Airy brake system or leaking bleeder fitting on Nissan Almera Classic (models B10 And N16) is a problem that every owner faces sooner or later. Even if the brake pedal has become “wobbly” or there are jerks when braking, do not rush to blame the main brake cylinder: in 60% of cases this small but critical element is to blame. Its souring, breakage or corrosion makes it impossible to fully pump the brakes, and ignoring the malfunction threatens a complete failure of the system.
In this article we will look at exact location of fittings on front and rear calipers Almera Classic, we’ll tell you how to unscrew them without breaking them (even if they’re stuck), and give step-by-step instructions for bleeding the brakes, taking into account the features of this model. You will also find out what fittings are suitable for replacement (articles and analogues), and how to avoid common mistakes that cause many car owners to break edges or break threads.
Where is the brake bleeder on a Nissan Almera Classic?
On Nissan Almera Classic (including restyled versions) bleeder fittings are installed on all four calipers, but their location differs depending on the axis:
- 🔧 Front axle: the fitting is mounted in the caliper body with inside (from the engine side). It is easily identified by its rubber cap, which is often missing due to wear or inaccurate bleeding.
- 🔧 Rear axle: on drum brakes (models before 2006), the fitting is located on working cylinder from the back. On disc versions (after 2006) - similar to the front ones, but access to it is blocked by the brake shield.
Important: on Almera Classic N16 with ABS the fittings can be hidden under speed sensors or brake hose fasteners. Before starting work, be sure to clear the area of dirt - sand entering the system will lead to wear on the master cylinder seals.
- Drums
- Disk
- I don't know
| Model Almera Classic | Rear brake type | Number of fittings | Key size |
|---|---|---|---|
| B10 (1995–2000) | Drums | 2 (one per cylinder) | 8mm or 10mm |
| N16 (2000–2006, pre-restyle) | Drum/disc | 2 or 4 | 8 mm (front), 10 mm (rear) |
| N16 (2006–2012, restyling) | Disk | 4 | 8 mm (all) |
⚠️ Attention: On models with ABS Do not bleed the brakes with the ignition off - this will lead to blocking of the hydraulic unit valves. Always turn the ignition on before bleeding!
Signs of a malfunctioning bleeder fitting
Experienced mechanics identify 5 key symptoms that indicate problems with fittings:
- 🚨 Soft brake pedal with increased stroke - a classic sign of air in the system, which cannot be removed due to a soured fitting.
- 🔧 Brake fluid leaks on the caliper or working cylinder (often disguised as dirt).
- 🔄 Jerks when braking, especially at low speeds - indicate uneven pressure distribution due to air leaks.
- 🛠️ Torn edges on the fitting - a consequence of previous unsuccessful pumping attempts.
- 🔥 Brake disc overheating on one side (due to incomplete contact of the pads).
If you hear when you press the brake pedal hissing or feel pulsation, the problem may lie not only in the fitting, but also in brake hoses or master cylinder. Check them for cracks or swelling!
Before diagnosing the fittings, be sure to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it is below the mark MIN, first add liquid to MAX and bleed the system - sometimes this solves the problem without replacing parts.
How to unscrew a stuck fitting: 3 working methods
The main problem when working with fittings on Almera Classic - them sticking to the caliper due to corrosion. Standard wrenches often tear off the edges, so use these methods:
- Penetrating Lubrication + Heat:
Water the fitting generously WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2 and wait 15–20 minutes. Then heat it with a hair dryer (up to
100–150°C) and try to unscrew spanner wrench (not carob!). - Impact method:
Place a spanner on the fitting and lightly hit the wrench with a hammer (not the fitting!) and try to move it from its place. Vibration helps destroy the corrosion layer.
- Special tool:
Use star key (if the edges are torn off) or extractor for fittings (sold in auto stores). As a last resort, drill out the fitting and cut a new thread.
What to do if the fitting breaks off?
If the fitting breaks off, do not try to drill it out yourself - the risk of damaging the caliper is too high. Contact a turner or replace the caliper assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Never use gas key to unscrew the fittings - it will deform the metal and make further pumping impossible!
