Rear wheel bearing on Nissan Almera (especially models N16 And N17) is a part that often fails after 80–120 thousand kilometers. Moreover, ignoring its wear is dangerous: a damaged bearing can block the wheel while moving or damage the axle shaft. In this article we will look at how recognize a fault according to characteristic features, which original and similar spare parts are suitable for replacement, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for self-repair - with nuances that cannot be found in standard manuals.

Feature Almera is that the rear wheel bearings are here non-separable (unlike the front ones) and are sold only complete with a hub. This complicates replacement, but eliminates errors during pressing. We will also analyze critical points during dismantling - for example, why you can’t hit the axle shaft with a hammer and how to properly remove the retaining ring without damaging the seat.

Signs of a bad rear wheel bearing

The first signs of wear appear gradually, and many drivers attribute them to “road conditions” or seasonal changes. However there is 5 Key Signs, which directly indicate a problem with the bearing:

  • 🔊 Hum or howl from the rear wheel, which intensifies at speeds of 60–90 km/h. The sound may disappear when turning (due to load redistribution).
  • 🔄 Wheel play when swinging it with your hands in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). For Almera permissible play - no more than 0.5 mm.
  • 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand - if the rim is too hot, this is an alarming signal).
  • 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, especially when braking. Often confused with wheel imbalance, but the vibration from the bearing is more “ragged”.
  • 🔧 Grinding or crunching noise when moving - a sign complete destruction bearing. In this case, you cannot drive!

On Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) and N17 (2006–2013) the rear suspension design is identical, so the symptoms are the same. However, on cars with ABS (and this is most configurations) there is a nuance: the ABS sensor is attached to the hub, and when replacing the bearing it is easy to damage it. If the ABS light comes on after the repair, check the sensor connector!

⚠️ Attention: On Almera with engines 1.5 (K9K) And 1.6 (HR16DE) rear wheel bearings are interchangeable, but on versions with disc brakes (For example, Almera Classic) other articles are used! Check the package before purchasing.

Diagnostics: how to confirm a malfunction

Before replacing a bearing, you need to rule out other possible causes of hum or play. Here 3 testswhich will help you pinpoint the problem:

  1. Checking on a jack:
    • Raise the car, put the handbrake on and engage 1st gear (or “P” on automatic transmission).
    • Rotate the wheel by hand - if you hear crunching or resistance, the bearing is faulty.
    • Rock the wheel up and down. Play of more than 0.5 mm is a sign of wear.
  • Road test:

    Accelerate to 60–80 km/h and turn the steering wheel slightly left and right. If the hum increases when turning in one direction and disappears in the other, the problem is in the bearing (the load is redistributed).

  • Temperature check:

    After driving, touch the hub with your hand (be careful not to get burned!). If it is hotter than adjacent suspension elements, the bearing operates with increased friction.

    • If all tests confirm the fault, proceed with replacement. But first you need to choose the right spare part.

    📊 What is the mileage of your Nissan Almera?
    • Up to 50 thousand km
    • 50–100 thousand km
    • 100–150 thousand km
    • More than 150 thousand km

    Bearing selection: original vs analogues

    On Nissan Almera N16/N17 Wheel bearings are installed complete with the hub. Original part numbers depend on the type of brake system:

    Model and year Brake type Original article Analogues (proven brands)
    Almera N16 (2000–2006) Drums 40520-9M000 SKF VKB 3513, FAG 713610630, SNR R155.50
    Almera N16/N17 (2006–2013) Disk 40520-BM00A NTN-SNR R155.58, Koyo HB-506061, Timken HA590046
    Almera Classic (2012–2018) Disc (ABS) 40520-BM00B SKF VKB 3593, FAG 713610640, Febi 28216

    Among analogues, the best reviews are from SKF And NTN-SNR — they serve almost like the original (100–150 thousand km). Budget options (Febi, Optimal) can only run 30–50 thousand km, but are suitable for temporary replacement. Please note complete setNote: Some kits do not include a retaining ring or mounting bolts - you will have to purchase them separately.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Almera with ABS, the sensor often comes complete with the hub, but is sometimes sold separately (article number 40525-9M000). If you buy a used hub, check the integrity of the sensor - replacing it will cost +3-5 thousand rubles!

    When choosing, pay attention to country of origin. Original bearings for Nissan often made in Japan or Thailand (labeling on packaging). Chinese analogues (even under the brand SKF) may be fake. Check for the presence of a hologram and barcode.

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    Before purchasing, compare the old and new bearings by weight - the original weighs 100–150 grams more than most analogues due to the denser metal.

    Tools and preparation for replacement

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

    • 🔧 Special tools:
      • Wheel bearing puller (eg Kukko 204-2 or equivalent).
      • Circlip pliers.
      • Torque wrench (bolt tightening torque: 80–100 Nm).
    • 🔨 General tool:
      • Socket heads for 17, 19, 30 mm.
      • Hammer and copper drift.
      • WD-40 or equivalent for loosening stuck bolts.
    • 🛠️ Consumables:
      • New wheel bearing assembly.
      • Guide lubricant (Molykote or Litol-24).
      • New hub bolts (recommended, but not required).

    Important nuance: on Almera with ABS Do not use impact tools (for example, an air impact wrench) when unscrewing the hub nut - this may damage the sensor. Also prepare body supports (not just the jack!), since you will have to remove the axle shaft.

