Complete guide: how to remove the rear drum on a Nissan Almera G15

Rear brake system in a crossover Nissan Almera G15 made in the form of a drum unit, which is a classic solution for budget sedans focused on reliability and low cost of ownership. However, during operation, especially in harsh winters and reagents, the mechanism can become stuck, turning a simple replacement of pads into a real challenge for the owner. Understanding Design Features rear brake drum and the correct sequence of actions will avoid damage to parts and save time.

Many car enthusiasts are faced with a situation where the drum cannot be removed by hand after unscrewing the fixing screw. This occurs due to the formation of a corrosive coating on the hub or due to the fact that the brake pads are too far apart and rest against the working surface. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely dismantle the unit, what tools you will need, and how to avoid common mistakes when servicing your suspension.

Preparation of tools and workplace

Before you get started, you need to prepare a reliable set of tools. For the Nissan Almera G15, you will need a standard set of wrenches, but special attention should be paid to specific devices, since the fasteners may be over-tightened or, conversely, licked due to previous repair attempts. Socket head a 12 mm socket for the drum mounting screw and a 19 mm socket for the wheel bolts - this is a base that you cannot do without.

If you plan to work on your own, make sure you have a jack and reliable stands. Lifting the car only with a jack is dangerous, since the vibration from unscrewing the screw can cause the car to move. It is also highly advisable to have on hand hammer, penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or similar and a wire brush. Without a brush, it is impossible to properly clean the seats from dirt, which will complicate the removal of the part.

• 🔧 Socket wrench or ratchet with 12 and 19 mm heads
• 🔨 A hammer with a round or flat head (preferably soft so as not to damage the threads)
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant for treating rusty joints
• 🧹 Metal brush for cleaning the hub
• 🛠️ Special puller for drums (optional, but very convenient)

You need to work on a flat surface. Make sure the vehicle is securely supported and the front wheels are supported. If you are changing brakes on one side, be sure to apply the handbrake and shift into gear.

⚠️ Attention! Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery if you plan to use a power tool or if there is a risk of accidentally shorting the ABS sensor wiring.

Wheel removal and initial cleaning

The first step is to remove the wheel. Loosen the mounting bolts before you jack up the car to prevent the wheel from turning. After lifting the car to the desired height and placing it on stands, you can completely unscrew the bolts and remove the wheel. You now have full access to rear brake unit.

In the center of the drum, under the decorative cap (if there is one) or directly in the center of the hub, there is a drum mounting bolt. On the Nissan Almera G15 this is a screw for a Phillips screwdriver or a 12 mm head. Before unscrewing, generously moisten the threads with penetrating lubricant and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This is critically important, since this screw often sticks due to moisture and dirt.

Clean the drum surface and hub from dirt using a wire brush. Pay special attention to where the drum meets the hub. If there is a layer of rust or dirt there, the drum will be difficult to remove or will be damaged during dismantling. High-quality cleaning - a guarantee that the part will then easily fall into place during assembly.

• 🧼 Carefully remove dirt and rust from the outer surface of the drum
• 🛢️ Apply a generous amount of penetrating lubricant to the mounting screw.
• 🔍 Inspect the condition of the screw thread, use an extractor if necessary

⚠️ Attention! Do not use excessive force to remove the screw if it does not budge. It is better to heat the joint with a hair dryer or torch than to strip the thread.

Eliminating drum sticking

If the drum does not come off after unscrewing the screw, do not immediately hit it with a hammer. First, try rocking it slightly from side to side using moderate force. Often the problem is solved precisely by destroying the corrosion layer at the joint. If rocking does not help, you can gently tap the ends of the drum through a wooden spacer so as not to damage the aluminum or steel.

Sometimes the reason lies in the pad spreading mechanism. If you have recently replaced your pads, they may have been set too far. In this case, you need to check the status clearance adjuster. The design of the Nissan Almera G15 provides a mechanism that allows you to adjust the gap through a technological hole in the base of the brake shield. This allows you to move the pads away from the drum without dismantling it.

Use a flathead screwdriver and lever to make adjustments. As you turn the adjuster, you will see the pads move inward. This reduces the diameter that the assembly occupies inside the drum. After such manipulation, the drum is often removed with a slight click. If the regulator does not respond, the mechanism may be jammed due to rust, and a deeper disassembly will be required.

Why may the drum not be removed even when the screw is unscrewed?

Most often this occurs due to the formation of a “corrosion coupling” between the hub and the drum. Metals are oxidized and fused into a single whole. The problem could also be worn guide pins that jam the drum, or improperly adjusted shoes that hit the work surface at an angle.

