Wheel bearing <em>Nissan Almera Classic</em>: how to diagnose and replace it yourself

Nissan Almera Classic (N16) is a popular sedan that is famous for its reliability, but even it has its weak points. One of them is wheel bearing, which wears out over time and requires replacement. If you hear a hum or grinding noise when driving, especially at speeds of 60–80 km/h, there is a high probability that this is the problem.

In this article we will look at how diagnose the problem yourself, what articles and analogues suitable for Almera Classic, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account the nuances of this model. Let us dwell separately on a common mistake when installing a new bearing, which leads to its premature failure.

Signs of a bad wheel bearing Nissan Almera Classic

The first symptoms of wheel bearing wear are often ignored until the noise becomes deafening. On Almera Classic (especially with mileage over 150,000 km) this is a typical problem. Here are the key signs:

• 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing during acceleration. At speeds of 60–80 km/h the noise is maximum, and when turning it may disappear or change in tone.
• 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or in the cabin, which is not associated with wheel imbalance. It appears more often when driving on a flat road.
• 🔄 Wheel play when rocking it in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). On Almera Classic permissible play - no more than 0.5 mm.
• 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip. If after stopping the wheel is hot and the brake discs are cold, this is a signal of a problem bearing.

On Almera Classic with ABS, a faulty bearing can cause false alarm of the system or a light on the dashboard comes on. This is due to the fact that the ABS sensor is attached to the hub, and vibrations from a worn bearing distort its signals.

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore the noise of the bearing, it may seize while driving. On Almera Classic this often leads to deformation of the axle shaft and damage to the CV joint - repairs will cost 3-5 times more than timely replacement of the bearing.

Articles and analogues: which bearing to choose for Nissan Almera Classic?

Original wheel bearing for Nissan Almera Classic (N16) has article number 40520-4M000 (for front axle) and 40520-4M010 (for the rear, if the model has disc brakes). However, the original is from Nissan is expensive (from 4,500 to 6,000 rubles), so many choose high-quality analogues.

Brand	Article	Price (RUB)	Features
NSK	VKBA3533	3 200–3 800	Japanese quality, suitable for heavy-duty use
NTN	4T-40520	2 900–3 500	Good moisture protection, long service life
SKF	VKBA 3533	3 500–4 200	Reinforced design, suitable for aggressive driving
FAG	713616070	3 000–3 700	German quality, low noise level
Koyo	VKBA3533	2 800–3 400	Budget option with good reviews

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to presence of ABS-kender (if your Almera Classic equipped with an anti-lock braking system). Cheap bearings without kender or with a low-quality magnetic ring will lead to ABS errors.

Replacement tools: what will you need?

Replacing the wheel bearing with Nissan Almera Classic requires a specific tool. Without it, there is a risk of damaging new parts or not completely pressing the bearing. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Wheel bearing puller (For example, Hazet 895-2 or equivalent). Without it, knocking out the old bearing is dangerous - you can damage the seat.
• 🔨 Socket heads at 17, 19 and 30 mm (for unscrewing the hub nut).
• 🔩 Torque wrench (for tightening the hub nut with a torque of 200–250 Nm).
• 🛠️ Hammer and copper drift (for neat pressing).
• 🧲 Magnet (so as not to lose the retaining ring during disassembly).

If you don’t have a puller, you can rent one from a car service center or buy a budget option (from 1,500 rubles). Do not try to knock out the bearing with a chisel. - this will lead to damage to the hub and the need to replace it.

Turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake|Place the rear wheels with chocks|Loosen the hub nut (while the wheel is on the ground)|Jack up the car and remove the wheel|Clean the hub from dirt with a wire brush-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a wheel bearing

Replacement process Nissan Almera Classic takes 2–3 hours (if done for the first time). The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. Let's start with the front bearing (the rear one is changed in the same way, but simpler due to the absence of a CV joint).

Step 1. Removing the wheel and brake disc

Loosen the wheel nut (it's too tight!), then jack up the car and remove the wheel. Next, unscrew the two bolts securing the brake caliper (17 key) and hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose. Remove the brake disc - it may stick, so you will need a hammer and a wooden spacer.

Step 2. Removing the hub and axle shaft

Unscrew the hub nut (30 socket) and remove it. Next, pull the hub towards you - it should come off the axle shaft. If it doesn't work, gently tap it with a hammer through a block of wood. Don't hit the axle shaft! Then unscrew the three bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle (19mm wrench) and remove the axle shaft from the hub.

