<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em> rear wheel bearing: signs of wear, selection and replacement

Nissan Almera Classic (N16) is a popular sedan that is still actively used on Russian roads. One of the common problems that owners face is wear and tear. rear wheel bearing. This unit experiences enormous loads, especially when driving on bad roads or after 100+ thousand kilometers. If you do not pay attention to the symptoms in time, the consequences can be serious: from wheel play to hub jamming while driving.

In this article we will look at how diagnose the problem yourself, which bearings to choose for replacement (original vs analogues), and we will give step-by-step repair instructions taking into account the features Almera Classic. We will also consider common mistakes when replacing and ways to extend the life of a new bearing.

Signs of a bad rear wheel bearing

The first signals that a bearing requires replacement are often ignored - they are confused with noise from tires or suspension. However there is characteristic symptoms, which are difficult to confuse with something else:

• 🔊 Hum or howl on the side of the rear wheel, increasing during acceleration (especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h). The sound may disappear when the steering wheel is turned towards the faulty bearing.
• 🌀 Wheel play when checking with your hands (if you shake the wheel in a vertical plane, you feel free movement).
• 🔥 Hub overheating after a trip - you can determine it by touching the wheel with your hand (be careful not to get burned!).
• 🚗 Vibration on the bodysqueezing into the steering wheel or brake pedal, especially when braking.

On Nissan Almera Classic rear bearings often “run” longer than the front ones, but after 150–200 thousand km their condition should be checked regularly. Feature of the model: when the bearing wears out, a metallic grinding noise may appear when moving in reverse - this is a critical signal that requires immediate replacement!

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore the noise of the bearing, it can collapse while driving, causing the wheel to seize and loss of control. At speed this is fraught with a serious accident!

For an accurate diagnosis, jack up the car and spin the wheel by hand. If you hear a crunching sound, grinding noise, or feel uneven rotation, the bearing needs to be replaced. Also check for play by holding the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position and rocking it.

Which bearings are suitable for Nissan Almera Classic (N16)

On Almera Classic (2006–2012) rear hub bearings with catalog numbers were installed:

Bearing type	Original number	Analogues (brands)	Notes
Rear hub bearing	40520-9M000	NSK (VKBA3512), Koyo (VKBA3512), Timken (HA590349)	The original is often supplied complete with a hub
Bearing + hub assembly	40520-9M025	Febi (22500), SKF (VKBA6711), NTN (5S-4T-05205R)	Recommended for replacement when the seat is heavily worn
Hub nut	40525-9M000	Denso, Nipparts	Replacement is required with each dismantling!

When choosing analogues, pay attention to quality of seals — cheap bearings often “leak” after 30–50 thousand km. Optimal brands in terms of price/quality ratio: NSK, Koyo And SKF. Budget options you can consider Febi or Optimal, but their resource is usually 30–40% lower.

Important point: on Almera Classic Rear bearings can be sold either separately or as an assembly with the hub. If the seat on the hub is damaged (there are scuffs or corrosion), it is better to take complete set - this will eliminate problems with wheel runout after replacement.

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy bearings from unknown brands (for example, "NoName" from China). They often have poor heat treatment and can break down after 10–20 thousand km, especially when driving off-road.

Tools and preparation for bearing replacement

To replace the rear wheel bearing with Nissan Almera Classic you will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (necessarily the head on 30 mm for the hub nut!).
• 🔨 Wheel bearing puller (can be rented).
• 🔥 Gas burner or construction hair dryer (for heating the hub when pressing).
• 🛠️ Torque wrench (for proper tightening of the hub nut).
• 🧴 Lubrication Litol-24 or Molykote BR2 Plus.
• 🚗 Jack and stops (be sure to insure the car!).

Also prepare:

• 🧤 Gloves and safety glasses (when working with a burner).
• 🧴 Solvent or brake cleaner to clean the seat.
• 📦 New hub nut (reusing the old one is prohibited!).

Before starting work:

1. Place the car on a level surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the hub nut before the car is lifted (it is tightened with a large torque!).
3. Remove the wheel and brake drum (on Almera Classic it may “stick” - use a puller or carefully knock it with a hammer through a wooden spacer).

Loosen the wheel nut|Remove the wheel and brake drum|Clean the hub from dirt|Prepare a new bearing and grease|Check for a puller-->

If the bearing is being changed for the first time, we recommend filming the process - this will help avoid mistakes during reassembly. Pay special attention ABS sensor position (if your modification has it).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a bearing

Replacement process Nissan Almera Classic has its own nuances. Follow the instructions to avoid errors:

1. Removing the hub:

   After dismantling the brake drum, unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque - 180–220 Nm). Remove the hub from the axle. If it does not come off, carefully knock it down with a hammer through a wooden block, striking the inner race of the bearing.

2. Removing the old bearing:

   Use a puller to press the bearing out of the hub. If it is not there, you can knock out the bearing with a hammer, but this is risky - you can damage the seat. Heat the hub with a burner (up to 100–150°C) to make the process easier.

3. Installing a new bearing:

   Clean the seat from dirt and corrosion. Apply a thin layer of grease to the outer race of the new bearing. Press it in with a puller or carefully hammer it through a mandrel (impact only on the outer ring!).

