Nissan Almera N16 is a popular sedan, but its rear calipers wear out over time: the cuffs leak, the pistons jam, and the brake pads wear unevenly. If you notice a squeaking sound when braking, fluid leaks on the wheel, or a “sluggish” brake pedal, it’s time to change the repair kit. In this article, we’ll look at how to choose the right parts, avoid fakes, and replace them yourself without making critical mistakes.
Calipers on Almera N16 (2000–2006) have typical “sores”: corrosion of guides, wear of boots and piston cups. Original repair kits are expensive, but there are decent analogues from ATE, TRW And Febi. We analyzed owner reviews, technical bulletins and spare parts catalogs to create a checklist for competent repairs.
What parts are included in the rear caliper repair kit?
The standard repair kit includes consumables to restore the caliper to functionality. into it necessarily should include:
- 🔧 Piston collar — an O-ring that prevents brake fluid leakage.
- 🛡️ Piston boot — protects from dirt and moisture, extends the service life of the cuff.
- 🔄 Guide O-rings — prevent backlash and corrosion of fingers.
- 🧴 Guide lubricant - often included (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
Some sets also contain fastening bolts And protective caps. However, for a complete repair, you may need to purchase additional brake pads, disk (if worn) and brake fluid (For example, DOT-4).
⚠️ Attention: If the caliper piston has deep scratches or corrosion, the repair kit will not help - the entire caliper assembly will need to be replaced. Check the condition of the piston to parts shopping!
Original vs analogues: which items to choose?
Original repair kit from Nissan has an article number 40520-4M000 (for rear caliper). Cost - from 2500 to 3500 rubles. However, many owners prefer analogues that are cheaper but not inferior in quality.
| Brand | Article | Price, ₽ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATE | 03.9902-3724.2 |
1800–2200 | High quality rubber resistant to brake fluid |
| TRW | PFC3601 |
2000–2400 | Lubricant for guides included |
| Febi | 22784 |
1500–1900 | Budget option, suitable for moderate climates |
| Sangsin | SB1005 |
1200–1600 | Korean manufacturer, good price/quality ratio |
Important: repair kits for front and rear calipers Almera N16 not interchangeable! The rear caliper has a different piston diameter (usually 38 mm against 54 mm at the front), and the design of the boot is different.
- Original Nissan
- ATE
- TRW
- Febi
- Other
Signs of a bad rear caliper
If the caliper begins to “glitch”, this is manifested by several symptoms at once. Ignoring them is dangerous - this can lead to brake failure or wheel jamming while driving.
- 🔴 Brake fluid leaks on the inside of the wheel - a sign of a torn cuff.
- 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking - often caused by worn pads or corrosion of guides.
- 🚗 The car pulls to the side — one of the calipers is stuck, the pads do not move away from the disc.
- 🛑 Increased brake pedal travel - a signal about air entering the system or liquid leakage.
- 🔥 Wheel overheating after a trip, the caliper does not release the pads, the disc gets hot.
If you notice any of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. To check, just remove the wheel and inspect the caliper for leaks, piston play and the condition of the boots.
Before inspecting the caliper necessarily remove the brake fluid reservoir cap - this will reduce the pressure in the system and make diagnostics easier.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the repair kit
To work you will need:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (
12 mm,14 mm,17 mm). - 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer (for knocking out guides).
- 🧴Brake fluid DOT-4 and a bleeder hose.
- 🧽 Brake cleaner (BRAKE CLEANER).
- 🛠️ Special pliers for the piston (or a clamp with wooden pads).
Remove the wheel and inspect the caliper|Disconnect the brake hose (plug it!)|Remove the guides and clean them of corrosion|Blow out the caliper with compressed air to remove dirt|Prepare new parts from the repair kit-->
Step 1: Removing the caliper
Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually 14 mm). Carefully remove the caliper without damaging the brake hose. Hang it on a wire to avoid putting stress on the hose.
Step 2: Removing the Piston
Using a clamp, slowly press the piston back into the housing. If it does not give in, treat it with a penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and try again. Do not hit the piston with a metal object! - this will damage the cylinder mirror.
Step 3. Replacing the cuff and boot
Remove the old O-ring from the piston and clean the groove. Install a new cuff from the repair kit, having previously lubricated it with brake fluid. The boot fits over the piston and is secured with a retaining ring.
Step 4. Assembly and pumping
Reassemble the caliper in reverse order. After installation on the car be sure to bleed the brakesto remove air from the system. Start with the right rear wheel, then left rear, right front and left front.
How to bleed brakes without an assistant?
Use disposable syringe with a tube connected to the fitting. Fill the syringe with brake fluid, unscrew the fitting 1/2 turn and slowly press the syringe. Repeat until no more air bubbles come out.
Typical mistakes when replacing a repair kit
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Using the wrong lubricant for guides. Litol or graphite don't fit - they destroy the rubber. Need high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R).
- 🚫 Piston misalignment during installation. If the piston enters the cylinder crookedly, the cuff will quickly tear.
- 🚫 Incomplete bleeding of brakes. Remaining air results in a soft pedal and reduced braking efficiency.
- 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake disc. If the disc has a shoulder or cracks, it needs to be sharpened or replaced.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the repair kit, avoid sudden braking for the first 100–200 km! New pads and cuffs need time to break in.
Cost of work in the service vs self-repair
If you are not confident in your abilities, you can contact the service. However, prices for work vary greatly:
| Type of work | Cost, ₽ (service) | Cost, ₽ (on your own) |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing the repair kit (1 caliper) | 2500–3500 | 500–800 (cost of parts) |
| Replacing brake pads | 1000–1500 | 300–600 (pads + grease) |
| Bleeding the brakes | 800–1200 | Free |
| Replacing the brake disc | 1500–2000 | 800–1200 (disk + work) |
As you can see, self-repair saves up to 70% budget. However, if you do not have experience working with the braking system, it is better to trust the professionals - mistakes here can lead to accidents.
Saving on a repair kit will cost you more! Cheap non-original cuffs last 2-3 times less, and replacing them requires re-bleeding the brakes.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the caliper repair kit Almera N16
Is it possible to drive if the rear caliper is leaking?
❌ No! Brake fluid leakage leads to loss of brakes on one of the wheels. Even if the brake pedal works, braking efficiency is reduced by 2-3 times. Top up the fluid urgently and contact service.
How often should the repair kit be changed?
🔧 On average - every 80–100 thousand km or every second pad replacement. However, if the car is operated in an aggressive mode (city traffic jams, frequent braking), the interval is reduced to 50–60 thousand km.
What is the difference between repair kits for calipers with and without ABS?
🤖 Constructively - nothing. But if in the system ABS there are malfunctions (for example, the block channels are clogged), after replacing the caliper it may be necessary flashing or replacing ABS sensors.
Is it possible to repair a seized caliper piston?
⚠️ If the piston does not come out of the cylinder even after treatment WD-40 and light impacts, it is better to replace it. Attempts to “repair” with sandpaper or grinding lead to fluid leaks and re-wedge.
What brake fluid should I fill after replacing the repair kit?
💧 Only DOT-4! DOT-3 has a lower boiling point and DOT-5.1 aggressive to rubber seals of old calipers. System volume - approx. 0.5 l, but it is better to buy a liter bottle for pumping.