    Loosen the hub nut (while the car is on the ground)|Remove the wheel and brake drum/disc|Disconnect the ABS sensor (if equipped)|Unscrew the bolts securing the hub to the beam|Prepare a puller for pressing-->

    Step-by-step replacement of the rear wheel bearing

    Replacement process Nissan Almera takes 2–3 hours (if there is no rust). Here detailed instructions taking into account typical errors:

    1. Removing the wheel and brake mechanism:

      Loosen the hub nut (tightening torque: 180–200 Nm), then jack up the car and remove the wheel. On versions with drum brakes you will have to unscrew the guide pins and remove the drum. On disk — dismantle the caliper (hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose!).

    2. Hub removal:

      Unscrew the bolts securing the hub to the beam (usually 4 pieces for a 17 mm head). If the bolts are stuck, use WD-40 and heat them with a hair dryer. Do not hit the axle shaft with a hammer! This may deform its seat.

      What to do if the hub cannot be removed?

      If the hub is “stuck” to the axle shaft, use a puller with claws or gently knock with a hammer through a wooden spacer on the inner ring of the bearing (not on the axle shaft!). As a last resort, you can heat the hub with a gas burner - the metal will expand and move.

    3. Bearing replacement:

      Remove the retaining ring with pliers, then use a puller to press out the old bearing. Before installing a new one, clean the seat from dirt and apply a thin layer of lubricant. Press in the bearing evenly, without distortions. The effort should only be applied to outer ring!

    4. Assembly:

      Install the retaining ring, put the hub on the axle shaft and tighten the fastening bolts (torque - 80–100 Nm). Don't forget to connect the ABS sensor if it was disconnected. After assembly, check the wheel play and take a test drive.

    On Almera N17 with electronic stability control (ESP) after bearing replacement it may be necessary error reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). If the ABS light continues to light, check the integrity of the sensor wiring.

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    The main mistake when replacing is incorrect pressing of the bearing. If the inner ring is distorted, it will only last a few thousand kilometers.

    Cost of service work vs self-repair

    Rear wheel bearing replacement cost Nissan Almera in service depends on the region and type of service station:

    Service type Cost of work (1 side) Cost of spare parts (original) Total (per side)
    Official dealer Nissan 4 500–6 000 ₽ 7 000–9 000 ₽ 11 500–15 000 ₽
    Unofficial service 2 500–3 500 ₽ 5,000–7,000 ₽ (analogue) 7 500–10 500 ₽
    On your own 0 ₽ (if you have a tool) 3,000–5,000 ₽ (analogue) 3 000–5 000 ₽

    The savings when doing your own repairs are obvious, but keep in mind hidden costs:

    • Purchase of a puller (from 1,500 ₽).
    • Possible replacement of bolts or ABS sensor (another +1,000–3,000 ₽).
    • Risk of error (e.g. damage to the axle shaft during dismantling).

    If you have never done such work, it is better to contact the service. However, even there it is worth control the process: For example, make sure the technician uses a torque wrench when tightening the hub nut.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a wheel bearing with Almera. Here TOP-5 misses and how to prevent them:

    • 🔧 Retightening the hub nut:

      Tightening torque - 180–200 Nm. If you overtighten, the bearing will overheat. If you don't tighten it enough, there will be a backlash. Use a torque wrench!

    • 🔨 Axle shaft damage:

      Do not hit the axle shaft with a hammer or use it as a lever when removing the hub. This leads to microcracks and subsequent destruction. Only use a puller.

    • 🔥 Ignoring lubrication:

      The bearing seat and retaining ring must be cleaned and lubricated. Without this, the new bearing will quickly fail due to corrosion or overheating.

    • 🚗 Unchecked play after replacement:

      After installation, be sure to check the wheel for play and spin it by hand - it should rotate smoothly, without jamming.

    • 🔧 Forgotten ABS sensor:

      On Almera With ABS, the sensor often remains hanging on the wire after removing the hub. If you don't connect it back, an error will appear.

    Another typical problem is buying a fake. There are many counterfeit branded bearings on the market SKF or NTN. How to distinguish the original:

    • The packaging must have a hologram and barcode.
    • The weight of the original is from 1.2 kg (analogs are 100–200 g lighter).
    • The bearing itself has markings stamped on it (for example, NTN Japan).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bearings Nissan Almera

    Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?

    If the hum has just appeared and there is no play or grinding noise, you can drive to the service center (no more than 500–1000 km). But if you hear a crunch or the wheel jams - You can't drive! Risk of wheel locking at speed.

    How long does the original bearing last?

    Under normal conditions (without aggressive driving and frequent off-road trips), the original bearing serves 120–150 thousand km. Analogues SKF/NTN - 80-100 thousand km, budget - 30-50 thousand km.

    Do the bearings need to be replaced on both sides?

    No, if the second bearing is in good condition. But if the mileage is more than 100 thousand km, it is recommended to replace both - the second one may soon fail.

    Is it possible to lubricate a bearing without replacing it?

    No. Wheel bearings on Almera non-separable and filled with lubricant at the factory. Any attempt to disassemble them will lead to destruction.

    Why did the hum remain after the replacement?

    Possible reasons:

    • The bearing is installed skewed.
    • The axle shaft is damaged (for example, during dismantling).
    • The front wheel bearing or CV joint is faulty.
    • Fake (low-quality analogue).