Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even in such cars, over time, critical components wear out, for example, the **rear brake cylinder**. This part is responsible for evenly distributing brake fluid and pressure on the pads, and if it malfunctions, it can lead to brake failure or fluid leakage. In this article we will look at how to recognize the problem in time, select a high-quality cylinder and replace it without contacting service.

Feature Almera G15 (2012–2019) - drum brakes at the rear, where the cylinder works in tandem with pads and springs. Unlike disk systems, here the part is hidden under the drum, which complicates diagnostics. If you notice that the brake pedal has become “soft” or the car brakes jerkily, this particular unit may be to blame. Next is a detailed guide with nuances for Almera G15 on engines HR16DE And K4M.

Signs of a bad rear brake cylinder

The first sign of problems with the cylinder is **brake fluid leakage** under the rear wheel. Oily spots will appear on the inside of the disc or drum, and the fluid level in the reservoir will begin to drop. But there are other symptoms that are often ignored:

  • 🔴 The brake pedal "falls" — when pressed, it goes almost to the floor, and braking efficiency drops. This indicates air has entered the system or the cylinder cuffs are worn.
  • 🔴 Uneven braking — the car pulls to the side when you press the pedal sharply. One of the cylinders may be stuck or not creating enough pressure.
  • 🔴 Creaking or grinding from the rear wheels - if the pads are worn unevenly due to a jammed cylinder piston.
  • 🔴 Rear wheels are locked when you lightly press the pedal - a sign that the cylinder does not return to its original position.

On Almera G15 with ABS, a faulty cylinder can cause false alarm of the anti-lock braking system - the indicator on the dashboard will light up ABS, although the sensors and wires are fine. This occurs due to a pressure imbalance in the circuits.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads or bleeding the brakes the problem with the “soft” pedal remains, do not rush to blame the master cylinder. Check the rear cylinders first for Almera G15 they fail 3 times more often.

How to check the rear brake cylinder for Nissan Almera G15

Diagnosis begins with a visual examination. Jack up the rear of the car and remove the wheel and drum (or disc if discs are installed). Please note:

  1. Cylinder appearance — cracks, corrosion or fluid leaks on the housing.
  2. Condition of the anthers - if they are torn, dirt gets inside and the piston jams.
  3. Piston mobility — carefully press them with a screwdriver (after releasing the pressure in the system!). They should move smoothly without jamming.

For an accurate check you will need an assistant:

  1. Ask to press the brake pedal, mientras you watch the cylinder. Serviceable piston should extend evenly, without distortion.
  2. If the piston does not return back after releasing the pedal, the cylinder is jammed and requires replacement.
📊 How often do you check the brake system of your car?
  • Once every 10,000 km
  • Only when problems arise
  • Before seasonal tire replacement
  • Never checked

On Almera G15 With a mileage of more than 100,000 km, the cylinders often become sour due to infrequent brake fluid changes. If you have never bled the system, the fluid will absorb moisture, causing corrosion of the internal surfaces of the cylinder.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

Original rear brake cylinder for Nissan Almera G15 has an article number 40520-BM00A (for drum brakes) or 40520-4M00A (for disc ones, if the car has ABS and rear discs). Cost - from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles per piece. But there are also high-quality analogues:

Brand Article Price, rub. Features
TRW GDB1449 1 800–2 200 High quality seals, suitable for aggressive driving
Ate 24.4052-0139.2 2 000–2 500 Original quality, often installed on the assembly line
Febi 22330 1 500–1 900 Budget option, but the resource is lower than the original
Sangsin SB1005 1 200–1 600 Korean manufacturer, good for a quiet ride

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to piston material - it must be made of stainless steel or aluminum with an anti-corrosion coating. Cheap regular steel cylinders quickly rust from the inside, leading to jamming.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with rear discs (optional for top trims), the cylinder is integrated into the caliper. Needed here caliper repair kit, not a separate cylinder!
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Before purchasing, check to see if the cylinder comes with new boots and retaining rings. If not, buy them separately (item number 40534-BM000 for the boot).

Step-by-step replacement of the rear brake cylinder

To work you will need:

  • 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14 mm)
  • 🔧 Pliers and flathead screwdriver
  • 🔧 Special wrench for brake pipes (or 10 mm open-end wrench)
  • 🔧 Brake fluid DOT-4
  • 🔧 WD-40 or similar composition
  • 🔧 New pads (recommended to be replaced at the same time)

Sequence of actions:

  1. Remove the rear wheel and release the handbrake. Place chocks under the front wheels.
  2. Remove the brake drum. If it is stuck, treat the joint with WD-40 and carefully tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
  3. Disconnect the brake pipe from the cylinder, having previously placed a container for liquid. Use a special key so as not to tear off the edges.
  4. Unscrew the two cylinder mounting bolts to the brake shield (12 mm socket).
  5. Remove the cylinder and clean the seat from dirt. Check the condition of the pads and springs - replace if worn.
  6. Install new cylinder, having first applied a thin layer of brake fluid to the rubber seals.
  7. Connect the handset and tighten to a torque of 15–18 Nm. Don't overtighten!
  8. Bleed the brakesstarting from the rear right wheel.

