The rear brake system of many vehicles, including Nissan Almera Classic, made in the form of drum mechanisms. This is a classic engineering solution, known for its reliability and durability, but creates certain difficulties during independent maintenance. Owners are often faced with a situation where the drum gets stuck or jammed, which turns a simple pad replacement into a real puzzle.
The process of removing an element requires not only the availability of a suitable tool, but also an understanding of the design features of the suspension and braking system of the Japanese sedan. Errors at this stage can lead to damage to the handbrake rod or deformation of the drum disk itself, which ultimately will require expensive repairs. In this material we will analyze all stages of work, from preparation to final installation.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin dismantling the wheel, you need to organize your workspace and make sure you have all the necessary equipment. To work with Nissan Almera Classic You'll need a standard set of wrenches, but drum brake-specific tools are key. Ignoring preparation often leads to thread failure or injury.
The main list of tools includes a set of sockets and wrenches, a jack with a reliable support (stand), as well as special tools for working with rust. Particular attention should be paid to the drum puller, although experienced craftsmen often make do with simple devices if the mechanism is not very soured. WD-40 or a similar thread penetrating agent is also useful.
- 🔧 Set of socket heads for 12, 14, 17 and 19 mm
- 🔨 Hammer (preferably with a rubber head or wooden) and chisel
- 🛠️ Special puller for drums or long threaded bolts
- 🧴 Aerosol type lubricant WD-40 or "liquid key"
- 🧤 Gloves and glasses to protect against metal dust
⚠️ Warning: Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Be sure to install a safety stand under the body or threshold to eliminate the risk of the car falling if the jack hydraulics are accidentally released.
It is important to check the condition of the jack and stands before starting work. Securely securing the vehicle is the key to safety. If you plan to replace your brake pads, make sure they are ready to install so you don't have to leave the brake pads disassembled for a long time.
Removing the wheel and preparing the brake assembly
Once the car is securely raised and secured, you can begin to remove the wheel. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts before lifting the machine to prevent the wheel from spinning. By removing the wheel, you will have access to the brake drum and its fasteners.
On Nissan Almera Classic the drum is held in place by two guide pins and a nut in the center of the hub. The hub nut often becomes sour from salt and dirt, so before attempting to unscrew it, it is necessary to generously moisten the threads with penetrating lubricant. Let the product act for 10-15 minutes.
- 🚫 Do not try to unscrew the hub nut if the car is not secured to the stand
- 🧹 Clean the area around the hub from dirt before unscrewing
- 🔑 Use a long wrench to create the necessary leverage
If the nut does not budge, you can try heating the area with a hair dryer or torch, but be careful not to damage the hub seal or rubber elements. After unscrewing the nut, remove it along with the washer and check the condition of the threads on the hub.
⚠️ Attention: Thread on the rear wheel hub Nissan Almera Classic can be very thin. If you use an impact wrench or use excessive force, it is easy to strip the threads, requiring replacement of the entire hub or the use of a repair insert.
- The drum can't be removed (it's stuck)
- Nut thread stripped
- The guide pins are broken
- Came off without any problems
Eliminating drum sticking to the hub
The most common problem owners face Nissan Almera Classic, is the inability to remove the drum due to corrosion connecting it to the hub. In this case, simply twitching will not help. It is necessary to create a force that will break the contact between metal surfaces without damaging the brittle cast iron.
There are two main methods to solve this problem. The first is the use of special puller bolts, which are screwed into technological holes at the end of the drum and press on the hub. The second method is to carefully hit the end of the drum with a hammer, but only in certain areas to avoid the formation of cracks.
If the drum is jammed by the handbrake, you must ensure that the cables are completely slack. Sometimes, even when the lever is released, the mechanism inside remains tense due to improper adjustment or jamming of the cables. In this case, you will need to disassemble the mechanism from the inside.
- 🔨 When striking, hit the periphery of the drum, alternating sides (top-bottom, left-right)
- 🛠️ Use a puller, screwing the bolts evenly diagonally
- 🧴 Re-apply lubricant to the joint between the drum and hub
Adjusting and loosening the handbrake
If the drum does not come off even after application of lubricant and impacts, the reason almost certainly lies in the handbrake mechanism. The pads are spread apart and rest against the working surfaces of the drum, preventing it from leaving the hub. To solve this problem, you need to approach the adjusting mechanism through the technological holes in the rear of the drum (if any) or remove the plug on the brake shield.
On Nissan Almera Classic adjustment is carried out through a special hole in the base of the brake shield. You will need a screwdriver or a special hex key to rotate the eccentric or gear mechanism. Rotation in a certain direction will tighten the pads, after which the drum should be freely removed.
Sometimes access to the adjusting mechanism is completely blocked, and you have to remove the brake shield along with the drum, but this is a last resort. In most cases, it is enough to find the desired hole and carefully turn the mechanism, controlling the force on the drum with your hand.
☑️ Check before removing the drum
⚠️ Caution: If you use a puller, do not over-tighten the bolts. Uniform and smooth pressure will help avoid distortion of the drum and damage to its seating surface.
What to do if the adjusting mechanism does not turn?
