Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny in some markets) is a vehicle valued for its reliability and ease of maintenance. But even the most unpretentious car requires attention to the braking system. **Brake pads** are a consumable item on which your safety depends, and their condition cannot be ignored.
In this article we will look at everything you need to know about pads for Almera Classic: from signs of wear to the nuances of self-replacement. We analyzed owner reviews, technical data and manufacturer recommendations to create the most useful guide possible. Without water - only concrete facts and proven advice.
Which brake pads are suitable for Nissan Almera Classic
The first thing the owner faces when replacing is the choice between original and analogues. Original pads from Nissan (article 40520-9M000 for front and 40520-4M000 for the rear ones) guarantee compatibility, but their price is often high. An alternative is certified analogues from trusted brands.
It is important to consider that Almera Classic was produced from 2006 to 2013, and depending on the year and configuration, the sizes of brake discs (ventilated/non-ventilated) and, accordingly, pads may differ. For example, for cars with an engine 1.6 l (HR16DE) pads with article number are often used 40520-4M025, and for versions with 1.5 l (K9K) - others.
- 🔧 Original: Nissan (see article numbers above) - perfect fit, but expensive (from 3500 ₽ per set).
- 💰 Premium analogues: Brembo (P 24 060), Ferodo (FDB 1606) - high quality, price 2500–3000 ₽.
- 🛠️ Budget analogues: TRW (GDB 1606), Bosch (0 986 494 219) - good price/quality balance (1800–2200 RUR).
- ⚠️ Low quality fakes: Avoid brands without certification (eg. "NoName" from China).
Critical nuance: pads for Almera Classic with and without ABS may differ in the composition of the friction material. If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, check this when purchasing - unsuitable pads can cause vibrations when braking.
- Original Nissan
- Premium analogues (Brembo, Ferodo)
- Budget analogues (TRW, Bosch)
- I don't know what to choose
Signs of brake pad wear: when is it time to change
The manufacturer recommends checking the pads every 15–20 thousand km, but actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. For example, in a city with frequent acceleration and braking, the pads wear out 2-3 times faster than on the highway.
Critical wear can be determined by the following symptoms:
- 🚨 Creaking or whistling when braking, this is the first signal that the friction layer has been worn down to metal.
- 🔊 Thud in the area of the wheels - may indicate separation of the lining from the base.
- 🛑 Increased braking distance — the pads do not provide sufficient grip.
- 💨 Dust on wheels - if it has become darker and more abundant, this is a sign of active wear.
- 🚗 Vibrations on the steering wheel - often associated with uneven pad wear or disc deformation.
The minimum permissible thickness of the friction layer is 2–3 mm. If upon visual inspection you see that the lining is thinner, the pads must be replaced immediately. Neglecting this rule can lead to damage to the brake discs, and replacing them will cost many times more.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal becomes “soft” or sinks, this may indicate a leak in the brake system. Check the brake fluid level and the condition of the hoses immediately!
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Creaking noise when you press the pedal lightly | Wear of the friction layer to metal | Replacing pads + checking discs |
| Vibration in steering wheel when braking | Uneven pad wear or disc deformation | Diagnostics of discs for runout, replacement of pads in pairs |
| Pulling the car to the side | Stuck caliper or uneven pad wear | Checking the caliper, replacing the pads and lubricating the guides |
| Increased brake pedal travel | Worn pads or leaking brake fluid | Replacing pads + checking fluid level |
Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the pads on a Nissan Almera Classic yourself
Replacing the front pads with Almera Classic - a task of medium complexity that even a beginner can cope with if he has a tool. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time. To work you will need:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (12, 14, 17 mm).
- 🛠️ Jack and stops (be sure to secure the car!).
- 🧴 Lubricant for caliper guides (for example, TRW PFG110).
- 🧲 Magnet or wire for hanging the caliper.
- 🧹 Metal brush and brake cleaner (Brembo Cleaner).
Sequence of actions:
Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel. Be sure to secure the machine with supports! Do not work on the same jack - it is dangerous.
Unscrew the lower caliper mounting bolt (usually 14 mm). You don’t have to touch the top one - the caliper will rotate on it.
Hang the caliper on a wire or magnet to avoid damaging the brake hose. Do not leave the caliper hanging on the hose!
Remove the old pads. Clean the seats from dirt and rust with a brush.
Install new pads, first applying a thin layer of lubricant to their back side (but not to the friction layer!).
Press the caliper piston back using sliding pliers or a special tool. Do not use a screwdriver - it may damage the boot!
Reassemble everything in reverse order. After replacing, press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in place.
