Drum brakes on the rear axles of cars Nissan Almera The G15 generation often causes confusion among owners who expect only disc mechanisms from a modern sedan. However, it is this design that ensures reliable holding of the machine when parked and durability when used in difficult conditions. Over time, the springs lose their elasticity, the pads wear out, and the brake release mechanisms begin to jam, which requires urgent intervention.
Repairing the brake system is not just replacing consumables, but a complex procedure that affects traffic safety. Ignoring signs of wear can lead to loss of braking performance or a wheel seizing at the most inopportune moment. It is important to understand that rear drum brake repair kit includes not only friction linings, but also springs, clamps, and adjusting elements.
Signs of wear and need for replacement
You can determine that it is time to change the brake pads and related elements based on a number of indirect and direct symptoms. The most obvious signal is the appearance of a specific metallic grinding or knocking sound when reversing. This sound occurs due to the fact that worn out pads begin to come into contact with metal parts of the drum or collapsed springs hit the mechanism body.
If you notice that Nissan Almera starts to pull to the side when braking, this is a sure sign that one of the brake mechanisms is working worse than the other. Perhaps the piston of the working cylinder is jammed in one of the wheels or the return springs are torn. In this case, braking efficiency drops sharply, and the load on other components increases.
It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the brake pedal. If it becomes “wobbly” or requires deeper pressure than usual, the problem may be hidden in the back circuit. Misadjustment of the mechanism often occurs due to wear of the friction linings when the automatic adjuster does not have time to compensate for the gap.
- 🔊 Extraneous grinding or knocking noise when reversing.
- 🚗 The car pulls to the side during sudden braking.
- 🛑 Increasing the brake pedal travel and reducing its rigidity.
- ⚙️ Uneven wear of brake fluid in the expansion tank.
Selection of quality repair kits and tools
There are many offers on the auto parts market for Nissan Almera G15, and choosing the right kit is critical to the longevity of the repair. Cheap analogues are often made of soft materials that wear out quickly, and the springs in them may not withstand the load and break after a couple of thousand kilometers. Original repair kit or trusted brands such as TRW or Pagid are guaranteed to meet factory specifications.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a complete set of tools so as not to run around for them during the disassembly process. Drum brakes have their own mounting and adjustment features, so a standard set of wrenches may not be enough. Pay special attention to the working cylinder piston compression tool and drum puller.
You will need:
- 🔧 Set of socket heads and ratchets (10, 12, 14, 17 mm).
- 🔨 Hammer with rubber striker and pry bar.
- 🛢 Brake cleaner and guide lubricant.
- 📏 Micrometer for checking the diameter of the drum.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use regular motor oil or lithol to lubricate brake parts. Use only specialized high-temperature brake lubricant, as regular compounds can cause swelling of the rubber seals.
Stages of dismantling and inspection of the unit
The replacement process begins with safely raising the vehicle on a lift or jack. Remove the rear wheel and unscrew the guide pins holding the brake drum. Sometimes the drum can become stuck due to corrosion or carbon deposits; in this case, you can gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer or use a puller.
After removing the drum, access to the insides of the mechanism will open. Here it is important not to rush and carefully examine the condition of all parts. Check slave cylinder for brake fluid leaks. Even the slightest speck of oil indicates that the cylinder requires replacement or major repairs, otherwise the new pad will quickly become unusable.
Inspect the surface of the brake drum from the inside. There should be no deep grooves, burrs or signs of overheating (blue metal). If the diameter of the drum exceeds the permissible values, it must be replaced, since the thin walls can crack when heated.
- Original Nissan
- TRW/ATE
- LPR/SBS
- Chinese analogues
Installation of new parts and adjustments
Before installing new pads, thoroughly clean all surfaces from old dust and dirt. Use brake cleaner, but do it carefully so as not to damage the rubber seals. Apply a thin layer of special lubricant to the contact points of the pads with the support disk and to the guide grooves where the cylinder pistons will move.