Brake fluid leaks|Brake pedal travel (should be elastic)|Handbrake operation|Sounds when braking (there should be no creaks)|Fluid level in the reservoir-->

On Almera G15 with ABS may need to be replaced after cylinder replacement error reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). If the indicator ABS continues to burn, check the speed sensors on the rear wheels - they could have become dirty during repairs.

Bleeding the brakes after replacing the cylinder

Bleeding is needed to remove air from the system. Work order for Almera G15:

  1. Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid to the mark MAX.
  2. Place a transparent hose onto the rear cylinder bleeder fitting and lower the other end into a bottle of liquid.
  3. Have an assistant press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
  4. Unscrew the fitting ½ turn - liquid with air bubbles will come out of the hose. Tighten the fitting when the flow weakens.
  5. Repeat the procedure until there is no air left in the liquid (usually 5-7 cycles are enough).

After pumping, check the pedal travel - it should be pressed firmly and not “fall through”. If the pedal remains soft, check:

  • 🔧 Tightness of connections between tubes and cylinder.
  • 🔧 Liquid level in the tank (it may drop when pumping).
  • 🔧 Condition of the brake master cylinder (at Almera G15 it rarely fails, but checking it won’t hurt).
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On Almera G15 With the ESP system, it is better to bleed the brakes with a scanner connected to activate the ABS pump. It is difficult to manually remove all the air from the system.

Common mistakes when replacing a cylinder

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. Here's what not to do:

  • 🚫 Use old pads - if they are worn unevenly, the new cylinder will quickly fail.
  • 🚫 Tighten brake lines without a torque wrench - an overtightened tube may burst, and a weak one will leak.
  • 🚫 Bleeding the brakes in the wrong order - on Almera G15 start with the right rear wheel, then the left rear, right front and left front.
  • 🚫 Ignore the condition of the brake hoses - if they are cracked, they need to be replaced along with the cylinder.

Another typical problem is dirt getting into the system when replacing. Always clean the cylinder and tube seat before installation. If sand gets inside, the piston will quickly wear out.

What to do if after replacing the cylinder the brakes are “wobbly”?

If the pedal remains soft, there are three possible reasons:

1. There is air left in the system — repeat pumping, paying attention to the rear wheels.

2. The main brake cylinder is faulty — check it for smudges and wear on the cuffs.

3. Brake pads or drums are too worn — the cylinder piston does not have enough stroke to create the required pressure.

In rare cases the culprit brake force regulator (on Almera G15 it is located under the bottom, next to the rear beam).

Prevention: how to extend the life of a brake cylinder

Average resource of the rear brake cylinder is Nissan Almera G15 - 100,000–150,000 km, but with proper maintenance it will last longer. Tips:

  • 🔧 Change brake fluid every 2 years - it is hygroscopic and accumulates moisture, which leads to corrosion of the cylinder.
  • 🔧 Check the anthers at every maintenance, even a small crack will lead to dirt getting in.
  • 🔧 Don't park your car in winter — if the pads freeze to the drum, the cylinder piston may become deformed during movement.
  • 🔧 Use quality liquid - only DOT-4 from trusted brands (Castrol, Motul, Liqui Moly).

If you often drive off-road or in high humidity conditions, treat your brakes anti-corrosion compounds (For example, CRC Brake Parts Cleaner). This will protect the cylinder from rust.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear brake cylinder Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to drive if the rear brake cylinder is leaking?

In the short term it is possible, but extremely dangerous. A fluid leak causes a drop in pressure in the system, and the brakes can fail in a critical situation. If the cylinder leaks, replace it immediately and bleed the brakes. On Almera G15 the rear circuit is responsible for 30-40% of the braking force - its failure sharply increases the braking distance.

How much does it cost to replace a cylinder at a service center?

At the official dealer Nissan the work will cost 3,000–5,000 rubles per wheel (plus the cost of spare parts). In independent services the price is lower - 1,500–2,500 rubles. Replacing it yourself will save up to 70% of money, but requires experience working with the brake system.

Which cylinder is better - original or analogue?

Original (40520-BM00A) more reliable, but more expensive. If your budget is limited, take it TRW or Ate - they are not inferior in quality. Cheap analogues (Febi, Sangsin) are suitable for temporary replacement, but their service life rarely exceeds 50,000 km.

Do I need to replace the cylinders in pairs?

Not required, but recommended. If one cylinder fails, the second will soon require replacement (wear is usually even). On Almera G15 The difference in braking force between the wheels can cause skidding during emergency braking.

What happens if the faulty cylinder is not replaced?

The consequences depend on the nature of the malfunction:

  • 🔴 Liquid leak → complete brake failure.
  • 🔴 Jammed piston → overheating and deformation of the drum, uneven wear of the pads.
  • 🔴 Corrosion inside the cylinder → piston jamming and loss of braking force.

In practice, ignoring the problem leads to expensive repairs to the brake system or an accident.