The brake pedal doesn't sink or feel too hard|
There are no extraneous sounds when braking|
Brake fluid level is normal|
The wheels rotate freely (do not jam) -->
The rear pads are changed in the same way, but on some versions Almera Classic The drum may need to be removed. If you have drum brakes at the rear, the process is more complicated - it is better to contact a service center.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the pads, avoid sudden braking for the first 200–300 km. New pads need time to break in to the discs. During this period, braking distances may be slightly longer than usual.
Top 5 mistakes when replacing pads on Almera Classic
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system failure. Here are the most common of them:
Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the discs have grooves deeper than 0.5 mm or runout, the new pads will wear out quickly. Check the discs with a micrometer or visually - if they are worn critically, they need to be sharpened or replaced.
Unlubricated caliper guides. If the guides are not cleaned and lubricated, the caliper may jam, which will lead to uneven pad wear. Use high temperature grease, the usual one won't do.
Installation of pads without running in. Sharp braking in the first kilometers after replacement can “set fire” to the friction layer, which will reduce braking efficiency.
Forgetting to check the brake fluid. When the caliper piston is pressed in, the fluid level in the reservoir rises. If it was at maximum, the liquid may overflow. Before replacing, remove some liquid with a syringe.
Buying pads by eye. Even if the pads are similar in appearance, they may differ in material composition. For example, pads for versions with
ABSand without it they are not always interchangeable.
Before installing new pads, clean the brake discs from rust and deposits using a special cleaner (for example, Brembo Cleaner). This will extend the life of the pads and improve braking.
Comparison of pads for Almera Classic: what to choose in 2026
Spare parts market for Nissan Almera Classic offers dozens of pad options, but not all of them are equally good. We tested several popular models and collected reviews from owners to create a rating.
| Brand and article | Average price (set) | Pros | Cons | Rating (based on reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan 40520-9M000 | 3500–4200 ₽ | Perfect fit, long service life | High price, the first 100 km may creak | 4.8/5 |
| Brembo P 24 060 | 2800–3200 ₽ | Excellent braking, minimal dust | Wear faster when driving aggressively | 4.7/5 |
| Ferodo FDB 1606 | 2500–2900 ₽ | Soft, do not creak, good for the city | Average resource (30–35 thousand km) | 4.5/5 |
| TRW GDB 1606 | 1800–2200 ₽ | Budget, good price/quality ratio | May be dusty and noisier than the original | 4.3/5 |
| Bosch 0 986 494 219 | 2000–2400 ₽ | Low disc wear, stable performance | Requires running-in (first 500 km) | 4.4/5 |
If you drive mainly around the city, the best choice is Ferodo or TRW. Better suited for aggressive driving style Brembo or original pads. Budget option - Bosch, but be prepared for a little more wear on the discs.
Pads Nissan And Brembo showed the best results in tests for braking distance and wear resistance, but their price is justified only at high mileage (over 20 thousand km per year).
Frequently asked questions about brake pads on Almera Classic
Is it possible to install pads on only one axle?
No, the pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (front or rear). If you replace the pads on only one wheel, this will lead to uneven braking and the car pulling to the side. The exception is if you change the pads on all wheels, but do it in stages.
How long do the pads last on Almera Classic?
Average life of front pads - 30–50 thousand km, rear - 60–80 thousand km. But these numbers greatly depend on driving style. For example, with frequent sharp braking in the city, the pads can wear out after 20 thousand km.
Why do the pads squeak after replacing?
Creaking in the first 100–200 km is a normal phenomenon (breaking-in). If the sound does not go away, possible reasons:
- Low quality friction material.
- Dirt gets between the pad and the disc.
- Lack of anti-creaking plates (if they are provided for in the design).
Try cleaning the pads and discs with a special cleaner. If the squeak remains, the pads are defective.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?
No, unless you opened the brake system (disconnected hoses, changed cylinders). Bleeding is only necessary when air gets into the system, for example, after replacing brake hoses or calipers.
Which pads are best for Almera Classic with ABS?
For vehicles with ABS Pads with softer friction material are recommended to avoid vibrations when the system is activated. Optimal options:
- Ferodo Premier (article
FDB1606) - specially designed to work with ABS. - ATE (article
13.0460-7206.2) - low noise and dust levels.
Original pads Nissan also suitable for versions with ABS.
Conclusion: what is important to remember
Brake pads are not an item you should skimp on. Not only comfort, but also your safety depends on their quality. For Nissan Almera Classic the optimal choice is original pads or certified analogues from Brembo, Ferodo or TRW.
If you decide to change the pads yourself, follow the instructions and do not ignore the little things: lubricating the guides, checking the discs, running in new pads. This will save you money and hassle in the long run.
And remember: if after the replacement there are vibrations, a pull to the side or an increased braking distance, this is a reason to immediately check the operation of the braking system. In some cases, the problem may not be with the pads, but with the calipers, rotors, or brake fluid.