☑️ Preparation for replacing the fitting
Articles and analogues of fittings for Nissan Almera Classic
Original bleeder fittings from Nissan have catalog numbers depending on the model:
- 📌 Front fittings:
40520-4M000(for B10/N16 with disc brakes). - 📌 Rear fittings (drum brakes):
40520-JA00A. - 📌 Rear fittings (disc brakes):
40520-4M010.
The cost of original parts is from 300 to 600 rubles per piece. However, you can save money by choosing analogues:
| Manufacturer | Article | Applicability | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Febi Bilstein | 26410 |
Front/rear axle (disc) | 250–350 |
| TRW | PFH108 |
All models | 400–500 |
| Ate | 03.9902-0109.2 |
Front axle | 350–450 |
When purchasing, pay attention to thread pitch - on Almera Classic metric thread is used M8×1.25 or M10×1.25. Check this with a caliper before ordering!
Step-by-step instructions for bleeding brakes after replacing the fitting
Bleeding the brakes Nissan Almera Classic requires strict sequence, especially if there is air in the system. Use this algorithm:
- Preparation:
Add brake fluid to the mark
MAXin the tank. Use only DOT-4 (For example, Castrol React DOT4 or Motul DOT 4). - Pumping order:
Start with right rear wheels, then left rear, right front and left front. This is due to the characteristics of the brake system circuits Almera.
- Process:
Place a transparent hose onto the fitting and lower the other end into a bottle of liquid. An assistant should press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it while you unscrew the fitting ½ turn. As soon as the liquid stops coming with bubbles, tighten the fitting.
- Control:
Repeat the procedure until clear liquid without air comes out of the hose. Monitor the level in the tank - if it falls below
MIN, the system will air again.
On models with ABS, bleeding must be carried out with activated pump. To do this, after the standard procedure, turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal 10–15 times at intervals of 1 second. Then repeat pumping each wheel again.
If the pedal remains soft after bleeding, check the tightness of the system for air leaks through the hoses or the master cylinder. Cracks in rubber seals that are not visible to the naked eye are often to blame.
Typical mistakes when working with fittings and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to re-airing or broken parts. Here are the most common:
- ❌ Using an open-end wrench instead of a slip-on one, it leads to the edges being torn off. Always take spanner wrench or socket head.
- ❌ Leveling without an assistant — without pressing the brake pedal, air will not escape from the system. As a last resort, use disposable syringe to create pressure.
- ❌ Ignoring caps — after bleeding, always put rubber caps on the fittings, otherwise dirt will get into the system.
- ❌ Re-tightening of fittings - just tighten them with force
10–15 Nm. Excessive force leads to breakage of the threads in the caliper.
Another critical error - mixing brake fluids different classes (for example, DOT-3 And DOT-4). This leads to fluid foaming and brake failure. If you don't know what was uploaded earlier, completely drain the old fluid and flush the system with a new one.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bleeder fittings on Almera Classic
Is it possible to bleed the brakes yourself without an assistant?
Yes, but this will require vacuum pump or disposable syringe with a tube. The pump is connected to the fitting and pumps out the liquid, and the syringe allows you to create pressure in the tank. However, the effectiveness of this method is lower than with an assistant.
What size wrench is needed for fittings on Almera Classic N16?
For front fittings - 8 mm, for rear (drum brakes) — 10 mm. On restyled versions with disc brakes at the rear - 8 mm on all wheels.
What to do if after replacing the fitting the brakes begin to work worse?
Most likely, air has entered the system or fluid is out of specification. Bleed the brakes again using DOT-4, and check the tightness of all connections. If the problem persists, diagnose it master brake cylinder.
Is it possible to drive with a broken fitting?
Absolutely not! Failure to bleed the brakes means that air can build up in the system, leading to complete brake failure in a critical situation. Replace the fitting immediately.
What brake fluid should I fill in Almera Classic?
Manufacturer recommends DOT-4. Suitable options: Castrol React DOT4, Motul DOT 4, Liqui Moly Bremsenflussigkeit DOT4. Mix with DOT-3 or DOT-5.1 you can't!