Car brake system maintenance Nissan Almera requires special attention to the rear axle, since it often uses a combined mechanism with drum-type pads or a disc assembly with an integrated parking brake. Owners of new generation sedans are faced with the need to replace consumables themselves in order to avoid expensive repairs from dealers. Understanding the design of the rear caliper and the correct algorithm of actions will save you time and money.
Quality replacement brake pads - this is not just a change of worn-out material, but a comprehensive check of the condition of the guides, pistons and calipers. If you ignore this step, even new parts can quickly fail due to misalignment or jamming. In this article we will analyze all the nuances, starting from the selection of suitable spare parts and ending with the final running-in of the car after the work has been carried out.
Preparing tools and selecting consumables
Before driving Nissan Almera on a lift or pit, it is necessary to prepare a complete set of tools, since the lack of a wrench of the right size can disrupt the entire process. You will need a standard socket set, a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque, and brake cleaner. Pay special attention to the condition of the jack and support stands; safety when working under the machine comes first.
To successfully complete the task, you need to purchase in advance brake pads. Original from Nissan is often expensive, so many car owners pay attention to high-quality analogues from trusted brands. The main rule is not to buy the cheapest options, as they may contain harmful impurities or have uneven wear.
- 🛠️ Socket wrenches on
12,14And17mm for removing wheels and calipers - 🧼 Brake cleaner in a bottle for degreasing parts
- 🛢️ Copper grease for caliper guides and contact surfaces
- 🔧 Caliper piston compressor (special tool or clamp)
The choice of consumables directly affects braking efficiency and driving safety. For Nissan Almera Both ceramic and semi-metallic pads are suitable, depending on your noise and dust preferences. Ceramic is quieter and stains the discs less, but requires a higher temperature to operate effectively, which is not always relevant for city driving.
Removing the wheel and inspecting the brake assembly
Start by placing the car on a flat surface and applying the hand brake, but before lifting the rear axle, you must loosen the wheel bolts on a stationary car. Raise the car with a jack, place a safety support and only then completely unscrew the mounting bolts. Removing the wheel will provide access to brake disc and the caliper, where you will immediately see the condition of the friction linings.
A visual inspection allows you to assess the wear of the pads without disassembling the mechanism. If the thickness of the friction layer is less than 2-3 mm, replacement is required. Pay attention to the presence of oil stains, brake fluid leaks or signs of corrosion on the caliper guides, which may indicate the need for deeper repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not press the brake pedal after removing the wheel, as the piston may completely jump out of the caliper housing, which will lead to a fluid leak and the need for repair of the unit.
Also inspect brake disc for deep grooves, cracks or uneven wear. If the disc has severe wear, it must be sharpened or replaced, otherwise the new pads will not break in properly and will make strange sounds.
Disassembling the caliper and removing old pads
To remove the pads, you need to unscrew the lower guide bolt of the caliper, which usually has the size 14 mm. The top bolt often acts as a retainer and will also need to be loosened, but it is not necessary to remove it completely unless the caliper requires complete replacement. Carefully move the caliper body to the side using a wire or hook so as not to damage brake hose.
After removing the caliper, you can remove the old pads and the metal bracket that serves as a guide for the new parts. If the bracket shows signs of corrosion or deformation, it must be cleaned with a wire brush and treated with copper grease or replaced with a new one. Clean pads are critical to preventing vibrations and squeaks when braking.
☑️ Preparing to remove the caliper
- Drums
- Disk
- I don't know
- I plan to replace it with disk ones
The next step is to check the condition of the guide boots and caliper piston. Damaged anthers allow dirt and moisture to pass through, which leads to souring of the mechanism. If you see tears or scuffs, it is recommended to replace them with new ones, since the cost of the rubber bands is negligible compared to the risk of the caliper seizing.
Caliper piston compression process
One of the most difficult operations when replacing rear pads is Nissan Almera is the return of the piston to its original position. Unlike front brakes, the rear piston often has a threaded portion to mechanically activate the handbrake, so it cannot simply be pressed in with a clamp. It is necessary to use a special tool or rotate the piston while applying pressure.
The piston must be screwed in clockwise while applying force to its center. If you try to push it in without rotating, you will damage the threaded parking brake mechanism, resulting in a costly repair. Make sure that the brake fluid reservoir is not overfilled, as the fluid level will rise when the piston is compressed.
- 🔄 Use a specialized piston compression kit with rotation function
- 🔧 If you don’t have a tool, you can use old pads and an adjustable wrench with caution
- ⚠️ Monitor the liquid level in the tank so that it does not overflow
How to compress a piston without special tools? tool?
If you don't have a special wrench, you can try using an old set of pads and an adjustable wrench. Place the block on the piston and, turning the wrench clockwise, press on the piston. Be extremely careful not to damage the rubber boot or strip the threads.
Proper compression of the piston is the key to ensuring that the new pads fit into place without gaps or distortions. If the piston is sticking, it may need cleaning or replacement, but in most cases, lubricating the threads with a special high-temperature lubricant before installation is sufficient.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to leave the piston in the extended position when the wheel is removed, as accidentally pressing the brake pedal can lead to injury or damage to components.
