Nissan Almera N16 is a popular sedan that is still actively used on the roads of the CIS. One of the key safety elements of this car is the **brake pads**, the condition of which directly affects the braking efficiency. In this article we will look at how to choose the right pads for Almera N16, what to look for when purchasing, and how to replace them yourself without mistakes.

Many owners are faced with a dilemma: buy original spare parts or analogues from third-party manufacturers? We will analyze the pros and cons of each option, and also give recommendations on brands that have proven their reliability in practice. In addition, you will learn how to determine pad wear by indirect signs and when exactly it is time to change them.

Signs of brake pad wear on Nissan Almera N16

The first sign that **brake pads** require replacement is usually creaking or whistling when braking. This is due to the fact that many pads are equipped with special wear indicators - metal plates that begin to touch the disc when the thickness of the friction layer critically decreases.

However, squeaking is not the only sign. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • 🔴 Increased braking distance — the car takes longer to stop even when you press the pedal normally.
  • 🔴 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when braking - often indicates uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the brake discs.
  • 🔴 Metal scraping — if the friction layer is completely worn out, the pad begins to scratch the disc with metal, which leads to its damage.
  • 🔴 Pulling the car to the side when braking - may indicate uneven wear of the pads on different wheels.

On Nissan Almera N16 The front pads wear out faster than the rear ones due to the greater load. On average they are enough for 30–50 thousand km, but this indicator greatly depends on the driving style and the quality of the pads themselves. For example, aggressive braking in the city reduces the resource by 1.5–2 times.

⚠️ Attention! If deep cracks or chips appear on the pads, they must be replaced immediately - even if the thickness of the friction layer is still normal. Such defects impair braking properties and can lead to material peeling.
📊 How often do you check the condition of your brake pads?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when the creak appears
  • When changing the oil
  • Never checked

Original vs. non-original pads: what to choose?

Owners Almera N16 People often argue: is it worth overpaying for original pads or can you save money on analogue ones? Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

Original pads (article D1060-JD00A for the front axle and 40520-9M000 for the rear) are manufactured to specifications Nissan and are guaranteed to match the size and composition of the friction material. Their advantages:

  • ✅ Optimal combination of softness and wear resistance.
  • ✅ Minimal risk of squeaking and vibrations.
  • ✅ Guaranteed compatibility with car brake discs.

However, their price is noticeably higher - from 2,500 to 4,000 rub. per set for one axle.

Non-original pads from trusted brands (for example, ATE, Brembo, Ferodo, TRW) may be no worse in quality, but 30–50% cheaper. The main thing is to choose models certified for Almera N16. For example:

  • 🔹 ATE 13.0460-2760.2 - soft, low noise, but wear out faster.
  • 🔹 Brembo P 24 020 - a high resource, but the first 200–300 km can creak.
  • 🔹 Ferodo FDB430 — optimal price/quality balance, suitable for city driving.
Brand Article (front) Average price, rub. Features
Nissan (original) D1060-JD00A 3 800 No squeak, long life
ATE 13.0460-2760.2 2 200 Soft but wears quickly
Brembo P 24 020 2 800 High wear resistance
Ferodo FDB430 2 000 Optimal for the city

Critical: Never install pads from unknown brands (eg "no-name" from China). They may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials, and their braking properties are often not as advertised. This is a safety hazard!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake pads

Replacing the pads with Nissan Almera N16 - a task of medium complexity that even a beginner can handle with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time.

Required tools:

  • 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
  • 🔧 14 and 17 mm wrench (for guides and calipers).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat tip.
  • 🔧 Lubricant for guides (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
  • 🔧 Brake fluid (in case of bleeding).

Procedure:

  1. Raise the car and remove the wheel. Be sure to secure the machine with supports!
  2. Unscrew the lower caliper bolt (14 wrench), then the upper one (17 wrench).
  3. Lift the caliper up and secure it with wire so that it does not hang on the brake hose.
  4. Remove the old pads and clean the guides from dirt.
  5. Install new pads, first applying lubricant to the guides.
  6. Press the caliper piston back (use a clamp or an adjustable wrench).
  7. Reassemble everything in reverse order and repeat for the second wheel.

Free wheel movement (there should be no wedging)

Brake fluid level in the reservoir

No leaks from the caliper

Handbrake performance (for rear pads) -->

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads, avoid sharp braking for the first 200–300 km - the new pads should get used to the discs. Also check the brake fluid level: when the piston is pressed in, it may rise.
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If the caliper piston does not press in, the caliper mechanism may be jammed. In this case, repair or replacement of the caliper will be required. Do not use excessive force - you risk damaging the brake hose!

