The braking system is a critical safety element of any vehicle, and Nissan Almera Classic This is no exception. Over time brake pads wear out, losing their effectiveness, which can lead to an increase in braking distance and even brake failure in an emergency. For owners of this model, replacing the rear pads is a mandatory procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools and knowledge.
Rear axle feature Nissan Almera Classic is the use of drum brakes, which many consider obsolete, but they provide excellent self-cleaning ability and reliability when properly maintained. Unlike front disc brakes, rear drums require a more careful approach to disassembly, since the springs are under significant tension. Improperly removing springs may result in personal injury or loss of small parts.
Preparing tools and selecting consumables
Before starting work, you must make sure that you have all the necessary tools and spare parts. Not having a dedicated drum wrench or spring remover can turn a simple replacement into a long and painful process. For high-quality repairs, you will need a standard set of wrenches, a jack and special accessories for the brake system.
When choosing new pads, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer. Original parts Nissan provide the best compatibility, but quality analogues from brands such as TRW or ATE, also do an excellent job. You should not skimp on safety by purchasing the cheapest components of unknown origin, as they may have uneven wear or an incorrect friction coefficient.
- 🔧 12, 14, 17 and 19 mm wrenches for removing wheels and attaching the drum
- 🔨 Locksmith hammer and screwdrivers (phillips and flat head)
- 🛠 Special spring remover or pliers with long jaws
- 🧴Brake cleaner and lubricant for caliper guides
Also, be sure to prepare a container to collect old brake dust, which is harmful to health. You should wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting abrasive particles into your eyes or skin. If this is your first time encountering this procedure, it is recommended to study the design of the mechanism in advance so as not to get confused in the springs.
⚠️ Warning: Brake dust contains particles of asbestos or other harmful materials, so never blow it off with compressed air or use a vacuum cleaner without a HEPA filter. Use a damp cloth or special cleaner.
- Original Nissan
- TRW
- ATE
- Ferodo
Removing the rear wheel and brake drum
The first stage of work is to securely secure the car and remove the wheel. Place the car on a level surface, apply the handbrake (if it is working) and place wheel chocks under the front wheels. Loosen the wheel bolts before you jack up the car, as it will be more difficult to turn the wheel.
Raise the rear of the car with a jack and place it on a secure stand. Remove the wheel and inspect the brake drum. On Nissan Almera Classic it often sticks to the hub or is held in place by guide pins. Sometimes to remove it you need to lightly tap the inside of the drum with a hammer, but this must be done carefully so as not to damage the seating surfaces.
If the drum does not come off, check to see if it is jammed hand brake. In some cases, the adjusting mechanism may become overtightened, preventing removal. Loosen the handbrake cable if necessary and try again. In extreme cases it may be necessary to use a puller, but most often gentle tapping and wiggling will suffice.
- 🔩 Check for the presence of guide pins holding the drum
- 🔨 Hit the end of the drum with a hammer in a circle
- 🔧 Loosen the handbrake cable if it is severely jammed
After removing the drum, you will have access to the internal components of the brake mechanism. Pay attention to the condition of the working cylinder and the presence of signs of brake fluid leakage. If the cylinder is damaged, it must be replaced along with the pads to avoid future problems.
Before removing the drum, take a photo of the location of the springs and levers. This will save you time during assembly, as the diagram may not be obvious to a beginner.
Disassembling the brake mechanism and removing old pads
Now let's move on to the most important part - disassembling the mechanism. Start by removing the upper and lower springs that tighten the pads. Use special pliers or a puller to carefully pull the spring and remove it from the hook. Be extremely careful as the springs are under tension and may fly off.
Next, you need to disconnect the handbrake lever from the rear shoe. It is usually secured via a cotter pin and lock washer. Pull out the cotter pin, remove the washer and carefully disconnect the lever. After this, you can remove both pads, disengaging them from the support plate and the working cylinder.
Inspect the base plate for corrosion and scoring. If the surface is severely damaged, the pads will wear unevenly. It is recommended to clean the plate with a wire brush and lubricate the contact points between the pads and the plate with heat-resistant grease. This will ensure smooth running of the pads and prevent squeaks.
☑️ Disassembling the mechanism
Don't forget to check the condition of the slave cylinder. If the pistons do not move or signs of corrosion are visible, the cylinder must be replaced. Also inspect the guide pins and lubricate them with special lubricant. Ignoring these parts may result in the pads sticking even after replacement.
⚠️ Caution: Never press the brake pedal with the drum removed, as the wheel cylinder pistons may fly out completely, resulting in loss of brake fluid and the need for complex repairs.