Installing new pads and assembling the mechanism
Before installing new pads, apply a thin layer of high temperature grease to the metal parts that contact the caliper and caliper. This will eliminate squeaks and ensure free movement of parts. Install the new bracket onto the disk, making sure it fits snugly and has no play. Insert the new pads into the bracket, making sure they are not loose but not too tight.
Return the caliper to its place, carefully place it on the pads and disc. Make sure that the guide boots are not twisted or damaged. Tighten the guide bolts to the tightening torque specified in the manufacturer's instructions, usually approx. 25-30 Nm. Do not overtighten the bolts as this may cause them to break or distort the threads.
Before installing the bracket and pads, clean the seats of rust and old grease with a wire brush to ensure perfect contact and no vibration.
| Detail | Tightening torque (Nm) | Recommended Lubricant |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel bolts | 105-110 | Not required |
| Caliper guides | 25-30 | Silicone or copper |
| Attaching the caliper bracket | 80-90 | Not required |
| Caliper bolt | 30-35 | High temperature |
After assembly, be sure to check whether the wheel rotates freely with the hand brake removed. If the wheel is difficult to spin, the piston may not go all the way in or the bracket may not be installed correctly. Double-check all assembly steps to eliminate the risk of the brakes overheating while driving.
Bleeding the brakes and checking the handbrake
After replacing the pads, you need to make sure that the hand brake is working and that there is no air in the system. Try pressing the brake pedal several times until the pistons move into place. The pedal should become elastic and not sink to the floor. If the pedal is soft, there may be air left in the system and will require bleeding.
Check the operation of the handbrake by applying it while the vehicle is stationary. The wheel should lock securely, but should not jam when the lever is lowered. If the handbrake does not hold or, conversely, does not release, it may be necessary to adjust the cable or adjust the mechanism inside the caliper.
- 🚗 Test drive at low speed to check braking
- 🔊 Listen to extraneous sounds when pressing the pedal
- 🛑 Make sure the handbrake is holding the car on a slope
Correctly setting the handbrake after replacing the brake pads is critical to safe parking on inclines.
Avoid hard braking and extreme loads during this period to ensure the friction material adheres evenly to the disc. This will ensure maximum braking performance and longevity of the new parts.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many owners Nissan Almera make mistakes when replacing them on their own, which can lead to repeated repairs. One of the most common problems is using the wrong lubricant, such as graphite or lithium, which cannot withstand high temperatures and breaks down. Use only special brake compounds designed to operate under extreme conditions.
Another common mistake is to ignore the condition of the caliper guides. If they become sour, new pads will wear unevenly and the brake rotor may overheat and become warped. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the guides will extend the life of the entire brake system.
⚠️ Warning: Never mix different types of brake fluid or use expired fluid, as this may cause brake failure.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of bolts and nuts. If the threads are damaged or the bolts show signs of corrosion, they must be replaced. Using poor quality fasteners can cause the wheel or caliper to come loose while driving, creating a fatal hazard.
Final Maintenance Recommendations
Regularly checking your brake system is key to your safety and the safety of others. Even if you replaced the pads yourself, it is recommended to undergo diagnostics from specialists every six months to monitor the condition of the discs and calipers. Identifying problems early will help avoid sudden breakdowns and costly repairs in the future.
Remember that the braking system Nissan Almera requires careful attention to detail. Do not skimp on the quality of spare parts and use only proven tools. Proper maintenance ensures that your car will stop reliably in any situation.
An integrated approach to replacing pads, including cleaning, lubricating and checking all components, extends the life of the brake system for years.
Following all instructions and recommendations will allow you to independently maintain the brake system in perfect condition. Don’t be afraid to pick up a tool if you feel confident in your abilities, but always remember about safety measures and the need to check the results of your work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to replace rear pads on a Nissan Almera?
On average, the process takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour per side, if you have the necessary tools and experience. The first time it may take longer due to the need to study the design and find the right keys.
Is it possible to replace only one pair of pads?
No, it is strongly not recommended to change the pads on only one side. This will result in uneven braking and may cause the vehicle to skid when braking hard. Change the pads on both rear wheels at once.
Do I need to change the brake disc along with the pads?
Not necessary, but it depends on the condition of the disk. If the disc has deep grooves, cracks, or its thickness is less than the permissible minimum, it must be replaced or sharpened. Otherwise, the new pads will wear out quickly.
Why does the brake squeak after replacing the pads?
Creaking can be caused by several reasons: lack of lubrication on the contact pads, poor-quality pads or unevenness on the disc. Try to lubricate the metal parts and check the running-in of the pads.
How to properly check the wear of the rear pads without removing the wheel?
Some models have an inspection window in the caliper through which you can evaluate the thickness of the pad. If there is no such window, you will have to remove the wheel and visually inspect the mechanism, using a flashlight for a better view.