Installing springs and clamps requires some skill. Use special pliers or heavy-duty pliers to carefully engage the springs. Don't overdo it, as the fragile hooks may break. Make sure adjustment mechanism (star) is in the correct position and rotates freely.
☑️ Preparation for assembly
After assembling the mechanism, pull the drum back. If it is not put on all the way, it means the pads are set too wide. In this case, it is necessary to turn the adjuster through the technological hole in the drum or on the back cover to reduce the gap.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the drum, make sure that it does not touch the new pads. If resistance occurs, stop immediately and adjust the sliding mechanism, otherwise you will damage the friction linings.
Functionality check and running-in
After installing the wheel and lowering the car, do not rush to drive out onto the road. Sit in the car and press the brake pedal all the way down several times. This is necessary so that the pistons of the working cylinder take their working position and press the pads against the drum. The pedal should become firm and return to its original position.
The first few hundred kilometers after replacement should be followed by a running-in regime. Avoid sudden braking and driving in heavy traffic that requires constant use of the brakes. This will give the new linings a chance to properly rub into the surface of the drum. Lapping - a key stage on which the effectiveness of braking in the future depends.
If you notice that the pedal becomes soft after a few presses, there may be air in the system or there is a problem with the seals. In this case, the brake system will need to be bled. Do not ignore this symptom, as safety depends on the tightness of the circuit.
Common mistakes during repairs
Many owners Nissan Almera They make the same mistake when trying to save money on replacing the working cylinder. If you see even the slightest traces of fluid leakage on the cylinder, replace it completely. Cylinder repair kits often do not restore seals for a long time, and the problem returns after a short period of time.
Another common mistake is improper lubrication. Some craftsmen use graphite lubricant or lithol, which is strictly prohibited. These substances can get on the friction linings, causing them to slip and lose braking force. Use only special compounds that are resistant to high temperatures and water.
Cleaning the platter is also often forgotten. Brake dust and dirt accumulated there can prevent the pads from moving freely, causing them to wear unevenly and overheat. Thorough cleaning before installing new parts will extend the life of the entire mechanism.
| Detail | Original number (example) | Analogues (brands) | Average service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads | D4310-1AA0A | TRW, Pagid, Nib | 30-50 thousand km |
| Working cylinder | D4310-1AA0B | Akebono, LPR | 60-80 thousand km |
| Brake drum | D4320-1AA0A | Nissan, Brembo | 100+ thousand km |
| Return spring | D4310-1AA0C | Febi, SWAG | 40-60 thousand km |
Final Recommendations
Regular brake system maintenance is key to your safety and the safety of others. Do not delay replacing the repair kit if you notice signs of wear. Timely repairs will cost less than eliminating the consequences of an accident or replacing expensive suspension elements damaged due to non-functioning brakes.
Remember that the rear drum brakes are Nissan Almera G15 perform an important function, especially in emergency situations. High-quality spare parts and proper installation will ensure predictable behavior of the car on the road. Don't skimp on security by choosing only proven solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do brake pads need to be replaced in pairs?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to change the pads on one axle at the same time. This ensures uniform braking and prevents the vehicle from pulling to the side when stopping.
Can brake pads be lubricated?
Never apply lubricant to the running surface of the pads. Lubricant is applied only to the contact points between the pads and the support disk and the guides, but not to the friction material.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is stuck, try gently tapping it in a circle with a rubber mallet. As a last resort, you can use a puller or slightly warm up the center of the drum, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the bearing.
How can you tell if the slave cylinder is faulty?
Inspect the cylinder for leaks. Also check its stroke: the pistons should move freely. If there is rust or binding, the cylinder must be replaced.
Is it necessary to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?
When replacing only the pads and springs, bleeding is not required if you did not unscrew the cylinder fittings. However, if you have changed the working cylinder, bleeding the circuit is required.