Installing new pads and assembling the mechanism
Assembly is done in reverse order, but requires care. First, install the handbrake lever onto the new rear shoe, securing it with a cotter pin and washer. Make sure the lever moves freely and has no play. Then align the pads with the slave cylinder and backing plate.
Install the lower tension spring, then the upper one. This is the hardest part and requires patience and strength. Use a puller or strong pliers to tighten the spring and hook it onto the hook. Check that the pads are level and not warped.
- 🛠 Use a spring tensioner to tighten the springs without risk of injury
- 🔍 Check that all fasteners are installed correctly
- 🧴 Apply lubricant to the contact points between the pads and the base plate
After installing the pads, you need to check the operation of the mechanism. The pads should move freely, but without excessive play. Make sure that the handbrake lever does not interfere with other parts and has sufficient travel. If everything is in order, you can proceed to installing the drum.
Proper lubrication of the contact points between the pads and the base plate eliminates squeaks and ensures even wear of the linings.
Adjusting the gap and installing the drum
Before putting on the drum, make sure that the adjusting mechanism is in the correct position. On Nissan Almera Classic The gap between the pads and the drum is adjusted automatically each time you press the brake pedal, but after assembly it must be set manually. To do this, use a screwdriver to turn the regulator sprocket through the hole in the drum.
Place the drum onto the hub. If it doesn't fit, it means the pads are set too wide. Turn the adjuster back a little to reduce the diameter and try again. The drum should be put on with little effort, but without jamming. Secure it with guide pins or bolts, if provided by the design.
Install the wheel and lower the car. Now you need to adjust the handbrake. Tighten it 3-5 clicks. If the brake is too weak or too tight, the cable under the vehicle will need additional adjustment. A properly adjusted handbrake should hold the car on a slope without slipping.
It is important to test the brakes on a safe section of the road. The first few stops should be smooth to allow the new pads to get used to the drum. Avoid hard braking during the first 200-300 kilometers to ensure maximum system efficiency.
| element | Recommended wear | Critical wear | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front pads | More than 3 mm | Less than 2 mm | Ceramics/Metal |
| Rear pads | More than 2.5 mm | Less than 1.5 mm | Organic/Semi-metal |
| Brake disc | More than 10.5 mm | Less than 9.5 mm | Cast iron |
| Rear drum | Up to 200 mm | More than 202 mm | Cast iron |
Common mistakes and expert advice
Many car enthusiasts make mistakes when replacing pads, which reduce braking efficiency. One of the most common is the lack of lubrication at the contact points. Metal on metal without lubrication leads to rapid wear and the appearance of an unpleasant squeak. Another mistake is incorrect installation of the springs, which can lead to spontaneous release of the pads.
Also, do not neglect checking the condition of the brake fluid. If it is dark or contains moisture, it must be replaced. Brake system Nissan Almera Classic is sensitive to fluid quality, and old fluid can cause internal corrosion of the cylinders. Regular fluid replacement every two years will extend the life of the entire system.
If you feel vibration in the pedal or hear any noise after replacement, check the installation immediately. Perhaps the pads are installed crookedly or there is a foreign object in the mechanism. Do not ignore these signals as they may indicate a serious problem.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is stuck, try dousing it with WD-40 and wait 15-20 minutes. Sometimes heating the outside of the drum with a torch helps, but be careful not to overheat the wheel bearing.
Remember that regular brake system maintenance is key to your safety and the safety of others. Replacing pads is not as complicated a procedure as it seems, but it does require accuracy and attention to detail. By following the instructions, you can save on service costs and be confident in the quality of the work performed.
⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary tools, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. Errors in the braking system can cost lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Almera Classic?
Rear drum pads last longer than front ones. On average, their service life is 60-80 thousand kilometers, but this depends on the driving style and operating conditions. It is recommended to check their condition at every maintenance.
Is it possible to change only one pad on one side?
No, this is strictly prohibited. Pads on the same axle must be replaced in pairs to ensure uniform braking. Different wear will cause the car to pull to the side when braking.
What should I do if I hear a squeaking sound after replacing the pads?
The squeaking noise can be caused by a lack of lubrication where the pads contact the base plate or by dust. Try removing the drum, cleaning the mechanism and lubricating the contact points. If the squeak does not go away, the pads may be of poor quality.
Do I need to adjust the handbrake after replacing the pads?
Yes, after installing new pads, the gap increases, so adjusting the hand brake is required. This will ensure its correct operation and hold the car on a slope.
How to check pad wear without removing the drum?
It is almost impossible to visually check wear without removing the drum. Some models have a viewing window, but Nissan Almera Classic he's not there. The only reliable way is to remove the drum and measure the thickness of the lining with a caliper.