4. Assembly:

   Install the hub onto the axle, install the new nut and tighten it with a torque wrench. Install the brake drum and wheel. After replacement, check the play and smooth rotation of the wheel.

Critical point: when pressing the bearing, you must not warp it - this will lead to premature wear. If the bearing is tight, check again that the seat is clean and the force is even.

What to do if the bearing does not press in?

If the new bearing does not seat in the hub, the seat may be deformed. In this case:

1. Check the hole diameter with a micrometer (should be 72.00–72.03 mm).

2. If the size is exceeded, you can try to cool the bearing in the freezer (for 1–2 hours) and heat the hub with a burner.

3. As a last resort, turn the seat on a lathe (but this is risky, as it will reduce the life of the bearing).

After replacement, be sure to check:

• 🔄 No play in the wheel.
• 🔊 No extraneous noise during rotation.
• 🔥The temperature of the hub after the test ride (should not exceed 60–70°C).

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that shorten the service life of a new bearing. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Reusing the hub nut. It deforms when tightened and does not provide the required torque. Always take a new one!
• 🔥 Overheating of the hub by the burner. If you heat it too much (over 200°C), the metal may lose strength. Optimal temperature - 100–150°C.
• 🛠️ Impacts on the inner race during pressing. This leads to microcracks and rapid destruction of the bearing. You can only hit the outer ring!
• 🧴 Lack of lubrication. Even if the bearing comes with factory grease, add Liqui Moly or Molykote for better protection.

Another common problem is Improper tightening of the hub nut. On Almera Classic the tightening torque should be 180–220 Nm. If you overtighten, the bearing will overheat; if you don't tighten it enough, there will be a backlash. Use a torque wrench!

⚠️ Attention: If the wheel rotates with difficulty after replacement, check whether the nut is overtightened. Also make sure that the brake pads are not jamming (on Almera Classic This is a common problem due to corrosion of the guides).

If you are changing a bearing for the first time, it is better to invite an assistant - some operations (for example, pressing) are more convenient to do together. Also prepare spare parts in advance: sometimes anthers or ABS sensors break during dismantling.

Bearing life: how to extend service life

Average life of the rear wheel bearing is Nissan Almera Classic — 150–200 thousand km. But with proper use, this period can be increased:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden starts and braking. Shocks during starting or emergency braking reduce the life of the bearing.
• 💦 Do not wash wheels with high pressure. The jet of water can damage the seals and wash out the lubricant.
• 🛣️ Balance your wheels in a timely manner. The imbalance creates additional stress on the hub.
• 🧴 Check the condition of the anthers. If they are damaged, dirt and moisture will enter the bearing.

Also recommended:

• 🔧 Every 20 thousand km Check wheel play and hub temperature after a trip.
• 🛠️ When replacing brake pads, clean the hub from dirt and check the condition of the bearing.
• 🚘 Avoid long driving through deep puddles - this leads to corrosion of the seat.

If you do a lot of off-road driving, consider installing a bearing with reinforced seals (such as SKF Explorer or NSK Premium). They are 30–50% more expensive, but last 1.5–2 times longer than standard ones.

Replacement cost: do it yourself or go to a service station?

Rear wheel bearing replacement cost Nissan Almera Classic depends on several factors:

Parameter	On your own	At the service station
Bearing cost (original)	2 500–3 500 ₽	3,000–4,500 ₽ (with extra charge)
Bearing cost (analogue)	1 200–2 000 ₽	1 800–2 500 ₽
Work (for 1 side)	0 ₽	1 500–2 500 ₽
Extras (lubricant, nut)	300–500 ₽	500–800 ₽
Total	1 500–4 000 ₽	3 500–7 000 ₽

Replacing it yourself is more profitable, but requires skills and tools. If you do not have a puller or a torque wrench, it is better to contact a service station - errors during pressing can be more expensive.

At service stations, prices may vary depending on the region. In Moscow and St. Petersburg the work will cost 2 000–3 000 ₽ per side, in the regions - cheaper (1 200–1 800 ₽). Check if the price includes:

• 🔧 Replacing the hub nut.
• 🛠️ Checking the brake system.
• 🚗 Wheel balancing.

If you decide to go to a service station, choose proven stations with good reviews. Ask to see a new bearing before installation - sometimes unscrupulous craftsmen save money by installing cheap analogues.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear wheel bearings Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

Short term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but it is dangerous. The bearing can fail at any time, causing the wheel to jam. At the first sign of a hum, it is better to immediately replace the part.

Which bearing is better: original or analogue?

Original bearings (40520-9M000) more reliable, but more expensive. Among analogues we recommend NSK or SKF — they are not inferior in quality, but are 30–40% cheaper. Cheap brands (eg. "Phenox") it’s better not to take it.

Do the bearings need to be replaced on both sides?

Not necessarily. Bearings wear out independently of each other. Change only the one that hums or has play. However, if the mileage is greater 200 thousand km, it is wise to replace both - the second one may soon fail.

Is it possible to lubricate a bearing without replacing it?

Theoretically it is possible, but this is a temporary measure. Rear wheel bearing Almera Classic non-removable - it cannot be properly washed and lubricated without the risk of damage. Better to replace it.

What happens if you don't replace the hub nut?

An old nut does not provide the required tightening torque, which leads to wheel play or bearing overheating. In the worst case, the wheel may come loose while driving!