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear of the pads or even accidents. Let's look at the most common of them.

1. Late replacement. Many people wait until the pads are worn down to metal, but this threatens:

  • 🚨 Damage to brake discs (they will have to be sharpened or replaced).
  • 🚨 Deterioration of braking dynamics.
  • 🚨 Increased wear of calipers.

2. Using low-quality lubricant. Do not use under any circumstances Litol or Solid oil for caliper guides! These lubricants cannot withstand high temperatures and can jam the mechanism. The right choice is specialized compositions based on copper or ceramics.

3. Incorrect installation of pads. For example, if you mix up the left and right pads (on some models they are asymmetrical), this will lead to uneven wear and the car pulling to the side when braking.

4. Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the discs have deep grooves (more than 1 mm) or uneven wear, the new pads will quickly become unusable. In such cases, the discs need to be sharpened or replaced.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

This may be caused by:

1) Uneven grinding of new pads (you need to drive 100–200 km in a gentle mode).

2) Contamination or corrosion of the caliper guides (requires cleaning and lubrication).

3) Deformation of the brake disc (check its runout with an indicator).

How to extend the life of brake pads?

Pad life Nissan Almera N16 depends not only on their quality, but also on driving style, as well as regularity of maintenance. Here are some practical tips:

1. Avoid aggressive braking. Sudden stops with wheel locking increase pad wear by 2–3 times. Try to brake smoothly using the engine (downshift).

2. Monitor the condition of the calipers. A jammed caliper guide or piston causes uneven pad wear. Clean and lubricate the guides every 20 thousand km.

3. Check your brake fluid regularly. Old or contaminated fluid reduces braking performance and accelerates pad wear. It needs to be changed every 2 years or 40 thousand km.

4. Monitor the loading of the car. Overload (for example, towing a trailer) increases the load on the braking system. In such cases, use more wear-resistant pads (for example, Brembo or Textar).

5. Wash your wheels in winter. Salt and reagents that are sprinkled on roads get on the brake mechanisms and accelerate corrosion. Regularly washing your wheel arches will help avoid this problem.

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The most effective way to extend the life of your pads is to combine a smooth ride with regular maintenance. Even the most expensive pads will not last long if the calipers are stuck or the brake fluid has not been changed for a long time.

When is it necessary to replace brake discs?

Brake pads and rotors work in tandem, and wear on one element inevitably affects the other. On Nissan Almera N16 Front discs last on average 80–120 thousand km, but this figure can vary greatly.

Signs that it's time to change the discs:

  • 🔸 The thickness of the disc is less than the minimum permissible (for Almera N16 this is 19 mm for front and 9 mm for the rear).
  • 🔸 Deep furrows or burrs on the work surface.
  • 🔸 Steering wheel beating when braking (indicates disc deformation).
  • 🔸 Blue tint on the disc (overheating due to faulty calipers).

If the discs are still within tolerance, but have uneven wear, they can be turned on a lathe. However, this is a temporary solution - after grooving, the thickness of the disk decreases and its service life is reduced.

When replacing discs, it is recommended to simultaneously install new pads, even if the old ones are not yet worn out. This is because the new discs and old pads will rub against each other, which can lead to uneven braking.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about brake pads Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to install pads on only one axle (for example, only the front ones)?

No, this is absolutely not recommended. The pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (left and right wheel). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling to the side when braking.

How much do original pads cost for Almera N16?

Price of original pads Nissan is:

  • Front (D1060-JD00A) - from 3,500 to 4,200 rubles. per set.
  • Rear (40520-9M000) - from 2,800 to 3,500 rubles. per set.

Cost may vary depending on region and supplier.

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

As a rule, bleeding is not required if you have just replaced the pads and have not opened the brake system. However, if you pressed in the caliper piston and the brake fluid level in the reservoir dropped below the minimum, you may need to top up the fluid. Bleeding is only necessary if air gets into the system (for example, when replacing hoses or calipers).

Which pads are best for aggressive driving?

If you prefer a dynamic driving style, choose pads with a high coefficient of friction and resistance to overheating. Good options:

  • Brembo P 24 020 - withstand high loads.
  • EBC Redstuff — ceramic, generates little dust, but is more expensive.
  • TRW GDB1446 — optimal for sports driving.

Please note that such pads may wear out the discs more.

Is it possible to drive if the wear indicator wears off, but the pad is still thick?

No, driving is not recommended. The wear indicator is activated when the thickness of the friction layer reaches 2–3 mm. Even if the pad visually appears intact, its braking properties have already deteriorated, and the risk of disc damage has increased significantly. Replace the pads at the first sign of wear.