Brake pads for Nissan Almera Classic: how to choose and replace correctly

Brake system Nissan Almera Classic (B10, 2006–2012) is one of the key safety elements, on which not only driving comfort, but also the life of the driver and passengers depends. The pads in this model wear out on average every 30–50 thousand km, but service life may be reduced to 15–20 thousand km when driving aggressively or driving in city traffic jams. In this article, we will look at how to choose high-quality pads, when to change them, and how to replace them yourself - without the mistakes that even experienced car owners make.

Many owners Almeri Classic are faced with a dilemma: buy original pads from Nissan (article D4060-JA00A for front and D4060-4M000 for rear) or analogues from ATE, Ferodo, TRW? We analyzed reviews from mechanics and tests from independent laboratories to give a clear answer. You will also find out why after replacing the pads on the Almere Classic, you must bleed the brakes - even if you did not open the hydraulic drive. This nuance is missed by 7 out of 10 car owners, which leads to a “soft” pedal and increased braking distance.

Signs of brake pad wear on a Nissan Almera Classic

The first signal that the pads require replacement is creaking or squealing when braking. On Almere Classic this sound is caused by metal wear indicators that are built into the friction material. However, squeaking does not always mean critical wear: sometimes it occurs due to sand or corrosion on the brake disc. To distinguish normal from problem, pay attention to sound character:

• 🔊 High squeal When you lightly press the pedal, the pads are worn down to metal and urgent replacement is required.
• 🔧 Dull rattle at low speed - the brake disc may become deformed or a foreign object may enter.
• 💨 rustling after washing or rain - a temporary phenomenon associated with moisture on the working surface.

The second reliable sign is increase in braking distance. If your Almera Classic braking has become worse even with dry discs, check the thickness of the friction layer. The minimum permissible thickness for the front pads is 2–3 mm, for rear (drum or disc, depending on configuration) - 1.5–2 mm. You can measure with a caliper or visually through the viewing window in the caliper.

⚠️ Attention: If deep cracks or chips appear on the pads, they must be replaced regardless of thickness. Such defects reduce braking efficiency by 30–40% and can lead to caliper seizure.

Which pads are better for Nissan Almera Classic: original vs analogues

Original pads from Nissan guarantee compatibility with the car's braking system, but their price is often inflated. For example, a set of front pads D4060-JA00A will cost 3,500–4,500 rub., while analogues from ATE or Ferodo can be bought for RUB 1,800–2,500. To make an informed choice, let’s compare the key parameters:

Brand	Article (front)	Material	Service life (thousand km)	Noise level	Price (RUB)
Nissan (original)	D4060-JA00A	Semi-metallic	40–50	Low	3 500–4 500
ATE	13.0460-7106.2	Ceramic	50–60	Very low	2 200–2 800
Ferodo	FDB1416	Low metal	35–45	Medium	1 800–2 300
TRW	GDB1416	Organic	30–40	High	1 500–2 000

For Almera Classic with engines 1.5 And 1.6 (K4M) the best choice would be pads ATE or Ferodo. The former last longer and generate less dust, the latter are softer and put less strain on the brake discs. You should only take original pads if you operate the car in difficult conditions (for example, in the mountains or with a trailer).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads

Replacing the front pads with Nissan Almera Classic does not require a special tool, but there are nuances that need to be taken into account. For example, Before starting work, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery — this will prevent accidental activation of the electric caliper drive (if your equipment includes one). Also prepare:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
• 🔨 Socket wrench on 14 And 17.
• 🔩 Hexagon on 7 mm for caliper guides.
• 🧴Brake fluid DOT-4 (in case of pumping).
• 🧤 Gloves and brake cleaner (e.g. LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Raise the car and remove the front wheel. Make sure the car is on the handbrake and place stands under the rear wheels.
2. Unscrew the lower caliper bolt (key to 14), then the top one (key on 17). Carefully hang the caliper on a wire so as not to damage the brake hose.
3. Remove old pads and clean the guides from rust. If they become sour, use a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40).
4. Install new pads, having previously applied a thin layer copper grease on their back side (not on the work surface!).
5. Sink the caliper piston using sliding pliers or a special tool. On models with ABS do this slowly to avoid damaging the cuff.
6. Reassemble everything in reverse order and press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “wobbly”, this means that air has entered the system. In this case, bleeding of the brakes is required, even if you did not open the hydraulic line. On Almera Classic It is convenient to do pumping with an assistant, starting from the rear right wheel.

Features of replacing rear pads (drum and disc)

Rear brakes on Nissan Almera Classic can be of two types: drums (in basic configurations) or disk (in versions with ABS and engine 1.6). The process of replacing pads is fundamentally different for them.

