Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera (especially models G15, N16 And N17) is a consumable that requires replacement every 30–50 thousand km depending on driving style. Ignoring pad wear not only leads to poor braking, but also to damage to the brake discs, which will cost many times more. At a car service center they ask for replacement of the rear pads. 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (excluding the cost of parts), but if you have a minimum set of tools, this procedure can be performed independently in 1–1.5 hours.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique nuances for Almera with and without ABS. We will look at how to avoid common mistakes (for example, incorrect installation of springs or overtightening of guides) that lead to squeaking or uneven wear of the pads. If you have never repaired a brake system, don’t worry: the process is simpler than it seems, the main thing is to follow the algorithm and not skip the little things.

When do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Almera?

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the pads every 15 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on several factors:

  • 🚗 Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and sharp braking reduce the life of the pads by 30–40%.
  • 🏙️ Operating conditions: In the city (with frequent stops) the pads wear out faster than on the highway.
  • ❄️ Climate: In regions with frequent temperature changes or high humidity, the metal of the pads corrodes, which accelerates wear.
  • 🔧 Parts quality: original pads Nissan (article 40520-4M000) last longer than analogues, but cost 2–3 times more expensive.

The following signs indicate the need for replacement:

  • 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking (most often caused by wear of the friction material to the metal base).
  • 🛑 Increased braking distance — the car begins to “drive” to the side when you press the pedal.
  • 📏 Friction layer thickness less than 2 mm (can be measured with a caliper or visually through the viewing window in the caliper).
  • 🚨 ABS light is on (on models with pad wear sensors).
⚠️ Attention: If the pads have deep cracks or chips, they need to be replaced. regardless of thickness. Such defects reduce braking efficiency and can damage the disc.
Sign of wear Is it permissible to travel? Recommendation
Creaking noise under light braking Yes, but no more than 500 km Replace the pads as soon as possible
Friction layer thickness 2–3 mm Yes, but with caution Prepare for replacement
Vibration or knocking when braking No Urgently diagnose discs and pads
Metal clang No The pads are worn down to the base - immediate replacement
📊 How often do you check your brake pads?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when the creak appears
  • Once a year
  • Never checked

Which pads to choose for Nissan Almera: original vs analogues

There are three categories of pads on the market for Almera:

  1. Original (OEM): made to order Nissan companies Akebono or Sumitomo. Articles:
    • 40520-4M000 - for models G15 (2013–2019).
    • 40520-BM400 - for N16 (2000–2006).
Pros: perfect compatibility, minimal disc wear.
Cons: price from 3,500 rub. per set.
  • Premium analogues: brands Brembo, TRW, ATE. Cost - 2,000–2,800 rub. per set. They are characterized by a high content of ceramics in the friction material, which reduces dust.
  • Budget analogues: Ferodo, Bosch, Sangsin. Price - RUB 1,200–1,800. Suitable for a quiet driving style, but may creak during the first 200–300 km.

    • When choosing, pay attention to:

    • 🔍 Certification: pads must meet the standard ECE R90 (European safety certificate).
    • 📦 Equipment: the kit must contain all the necessary springs, brackets and guides (for Almera item number is often required 40525-4M000 — repair kit for fastenings).
    • 🔧 Brake system type: for machines with ABS You need pads with a wear sensor (a wire with a connector is included in the kit).
    ⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera G15 with rear drum brakes (rare, but found on basic trim levels), the pads are changed differently! The article numbers are suitable for them 40520-95F00 (original) or analogues Sangsin SP1339.
    💡

    Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility with your modification. Almera by VIN code on the website Nissan Russia. This will eliminate errors with the year of manufacture or type of brake system.

    Tools and materials for replacing rear pads

    To work you will need:

    Raise the car on a jack and secure the stops|Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt|Prepare new pads and grease for the guides|Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir

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    • 🔧 Tools:
      • Jack and supports (or lift).
      • Wheelbrace (usually 19 mm or 21 mm).
      • Socket heads for 12 mm, 14 mm And 17 mm.
      • Ratchet wrench or wrench.
      • Flat-head screwdriver or spudger.
      • Pliers for circlips (if the wear sensor needs to be replaced).
      • Vernier calipers for measuring the thickness of the pads.
    • 🧴 Consumables:
      • New pads (set per axle).
      • Lubricant for caliper guides (SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC or LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Anti-Quitsch-Paste).
      • Brake fluid DOT-4 (in case of pumping).
      • Copper grease for threaded connections.
      • Brake cleaner (BRAKE CLEANER).

    If this is your first time changing pads, we also recommend purchasing:

    • 📸 Flashlight with magnet — illuminates hard-to-reach places.
    • 🧤 Nitrile gloves — Brake dust is toxic.
    • 📐 Torque wrench (for precise tightening of caliper bolts with force 25–30 Nm).
    What happens if you don't lubricate the caliper guides?

    Unlubricated guides lead to the caliper jamming, which causes:

    - uneven wear of the pads (one wears out faster than the other),

    - overheating of the brake disc (may lead to this),

    - increased fuel consumption due to constant friction.

    Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads on a Nissan Almera

    The replacement process is the same for most modifications Almera, but there are nuances for cars with ABS And electronic handbrake. We will analyze a universal algorithm for G15 (2013–2019).

    💡

    On Nissan Almera with electronic handbrake (EPB) before replacing the pads, you must put the system into maintenance mode! Otherwise the caliper will not open.

