Replacing front brake pads on a Nissan Almera G15: instructions with photos and tips

Replacing front brake pads with Nissan Almera G15 (2013–2022) is a procedure that many owners prefer to do themselves. And for good reason: with the right approach, it takes no more than 1–1.5 hours, saving up to 3–5 thousand rubles at a service station. However, there are nuances here that are often silent about in standard instructions. For example, caliper design features on Almera G15 with engines HR16DE And K4M differ, and incorrect installation of the pads can lead to squeaking brakes or uneven disc wear.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, as well as unique tips for running in new pads and diagnosing the brake system after replacement. We will analyze which pads are better to choose (original vs analogues), how to avoid mistakes when disassembling the caliper and why Almera G15 sometimes required grooving brake discs even in their visually normal condition.

When do you need to change the front pads on a Nissan Almera G15?

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 15–20 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. For example, in city driving with frequent braking, the pads wear out faster than on the highway. The following signs indicate the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking (most often caused by wear indicator - a metal plate that rubs against the disk).
• 📏 Friction layer thickness less than 2–3 mm (the norm for new pads is 8–12 mm).
• 🚗 Increased braking distance or "soft" brake pedal (may indicate oiling the pads or disc wear).
• 🔥 Vibration or beat in the steering wheel when braking (often associated with deformation of the brake disc).

On Nissan Almera G15 The front pads usually "go" 30–50 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or using cheap analogues, this period is reduced to 20–25 thousand km. Critical wear is determined not only by the thickness of the friction layer, but also by the condition caliper guides - if they become sour, the pads will wear unevenly.

⚠️ Attention: If deep grooves or chips appear on the pads, and the disc has a shoulder along the edge of more than 1 mm, then Replacing the pads is not enough - the brake disc will need to be resurfaced or replaced. Ignoring this will lead to accelerated wear of the new pads and the risk of the caliper seizing.

Which pads to choose: original or analogues

Original pads for Nissan Almera G15 supplied under article number D1060-JD00A (for versions with engine HR16DE) and 40520-4M000 (for K4M). Their average price is 2500–3500 rubles per set. However, many owners choose analogues, which are often not inferior in quality, but are cheaper. Here are the tested options:

Brand	Article	Price (set), ₽	Features
Nissan (original)	D1060-JD00A	2500–3500	Optimal balance of wear resistance and braking properties. Minimal risk of squeaking.
Brembo	P 24 046	2200–2800	High wear resistance, but may creak during the first 200–300 km.
TRW	GDB1446	1800–2300	Soft pads, suitable for a relaxed driving style. Low noise level.
Ferodo	FDB1446	2000–2600	Good braking properties, but wear out faster during aggressive driving.
Bosch	0 986 494 219	1900–2400	A universal option, but may require running in for up to 500 km.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic pads (with a metal content of 30–65%) are durable, but they are noisier and wear out the discs more.
• 🔹 Ceramic - quieter and softer, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic - cheap, but quickly wear out and get dusty.

For Nissan Almera G15 the optimal choice would be semi-metallic pads (For example, Brembo or TRW), as they provide a good balance between braking performance and wear resistance. If you drive mainly around the city, you might consider ceramic (For example, Akebono), but they are less effective during emergency braking.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the front pads yourself Nissan Almera G15 you will need the following set of tools:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (or lift).
• 🔩 Balloon wrench (size 19 mm or 21 mm depending on the year of manufacture).
• 🔧 Socket heads on 12 mm, 14 mm And 17 mm.
• 🔧 Ratchet wrench or a collar.
• 🔧 7 mm hexagon (to unscrew the caliper guides).
• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver or a mounting spatula (for spreading the pads).
• 🧴 DOT-4 brake fluid (for topping up if necessary).
• 🧴 Copper grease (for processing guides and the back side of the pads).
• 🧴 Brake cleaner (For example, BRAKE CLEANER).
• 🛠️ Metal brush (to clean the caliper and disc).
• 📦 New pads And retaining clips (if replacement is required).

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (if necessary, pump out some with a syringe)

Loosen the wheel bolts (while the car is on the ground)

Raise the car on a jack and install supports

Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt

Prepare new pads and tools -->

If you are planning grooving brake discs, additionally required micrometer to measure the thickness of the disc (minimum permissible thickness for Almera G15 — 19 mm). Also useful torque wrench for correct tightening of the caliper bolts (tightening torque - 30–35 Nm).

⚠️ Attention: Never use WD-40 or other all-purpose lubricants for machining caliper guides! They cannot withstand high temperatures and can cause jamming. Only special copper or silicone grease for brake systems.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads

Before starting work, make sure that the vehicle is parked flat surface, and the handbrake released. If you are only lifting one side, be sure to install wheel chocks under the rear wheels.

Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Preparing the Caliper

1. Loosen the wheel bolts (but do not unscrew them completely!) using a wheelbrace.

2. Raise the car with a jack and install a support. Remove the wheel completely.

3. Clean the caliper and brake disc from dirt using a brush and brake cleaner.

4. Unscrew lower caliper guide bolt (hexagon on 7 mm), then the top one. Carefully remove the caliper and hang it on a wire or a special hook, without disconnecting the brake hose!