Removing and adjusting the pads

With the drum removed, you gain access to the internal mechanism. Here is a system of levers, springs and the brake pads themselves. To completely remove the drum and carry out repairs, it is sometimes necessary to loosen the spring tension. To do this, use a special hook or pliers. Be extremely careful as springs under tension may fly out and injure you.

Carefully inspect the condition of the brake pads. If the lining is worn down to metal or has oil stains, it must be replaced. Also check the condition brake cylinder. If there are traces of brake fluid leakage, the cylinder must be replaced. Don't neglect to inspect the return springs - if they are stretched, braking performance will decrease.

• 🛑 Inspect the brake pads for cracks and wear
• 💧 Check the brake cylinder for fluid leaks
• 🔩 Assess the condition of the return springs and clamps
• 🧹 Clean the brake shield from dust and dirt

If you are faced with the fact that the drum has been removed, but the pads are not set apart, use a screwdriver to turn the eccentric through the technological window in the shield. This is standard procedure for Nissan Almera. Rotate the adjuster until you feel the pads go deep. This will make it easier to install a new drum or put old pads back in place.

⚠️ Attention! Do not lubricate the working surfaces of the pads and drum with oil or grease! This will lead to instant brake failure and the car skidding.

Table of technical parameters and specifications

To correctly select spare parts and understand the size of the unit, it is important to know the technical specifications. Below is a table with the main parameters of the rear axle brake system for the Nissan Almera G15. This data will help you when choosing a repair kit or when assessing the degree of wear.

Parameter	Meaning	Unit of measurement	Note
Brake drum diameter	200	mm	Nominal size
Maximum wear	201	mm	Replacement when reached
Brake pad diameter	185	mm	Overlay width
Mounting screw	M6	mm	Torx sprocket or cross
Wheel tightening torque	108-120	Nm	Strictly according to regulations

Knowing your wear limits is critical. If the diameter of the drum exceeds the permissible 201 mm, its further operation is unacceptable, even visually it may appear intact. Thin wall The drum may not withstand the thermal shock during sudden braking and may burst, resulting in loss of control.

Also pay attention to the tightening torque of the wheel bolts. A tightening that is too weak will cause the wheel to run out, and a tightening that is too strong will cause the threads to break or the disc to deform. Use a torque wrench for precise fixation. This will ensure the safety and durability of the chassis.

Installation and final assembly

After replacing worn elements, the assembly stage begins. Install the brake pads in place, connecting them with springs and levers. Make sure that all fasteners fit into their grooves and are not loose. If you installed a new drum, its seat on the hub should be perfectly clean. Apply a thin layer of copper grease to the hub seat to make removal easier next time.

Place the drum onto the hub and secure it with the screw. Do not tighten the screw all the way right away, just tighten it first so that the drum sits evenly. After this, you can tighten it with moderate force. If you used a puller or hit the drum, check for cracks in the casting. Drum integrity - the key to your safety on the road.

• 🔩 Secure the drum with the mounting screw
• 🔄 Adjust the pad gap through the technological hole
• 🚗 Install the wheel and lower the car
• 🛑 Check the brake pedal before driving

After assembly, be sure to bleed the brake system if you disconnected hoses or changed the cylinder. If the system was sealed, simply press the brake pedal all the way down a few times to spread the pads. The pedal should become firm and not fall through. Only after this you can go on the road.

What to do if the drum is deformed?

If there are deep grooves or grooves on the inner surface of the drum, this can lead to overheating and reduced braking performance. In such cases, it is recommended to groove the drum on a machine, if the wall thickness allows, or completely replace the part.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about service

Is it possible to remove the drum without a special puller?

Yes, in most cases the drum is removed manually after unscrewing the screw and lightly tapping it. A puller is needed only in extreme cases of severe sticking, when other methods do not help.

Do the guide pins need to be lubricated before installation?

Yes, the guide pins and their seats in the brake shield must be lubricated with a special high-temperature lubricant for brake systems. This will prevent the pads from jamming.

How often do you need to change the rear brake pads on Almera G15?

The service life of the pads depends on driving style and operating conditions. On average, they run from 40 to 60 thousand kilometers, but it is recommended to check their thickness at every maintenance.

Why does the drum squeak after replacement?

Creaking can occur due to lack of grinding in of new pads, dirt getting between the drum and pads, or the use of low-quality consumables. Also check that the handbrake is not too tight.

Can WD-40 be used to lubricate the slides?

No, regular WD-40 is not suitable for lubricating the friction parts of the brake system. It washes away the factory lubricant and quickly evaporates. Use only special brake lubricants (usually silicone or mineral oil based).