    Step 1: Preparing the car

    1. Place the machine on flat surface, tighten the handbrake and place supports under the front wheels.

    2. Loosen the rear wheel mounting bolts (but do not remove it completely!).

    3. Raise the vehicle on the replacement side with a jack and remove the wheel.

    4. Unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir - this will reduce the pressure in the system when the caliper piston is pressed in.

    Step 2: Removing the caliper and old pads

    1. Clean the caliper and guides from dirt using BRAKE CLEANER.

    2. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually under the head 14 mm). The bottom bolt may be covered with a protective cap - remove it with a screwdriver.

    3. Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or special hook without disconnecting the brake hose!

    4. Remove the old pads. If they “stick”, lightly tap them with a hammer through a wooden spacer.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Almera with pad wear sensor (ABS) before removing, disconnect the sensor connector! Its wire goes from the inner block to the wiring harness.

    Step 3: Install New Pads

    1. Clean the pad seats with a wire brush. Make sure there is no rust on the guides.

    2. Apply a thin layer high temperature grease to:

    • Pad sliding surfaces (points of contact with the caliper).
    • Caliper guide pins.
    • The back of the pads (where they meet the piston).

    3. Install new pads, starting with internal (the one closest to the piston). On models with ABS do not forget to connect the wear sensor connector.

    4. Make sure that the springs and pad retainers are in place. On Almera G15 The small retaining clip is often lost - check that it is there!

    Step 4: Putting the Caliper Back in Place

    1. Before installing the caliper, you must press the piston back into the cylinder. To do this:

    • Use a special tool (piston press gun) or a flat-head screwdriver with a lever.
    • On models with electronic handbrake the piston is pressed in clockwise only (Star key required).

    2. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the mounting bolts. Tighten them up criss-cross with effort 25–30 Nm.

    3. Press the brake pedal 3-4 times so that the piston moves in and the pads press the disc tightly.

    Step 5: Check and break-in

    1. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle.

    2. Bleed the brake system: start the engine and press the brake pedal several times until resistance appears.

    3. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - top up if necessary.

    4. Take a test ride (5-10 km) with smooth braking, avoiding sudden pedal pressure.

    💡

    After replacing the pads, avoid emergency braking for the first 200 km! The friction material should rub against the disc.

    Common mistakes when replacing rear pads and how to avoid them

    Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to squeaking, uneven brake wear, or even brake failure. Here are the most common of them:

    • 🔧 Incorrect lubrication: using regular lithol or graphite grease instead of high-temperature paste. This leads to souring of the guides and jamming of the caliper.
      ⚠️ Attention: Copper or ceramic based lubricant (LIQUI MOLY Cuprpaste) is only suitable for threaded connections, not for guides!
    • 🔄 The right and left pads are mixed up: on some trim levels Almera The pads have an asymmetrical shape. Make sure the tabs and grooves line up with the seats.
    • 🛠️ Incorrect piston pressing: If the piston is pressed in crookedly, it can damage the boot and cause brake fluid to leak.
    • 🚫 Forgot to connect the wear sensor: on cars with ABS This will cause the fault light to stay on.
    • 🔩 Loose caliper bolts: Vibrations during movement will weaken the fastening, which can lead to the loss of pads while driving.

    To avoid problems, keep an eye on:

    • 📏 Gap between pad and disc - it should be the same on both sides.
    • 🔊 Extraneous sounds after replacement: creaking in the first 100 km is normal, but squealing or knocking is a sign of an error.
    • 📉 Brake fluid level — if it falls after replacement, check the system for leaks.

    How to break in new pads: expert advice

    First 200–300 km After replacing the pads they go through a process lapping — friction material adapts to the disc surface. During this period, it is important to follow several rules:

    1. Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly, warming up the pads to operating temperature (lightly pressing the pedal at a speed of 40–60 km/h).
    2. Don't overheat the brakes. After 3-4 intensive braking, let the pads cool down (drive 1-2 km without braking).
    3. Monitor efficiency. If the braking distance increases or vibration appears, check that the pads are installed correctly.

    Full grinding takes up to 500 km. After this:

    • 🔍 Check the condition of the discs - they should not have deep grooves or blue discoloration (a sign of overheating).
    • 📏 Measure the thickness of the pads: if they are worn more than 0.5 mm, the caliper may be faulty.
    💡

    If, after replacing the pads, the car pulls to the side when braking, most likely the caliper is stuck or the pads are installed unevenly. Don't delay diagnosis!

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

    No! Pads are always changing in pairs on the same axis (left and right rear wheel). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding.

    How much do original pads cost for Almera G15?

    Set of original pads Nissan (article 40520-4M000) is worth 3,500–4,200 rubles. Analogues (Brembo, TRW) will cost 1,800–2,500 rubles.

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

    Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hose or noticed a fluid leak. In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal 3-4 times to self-adjust the piston.

    Why do new pads squeak?

    Creak for the first time 100–200 km — a normal phenomenon (the friction material is rubbing in). If the sound does not disappear:

    • Check to see if any dirt has gotten between the pad and disc.
    • Make sure they are lubricated everything contact points between the pads and the caliper.
    • On some pads (for example, Ferodo) the creaking disappears after 500 km running-in.

    Is it possible to drive if only one pad wears out?

    No! If one pad wears faster than the other, this is a sign caliper jamming or damage to the guides. Operating the car in this condition is dangerous - the braking force is distributed unevenly.