Step 3: Bearing replacement

Use a puller to remove the old bearing. Clean the seat from rust and dirt. Press the new bearing evenly, without distortions. Critical mistake: many people forget to lubricate the seat before installation, which is why the bearing quickly fails. Use Litol-24 or Molykote BR2 Plus.

Step 4. Assembly

Place the hub in place, tighten the hub nut and tighten it with a torque wrench (torque - 200–250 Nm). Assemble the brake mechanism and wheel. After replacement be sure to check the wheel runout - if it exceeds 0.5 mm, the bearing is installed incorrectly.

What to do if the bearing hums after replacement?

If the noise remains after installing the new bearing, check:

1. Correct pressing (there should be no distortions).

2. Tightening the hub nut (undertightening or overtightening leads to play or overheating).

3. Condition of the seat (if there are scuffs, the hub needs to be replaced).

4. The quality of the bearing itself (cheap analogues are often defective).

If the problem persists, contact a specialist - the axle shaft or CV joint may be damaged.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that shorten the life of a new bearing. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔧 Incorrect pressing. If you hit the bearing directly with a hammer, it will become deformed. Use only a mandrel or puller.
• 🧴 Lack of lubrication. The seat and the bearing itself (if it is not a closed type) need to be lubricated. Otherwise, it will run dry and wear out quickly.
• 🔩 Retightening the hub nut. Tightening torque: 200–250 Nm. Exceeding will lead to overheating and jamming.
• 🔄 Ignoring play in the CV joint. If the CV joint is worn out, the vibrations from it will quickly kill the new bearing. Check its condition before replacing it.

Another common mistake is purchase of a bearing without modification. On Almera Classic With and without ABS, different bearings are used (with and without a magnetic ring). Check this before purchasing!

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Wheel bearing replacement cost Nissan Almera Classic in service depends on the region and level of the service station. On average:

• 💰 Cost of work: 2,500–4,000 rubles for one wheel (if you change both, they often give a discount).
• 🛒 Spare part price: from 2,800 (analog) to 6,000 rubles (original).
• ⚙️ Additional costs: lubricant (200–500 rubles), puller (if purchased - from 1,500 rubles).

When you replace it yourself, you save on work, but you risk making mistakes. If you do not have experience, it is better to trust the professionals. However, if you are confident in your abilities, DIY replacement will cost 2–3 times less (about 3,000–5,000 rubles for both wheels, including the purchase of tools).

⚠️ Attention: Some service stations offer a “universal” bearing replacement without a puller, knocking it out with a hammer. This is unacceptable for Almera Classic — after such repairs, the entire hub often has to be replaced.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about wheel bearings Nissan Almera Classic

How long does a wheel bearing last on an Almera Classic?

Service life depends on operating conditions. On average:

• Original bearing: 100,000–150,000 km.
• High-quality analogue (NSK, SKF): 80,000–120,000 km.
• Budget equivalent: 30,000–60,000 km.

Wear is affected by: aggressive driving, driving on bad roads, frequent vehicle overloads.

Is it possible to drive with a running bearing?

Short-term (to a service station) - possible, but no more than 500–1,000 km. Driving for a long time with a worn bearing leads to:

• Wheel jamming while driving (especially dangerous at speed).
• Damage to the axle shaft and CV joint (repair will cost 15,000–25,000 rubles).
• Overheating and deformation of the brake disc.

If the play exceeds 0.5 mm, the bearing must be changed immediately.

How to check a bearing without a jack?

You can diagnose the problem on the fly:

1. Accelerate to 60–80 km/h.
2. On a flat road, slightly wiggle the steering wheel left and right.
3. If the noise increases when turning left, the problem is in the right bearing, and vice versa.

Also pay attention to vibration in the steering wheel - this often indicates wear on the front bearing.

Do I need to replace the bearing in pairs?

Not required, but recommended if:

• The car's mileage exceeds 150,000 km.
• The second bearing also has play or hums.
• You are changing the bearing on the drive axle (front).

If the second bearing is in good condition, it is enough to replace only the faulty one.

What is the difference between bearings for Almera Classic with and without ABS?

Bearings for models with ABS have magnetic ring (kender), which reads wheel revolutions with a sensor. If you install a bearing without a kender on a car with ABS, the system will generate an error and a light will come on on the dashboard. Externally, the bearings are almost identical, but not interchangeable!