For drum brakes:

1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the drum guide pins (key on 12).
2. Gently tap the drum through the wooden spacer with a hammer. If it does not come off, check whether the self-adjustment mechanism is jammed.
3. Disconnect the springs and spacer bar, then remove the old pads.
4. Install new pads, lubricating the contact points with the support disk graphite lubricant.
5. Adjust the gap between the shoes and the drum using the eccentric mechanism.

For disc brakes: The process is similar to replacing the front pads, but there are two critical points:

1. Before removing the caliper Be sure to unscrew the brake disc fixing bolt (if there is one). On Almera Classic This bolt often gets stuck and has to be cut off with a grinder.
2. After installing new pads check the operation of the handbrake. If the cables are stretched, they need to be tightened (the adjustment is located under the central tunnel).

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck, try the following methods:

1. Liberally spray the contact area with penetrating lubricant and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Tap the rim of the drum with a hammer through a block of wood, rotating it in a circle.

3. As a last resort, use a puller or two bolts screwed into the threaded holes of the drum (if any).

How to extend the life of brake pads

Average pad life Almera Classic — 30–50 thousand km, but with proper use it can be increased to 60–70 thousand km. Here's what really works:

• 🚗 Smooth braking: Avoid pressing the pedal suddenly. Brake early using the engine (downshift).
• 🔥 Temperature control: After intensive braking (for example, on a mountain serpentine road), let the pads cool for 5–10 minutes. Overheating destroys the friction material.
• 💧 Moisture protection: After washing or driving through puddles, press the brakes several times to dry the pads and discs.
• 🔧 Regular diagnostics: Every 10 thousand km, check the thickness of the pads and the condition of the brake discs. On Almera Classic Caliper guides often wear out, resulting in uneven wear.

Also note brake fluid quality. On Almera Classic recommended to use DOT-4 with a boiling point not lower 230°C. The fluid needs to be changed every 2 years or 40 thousand km, since it is hygroscopic and loses its properties over time.

Top 5 mistakes when replacing pads on a Nissan Almera Classic

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature wear of the pads or breakdown of the brake system. Here are the most common:

1. Unlubricated caliper guides. If the guides are not cleaned and lubricated, the caliper will jam, which will lead to uneven pad wear and overheating of the disc.
2. Using unsuitable lubricant. Suitable for caliper guides only high temperature grease (For example, SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC). Regular lithol or graphite flows when heated and loses its properties.
3. Incorrect installation of springs on drum brakes. If the springs are twisted or loose, the pads will not fit tightly against the drum, reducing braking performance.
4. They forget to recess the caliper piston. If you do not press the piston in before installing new (thicker) pads, the caliper will not fit into place and the brake hose may break.
5. Ignore the handbrake adjustment. After replacing the rear pads, you need to adjust the cable tension, otherwise the handbrake will either be weak or jammed.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads, the car pulls to the side when braking, this may mean that the caliper of one of the wheels is jammed or the pads are installed unevenly. Check the stroke of the caliper pistons and the condition of the boots.

When do you need to replace brake discs?

Pads and discs wear out at the same time, but discs last longer - on average 80–120 thousand km. However, on Nissan Almera Classic There are factors that accelerate their wear:

• 🔥 Overheat: If the disc turns blue or cracks appear on it, it must be replaced regardless of its thickness.
• 📏 Critical thickness: for front discs the minimum thickness is 19 mm (denomination - 22 mm), for the rear - 8 mm (denomination - 10 mm).
• 🌀 Disc runout: If you feel vibration on the steering wheel when braking, the disc has “slipped”. You can check the runout with an indicator or visually by spinning the wheel.

When replacing disks with Almera Classic It is also recommended to replace the pads, even if they are not worn out. New discs and old pads wear unevenly, which leads to poor braking. Also don't forget about cleaning the hub from rust before installing a new disk - this will prevent it from beating.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about pads on Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to install pads on only one axle?

No, pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (front or rear). If you replace the pads on only one side, the car will pull to the side when braking due to different brake efficiency.

Which brand of pads has the best price/quality ratio?

For Almera Classic optimal choice - ATE (ceramics) or Ferodo (low metal). They provide good braking, generate little dust and last longer than their budget counterparts.

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

If you did not open the hydraulic drive (did not disconnect the brake hoses), bleeding is not required. However, if the pedal becomes soft, check the fluid level in the reservoir and add if necessary.

Why do new pads squeak?

Creaking in the first 200–300 km after replacement is a normal phenomenon (grinding in). If the sound persists, check to see if any grease has gotten onto the working surface of the pads or disc.

Is it possible to drive if the friction layer has worn down to metal?

Absolutely not! This leads to damage to the brake disc, overheating of the caliper and an increase in braking distance by 2–3 times. Replace the pads immediately.