliper bolts. Too little tightening will lead to vibrations, and excessive tightening will lead to thread breakage. Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's recommendations (30–35 Nm for Almera G15).

Also, many people forget about parking brake. After replacing the rear pads, it needs to be adjusted, as the new pads are thicker. To do this:

  1. Raise the parking brake lever 2-3 clicks.
  2. Loosen the locknut on the adjuster (under the machine, near the lever).
  3. Tighten the adjusting nut until it stops, then loosen it 1–2 turns.
  4. Check that the rear wheels rotate freely when the lever is lowered.

When to turn to professionals

Although replacing the rear pads with Nissan Almera G15 - a task that is feasible for most car owners; there are situations when it is better to trust the specialists. Contact the service station if:

  • 🔧 The brake disc has deep grooves or cracks (needs to be sharpened or replaced).
  • 🔧 The caliper piston does not press even after cleaning and lubrication.
  • 🔧 After replacing the pads, the brake pedal remains soft or fails.
  • 🔧 Cracks or fluid leaks are visible on the brake hoses.
  • 🔧 When braking, the car pulls to the side (the caliper or suspension may be faulty).

The cost of replacing pads at a service station for Almera G15 varies from 1,500 to 3,000 ₽ (excluding the cost of spare parts). If you are not confident in your abilities or are faced with one of the listed problems, do not take risks - entrust the work to professionals. Remember that the braking system is a safety issue!

It is also worth contacting a specialist if, after replacing the pads, the following appears:

  • 🔊 Extraneous noises (creaking, knocking) when braking.
  • 🔥 The smell of burning from the wheels.
  • 📉 Increased braking distance.

In these cases, the cause may not only be incorrect installation of the pads, but also more serious faults, such as deformation of the brake disc or leakage of brake fluid.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

No, pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (both rear wheels or both front wheels). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling to the side when braking. An exception is if the pads on one wheel are worn unevenly due to a jammed caliper, but in this case the cause must be eliminated, and not just replaced.

How often should you check your rear pads?

It is recommended to inspect the pads every 10–15 thousand km or when changing tires seasonally. Pay attention not only to the thickness of the friction material, but also to the condition of the brake disc, caliper boots and guides. If you notice cracks on the disc or rust on the guides, do not delay repairs.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

Jerking when braking usually indicates:

  1. Uneven grinding of the pads (you need to drive another 200–300 km).
  2. Deformation of the brake disc (grooving or replacement required).
  3. Dirt gets between the pad and the disc (you need to remove the wheel and clean the mechanism).

If the jerking does not disappear after running in, check the disc runout with an indicator or contact a service station.

Which pads are better - ceramic or semi-metallic?

The choice depends on your driving style:

  • Ceramic (Nisshinbo, Akebono) - less dusty, quieter, but more expensive. Suitable for a quiet ride.
  • Semi-metallic (Bosch, Ferodo) - dissipates heat better, is cheaper, but wears out the discs faster. Optimal for aggressive driving style.

For Almera G15 in urban conditions, we recommend ceramic pads - they last longer and do not contaminate the wheel rims as much.

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

Bleeding the brakes is only required in three cases:

  1. If you have disconnected the brake hoses.
  2. If the brake fluid level has dropped below the minimum level.
  3. If the brake pedal remains soft after several presses.

If you were just changing the pads and did not open the hydraulic system, bleeding is not necessary. However, check the fluid level in the reservoir and add if necessary.