If the handbrake mechanism cannot be rotated, it may be completely soured. In this case, you can try to carefully warm up the mechanism with a blowtorch or a hair dryer, being careful not to overheat the rubber seals. In extreme cases, it is necessary to dismantle the entire brake shield to force disassembly of the regulator.
Removing the drum and inspecting the mechanism
After all the preparatory work has been completed and the pads have been loosened, the drum should come off without much effort. If it still holds, repeat the procedure with punches or a puller. After removing the part, carefully inspect its inner surface for the presence of deep grooves, cracks or signs of overheating (bluish tint).
It is also important to check the condition of the guide pins and their rubber seals. If the pins are stuck or the rubber is broken, this can cause the drum to become misaligned during installation and cause the pads to wear out quickly. Dirt and rust on the inside of the drum should be removed with sandpaper or a wire brush.
Inspecting the brake shield and handbrake mechanism is a critical step. Make sure that the springs are not stretched and that the levers and rods do not have any signs of corrosion that would impede movement. Any suspicious parts must be replaced immediately.
- 🔍 Check that there are no deep marks on the working surface of the drum
- 🧼 Clean the internal cavities from dust and dirt
- 🔩 Inspect the threads on the guide pins
| Validation parameter | Norm | Permissible deviation | Wear action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working surface diameter | 200 mm | Maximum 201.5 mm | Drum replacement |
| Drum wall thickness | 12 mm | Minimum 10 mm | Drum replacement |
| Condition of the guides | Free rotation | No backlash | Replacing pins |
| Spring condition | Hardness is normal | No stretch | Replacing the kit |
| Handbrake | Uniform stroke | No jamming | Adjustment or replacement |
Regular cleaning of the inner surface of the drum from brake dust and checking the condition of the springs prevents premature wear of the mechanisms and ensures efficient operation of the braking system.
Installing a new drum and reassembling
Installing a new or refurbished drum is done in the reverse order. Before putting on the part, make sure that the surface of the hub is perfectly clean and lubricated with a thin layer of high-temperature grease. This will prevent sticking in the future.
Tighten the hub nut by hand so as not to damage the threads, and then tighten it with a torque wrench to the torque specified in the technical documentation. Usually for Nissan Almera Classic this value is about 100-120 Nm, but it is always better to check with the official manual.
After installing the drum, be sure to check the operation of the hand brake. It should fix the car on a slope, and when the lever is lowered, the drum should rotate freely, without touching the pads. If there is a gap, make adjustments through the service hole.
Be sure to install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Only after this can the disk mounting bolts be finally tightened to the correct torque. Spin the wheel by hand to make sure there are no unusual sounds or jams.
- 🛡️ Use a new hub nut if the old one shows signs of deformation
- 🔧 Tighten the wheel bolts crosswise for even pressure
- 🚗 Check the brakes on a safe section of the road
Why might a new drum not fit?
Sometimes the new drum has a protective coating or minor burrs on the seat. Before installation, be sure to treat the seating surface with fine sandpaper and wipe it with solvent. Also check whether the pads inside the mechanism are too far apart.
Common mistakes and expert advice
Many newbies make the mistake of trying to dislodge the drum without first removing the hub nut. This is not only useless, but also dangerous, as you can damage the wheel bearing or strip the threads. The nut must be unscrewed completely, even if the drum is supported on the guides.
Another common mistake is using excessive force when adjusting the handbrake. Over-tightening can cause the pads to constantly rub against the drum, causing overheating and loss of braking performance. The adjustment must be precise and accurate.
It is also worth noting the importance of using high-quality consumables. Cheap brake pads may have incorrect geometry or friction material composition, which will lead to rapid wear of the drum and vibration during braking. Choose proven brands and original spare parts for Nissan Almera Classic.
In conclusion, the process of removing the rear drum Nissan Almera Classic requires patience and accuracy. If you feel that you cannot cope with the task yourself, it is better to entrust the work to professionals to avoid expensive repairs.
Store old bolts and nuts in a separate container. If you plan to sell your car or replace a part in the future, original fasteners can be useful and save time searching for suitable replacement parts.
What to do if the hub nut is broken?
If the threads on a nut or hub are stripped, the damaged part will need to be replaced. In some cases, it is possible to restore the threads on the hub using a repair insert, but this is a temporary solution. It is better to replace the hub assembly to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
How do you know if the drum needs to be replaced and not ground?
The drum must be replaced if there are deep grooves on its inner surface that cannot be removed by grinding, or if its thickness has become less than the permissible minimum (usually 10 mm). Replacement is also necessary if there are cracks or chips.
Is it possible to lubricate the working surface of the drum?
It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the working surface of the drum. Lubricant is applied only to the hub (seat) and guide pins, but not to the inner walls where the pads rub. If lubricant gets on the working surface, it will cause loss of braking effect.
How long does it take to replace a drum?
With experience and the right tools, replacing the rear drum on one side takes about 30-40 minutes. For a beginner, this process can take 1-1.5 hours, especially if there are problems with the part sticking.
Do I need to change drums in pairs?
It is recommended to change the drums and pads on both sides at the same time. This ensures uniform braking and prevents the vehicle from skidding during emergency braking. Drum wear on one side is usually higher than on the other due to operating conditions.