Vehicle operation Nissan Almera Classic requires regular maintenance, and the braking system is one of the most important places on this list. Rear brakes, although less stressed than front brakes, are still subject to normal wear and tear, which can result in reduced stopping performance and longer stopping distances.
Many owners are faced with the need to replace the pads when they hear a characteristic grinding noise or notice that the brake pedal has become less responsive. Carrying out this procedure yourself allows you not only to save money on car repair services, but also to ensure the quality of the installed spare parts, as well as check the condition of the brake discs and guides.
It is important to understand that the replacement process on the rear axle Nissan Almera Classic has its own design features that distinguish it from the front brakes. In particular, the handbrake mechanism is integrated into the caliper, which requires knowledge of the correct sequence of actions for correct assembly and safe operation.
Preparing tools and necessary materials
Before you begin, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. The absence of the required key or specialized head can lead to damage to fasteners or delay the repair process indefinitely.
To work, you will need a standard set of wrenches, including 12, 14 and 17 mm sockets, as well as a jack and reliable stands for the car body. Do not forget about special tools for compressing the caliper piston, since it has a screw mechanism that cannot simply be pressed in with a clamp.
- 🔧 Set of keys and sockets with a collar
- 🔨 Hammer and pry bar for dismantling jammed parts
- 🛠 Special puller or screw for screwing in the piston
- 🧼Brake cleaner and guide lube
- 🛑 Wheel chocks for safety
It is also extremely important to purchase quality brake pads and, if possible, caliper guides, if they have output. The use of low quality non-original parts can lead to rapid re-wear and overheating of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the car is securely supported on stands, and not just on a jack, as falling of the car can lead to serious injury.
Dismantling the wheel and removing the caliper
The process begins by loosening the wheel bolts while the vehicle is on the ground. After this, jack up the rear of the car, install a safety stand and completely unscrew the bolts, removing the wheel to access the brake mechanism.
Inspect the brake caliper and note the condition brake disc. If there are deep grooves or cracks, they must be repaired, otherwise the new pads will wear unevenly and faster. Clean the caliper of dirt and rust using brake cleaner.
To remove the caliper, you need to unscrew two guide bolts, which are usually located on the back of the caliper. Use a 14 or 17 mm wrench, depending on the year of manufacture and configuration. After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the caliper, being careful not to damage the brake hose.
- 🔩 Unscrew the caliper guide bolts
- 🛑 Remove the caliper and hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose
- 🧽 Clean the seats from corrosion
It is important not to let the caliper hang on the brake hose, as this can damage it and depressurize the brake system. It is best to hang it on a metal wire or hook attached to a pendant.
- Every 30,000 km
- Every 50,000 km
- Only when worn
- I don't know the intervals
Replacing pads and servicing the hand brake mechanism
By removing the caliper, you will have access to the old brake pads. Remove them from the bracket, paying attention to the condition of the damper springs and boots. If the springs have lost their elasticity or are broken, they must be replaced to prevent vibration and noise.
Pay special attention to the handbrake mechanism, which is implemented through a screw piston inside the caliper. Before installing new pads, it is necessary to recess this piston into the caliper body. To do this, use a special key or head, which is inserted into the piston slots and screwed clockwise.
Do not attempt to press the piston in with a normal tool as this may damage the internal threads and piston. If the piston does not budge, check that the brake fluid reservoir is open to allow fluid to return to the system.
- 🔩 Drown the caliper piston with a special key
- 🛠 Check the condition of the guide boots
- 🧼 Lubricate the guides with special high-temperature grease
Install new ones brake pads into the bracket, having first applied a thin layer of lubricant to the points of contact with the piston and bracket. Make sure that the pads are tight and have no play, which can cause an unpleasant squeak when braking.
☑️ Check before installing the caliper
⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your abilities when working with the handbrake mechanism, it is better to entrust this stage to professionals, as a mistake can lead to the wheel jamming.
Installation of the caliper and assembly of components
Once all the elements are prepared, you can begin installing the caliper in place. Carefully slide it onto the brake rotor and new pads, making sure it sits evenly on the guides. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the threads.
Tighten the guide bolts to the required torque using a torque wrench. The recommended tightening torque is usually around 25-30 Nm, but it is better to check this value in the technical documentation for your specific model Nissan Almera Classic.
Place the wheel back on the hub and tighten the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern. Lower the car to the ground and only then finally tighten the wheel bolts to full force. This will ensure proper fit of the disc to the hub and prevent runout of the brake disc.
- 🔩 Tighten the guide bolts to the required torque
- 🛞 Install the wheel and tighten the bolts crosswise
- 🔧 Check the tightness of all connections
Before driving, be sure to check the functionality of the brake system. Press the brake pedal all the way down several times until the pistons are in place and the pads are pressed against the disc. Only after this can you start moving.
What to do if the pads squeak?
A squeaking noise can be caused by a lack of lubrication on the metal parts of the pads, dirt on the disc, or poor quality of the pads themselves. It is recommended to check the seats and, if necessary, apply a special anti-squeak paste.
Checking the brake fluid and system
During the process of replacing the pads, the level of brake fluid in the reservoir may increase due to the fact that the caliper pistons have been pressed back. Check the fluid level and, if necessary, remove excess fluid to avoid overflow and contamination of the engine when overheated.
Inspect brake hoses and lines for cracks, leaks or mechanical damage. Any defects in this part of the system must be corrected immediately, as they can lead to brake failure at a critical time.
Test drive at low speed to check braking performance and any abnormal noise. If the brake pedal “falls” or the car pulls to the side, you must stop immediately and check for correct assembly.
Before your first ride after replacing the pads, it is recommended to brake gently several times to rub the new pads into the disc and ensure maximum contact patch.
Nuances of operation and common mistakes
Many owners Nissan Almera Classic make the mistake of trying to save on the quality of brake pads. Cheap alternatives often contain too much metal or asbestos, which leads to rapid wear of the brake discs and reduced braking efficiency.
It is also important not to forget to regularly check the condition of the brake system, even if you do not hear any unusual sounds. The wear of the pads can occur unnoticed until a critical moment comes when metal begins to rub against metal.
When replacing pads on the rear axle, be sure to check the condition of the handbrake cable. If it is stretched or damaged, the handbrake may not hold the car on a slope, creating a hazard when parking.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Guide tightening torque | 25-30 Nm | Use a torque wrench |
| New pad thickness | 10-12 mm | Minimum thickness 2 mm |
| Brake fluid type | DOT 4 | Replace every 2 years |
| Brake disc diameter | 280 mm | Depends on the configuration |
Compliance with all recommendations and the use of high-quality spare parts guarantee long and safe operation of your car’s braking system. Remember that your brakes are for your safety and the safety of others.
Regular checking and timely replacement of brake pads is the key to your safety on the road and the safety of expensive brake discs.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
How often do you need to change the rear brake pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
The average resource of rear brake pads ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 km, but this figure greatly depends on driving style, operating conditions and the quality of the spare parts themselves.
Can I use front pads instead of rear ones?
No, front and rear brake pads have different sizes, designs and lining materials. Installing incompatible parts may result in brake system failure.
What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?
Most likely there is air left in the system. It is necessary to bleed the brake system or check that it is installed correctly and that there are no leaks in the connections.
Do I need to change brake discs and pads?
Not necessary, but recommended if the disc thickness is close to the minimum allowable or there are deep grooves on it. New pads on an old disc may not work effectively.
How to properly break in new brake pads?
For the first 200-300 km, sharp braking and overheating of the discs should be avoided, making smooth stops to gradually grind in the friction material.