Step 2: Replacing the pads

1. Remove the old pads from the caliper. If they are stuck, carefully pry them off with a screwdriver.

2. Clean the seats of the new pads from rust and dirt. Apply a thin layer copper grease on the back of the pads (not on the friction layer!).

3. Install new pads into the caliper. Make sure wear indicators (if any) are located on the inside of the disk.

4. Before installing the caliper in place push the piston down into a cylinder. To do this, use a mounting spatula or a special tool. On Almera G15 The piston screws in clockwise (unlike many other models where it is simply pressed in!).

How to recess a piston without a special tool?

If you don't have a tool at hand to screw in the piston, you can use pliers or adjustable wrench. Carefully hook the piston into the grooves and rotate clockwise while applying pressure. It is important not to damage the piston boot!

Step 3: Assembly and Testing

1. Place the caliper in place and tighten the guide bolts (tightening torque - 30–35 Nm).

2. Put on the wheel and lower the car. Tighten the bolts crosswise (torque - 90–110 Nm).

3. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.

4. Swipe test braking at low speed (20–30 km/h), making sure there are no squeaks or vibrations.

Running in new pads and diagnosing the brake system

Even if you installed the pads correctly, they efficiency will be lower in the first hundreds of kilometers. This is due to the fact that the friction material must get used to to the surface of the disk. Here's how to do it right:

• 🚗 First 200 km: Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly, with 30–50% of maximum force.
• 🔥 Next 300 km: do 5–6 controlled intensive braking from a speed of 60–80 km/h to 20 km/h (at intervals of 1–2 minutes to cool the disks).
• 📏 After 500 km: check the condition of the pads and discs. The pads should not show cracks or uneven wear.

If after replacing the pads you notice the following problems, you need to take immediate action:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
Creaking noise when braking	Poor quality pads, lack of lubrication on the guides, breaking in of new friction material.	If the squeaking does not go away after 500 km, replace the pads or treat the guides with a special lubricant.
Vibration in the steering wheel	Uneven wear of the disc, its deformation or contamination of the friction layer of the pads.	Check the disc runout (tolerance - no more than 0.05 mm). If necessary, sharpen or replace the disc.
Increased brake pedal travel	Air in the system, worn brake hoses or faulty master cylinder.	Bleed the brakes and check the hoses for cracks.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Nissan Almera G15. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Incorrect piston screwing. On Almera G15 piston screwed in, but not pressed in! If you simply press, you will damage the boot or threads.
• 🧴 Using unsuitable lubricant. WD-40 or lithol breaks down at high temperatures, which leads to jamming of the guides.
• 🔩 Insufficient tightening of bolts. If the caliper guide bolts are loose, the pads will wear unevenly.
• 📏 Ignoring disk status. Installing new pads on worn or deformed discs reduces their service life by 2-3 times.
• 🚗 No break-in. Sharp braking on new pads leads to their overheating and uneven running-in.

Another common mistake is incorrect installation of the wear indicator. On blocks for Almera G15 the metal plate must be from the inside of the disk. If you place it outside, it will constantly rub against the disk, making a squeaking noise.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads you notice that one of the wheels slows down more than the other, this may indicate caliper guide jamming or piston failure. Check the caliper immediately - driving with a stuck brake is dangerous and leads to accelerated wear of the disc!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No! Pads are always changing in pairs on the same axis (i.e. on both front wheels at the same time). If you replace the pads on only one side, this will lead to uneven braking and the car pulls to the side when you press the pedal.

How often should brake discs be checked?

Brake discs on Nissan Almera G15 it is recommended to check every 30–40 thousand km or every second pad replacement. Critical parameters:

• Disc thickness less 19 mm (denomination - 22 mm).
• The edge edge is more 1 mm.
• Deep grooves or cracks.

If defects are detected, the disc must be sharpened or replaced.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes stiff after replacing the pads?

A stiff brake pedal after replacing the pads may indicate:

• 🔧 Incorrect caliper installation (for example, the guides are skewed).
• 🚗 Piston jamming in the cylinder (often due to a damaged boot).
• 🔥 Air entering the brake system (pumping required).

First check if the caliper moves freely on the guides. If the problem persists, inspect the piston and bleed the brakes.

What brake fluid should I fill in Almera G15?

For Nissan Almera G15 manufacturer recommends brake fluid DOT-4. System volume - approx. 0.5 l, but when replacing pads, topping up is rarely required (only if the piston is recessed too much). It is better to use the original liquid Nissan (article KE909-99932) or analogues from Castrol, Motul, Liqui Moly.

How much does it cost to replace brake pads at a service station?

Cost of replacing front brake pads Nissan Almera G15 in service varies from 1500 to 3000 rubles (for both sides). This amount usually includes:

• Removing/installing wheels.
• Cleaning and lubricating the caliper.
• Checking brake discs.

If you need to replace discs or pump the brakes, the price will increase by 2000–5000 rubles.