Rear brake system Nissan Almera N16 is a classic design with drum mechanisms, where the key element is the worker brake cylinder. It is this unit that is responsible for converting hydraulic pressure into mechanical force, which spreads the pads and stops the car. Unlike front disc brakes, rear drums require more careful attention to the condition of the seals and springs, as they operate in highly dusty and aggressive environments.
Many sedan owners Almera It is a mistaken belief that rear brakes wear out slowly and do not require regular monitoring. However, failure working cylinder can lead to a complete loss of braking efficiency on the rear axle, which is critically dangerous during a sharp maneuver or emergency stop on a wet road. Timely diagnostics and understanding of the operating principle of the unit will help to avoid costly repairs of the chassis in the future.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the unit, characteristic symptoms of failure and a step-by-step replacement algorithm. You will find out what nuances have drum brakes given model and how to choose the right spare part so as not to overpay for the brand, but also not to skimp on safety.
Design and principle of operation of the rear mechanism
The operation of the rear node is based on hydraulic drive, which connects the master cylinder under the hood to the slave cylinders at each rear wheel. When you press the brake pedal, fluid under pressure enters the body, causing the pistons to move in different directions. These pistons rest against the friction linings of the brake pads, pressing them against the inner surface of the rotating drum.
Unique design Nissan Almera N16 is that the rear mechanism also functions as a parking brake. The mechanical handbrake actuator operates on a lever inside the shoes, which then pushes the cylinder pistons, even if there is no hydraulic pressure. This creates additional stress on the sealing cuffs, which lose elasticity over time.
Housing brake cylinder usually made of aluminum or a special alloy, which provides lightness but requires protection against corrosion. Inside there are two pistons that move in opposite directions, pushing the pads apart. A key element of reliability is rubber cuffs that prevent brake fluid from leaking and dirt from getting into the mechanism.
⚠️ Caution: If you notice brake fluid leaking on the inside of the rear wheel or on the hub disc, this is almost guaranteed to indicate a brake seal rupture. working cylinder. Operating a vehicle in this condition is prohibited by traffic regulations and is extremely dangerous.
Symptoms of malfunction and diagnostic methods
A problem with the rear cylinder can be determined by a number of indirect and direct signs. The most obvious symptom is soft brake pedal, which sinks to the floor or becomes too “woolly”. This occurs due to air entering the system through leaking seals or due to fluid leakage, which reduces the pressure in the circuit.
Another characteristic symptom is uneven braking. If the car starts to pull to the side when you press the pedal, one of the cylinders may not be producing the required pressure. In this case, the wheel with the faulty unit does not participate in braking, and the car turns towards the good wheel. An unpleasant burning smell may also appear from overheating of the pads if the mechanism is jammed.
Visual diagnosis requires removal of the wheel and drum. Inspect the surface brake pads - if they have an oily coating, it means that liquid is leaking from the cylinder. A small amount of liquid on the inner surface of the drum or on the body of the unit itself is a sure sign of destruction of the seals. Ignoring this sign will lead to souring of the pistons.
- 🚨 The brake pedal fails or has become too soft for no apparent reason.
- 🚨 The car pulls to the side during emergency braking.
- 🚨 Traces of brake fluid are visible on the inside of the rear wheel.
- 🚨 The rear wheels heat up excessively after a trip.
- Soft pedal
- The car pulls to the side
- Creak and grind
- Visual fluid leak
Stages of dismantling and replacing the unit
Replacement process rear brake cylinder on Nissan Almera N16 requires accuracy and adherence to sequence of actions. Start by jacking up the car and placing it on a secure stand. Remove the wheel and unscrew the two brake drum mounting screws. If the drum is stuck, use special pullers or gently tap it around the perimeter, avoiding hitting the brake disc.
After removing the drum, you will have access to the insides of the mechanism. Before disconnecting the brake pipe, be sure to place a container to drain the fluid, as it will definitely leak out. Unscrew the fastening nuts cylinder to the brake shield and carefully disconnect the fitting. Be careful not to damage the threads on the brake line, as replacing them will cost more than the cylinder itself.
Installation of a new unit is carried out in the reverse order. It is important to pre-lubricate the threads of the fitting and the points of contact with the shield with a special lubricant that is resistant to high temperatures. After installation, it is necessary to bleed the brake system to remove all air. Without this procedure, braking efficiency will be zero.
☑️ Preparing to replace the cylinder
⚠️ Attention: Never use old brake lines if they show signs of corrosion or damage. When unscrewing rusted nuts, the risk of them breaking is extremely high, which will lead to the need to replace the entire line. Use penetrating lubricant beforehand.
Choice of spare parts: original or analogue
In the spare parts market for Nissan Almera There are many options for brake cylinders. Original part from Nissan (number 42060-4M400 or its modifications) guarantees perfect fit and quality of rubber seals. However, the cost of the original is often overpriced, which forces owners to look for alternatives.
High-quality analogues from trusted brands such as TRW, ATE, Delphi or Febi, often offer the best value for money. These manufacturers supply components to the assembly lines of many auto giants, so their products are not inferior to the original in terms of reliability. The main thing is to avoid cheap fakes of unknown origin, as their cuffs can swell from aggressive brake fluid.
When choosing, pay attention to the equipment. Ideally, a new cylinder should be supplied in a sealed package with a set of pistons and seals. Some brands sell repair kits separately, which allows you to replace only worn parts if the cylinder body has no mechanical damage or corrosion.
| Brand | Product type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | Cylinder assembly | Ideal geometry, quality guarantee | High price |
| TRW / ATE | High quality analogue | Reliability, affordable price | There are fakes |
| Febi / SWAG | Budget analogue | Low cost, good quality | Shorter service life |
| Unknown brands | Budget segment | Very low price | Risk of rapid failure |
How to distinguish an original cylinder from a fake?
The original cylinder is clearly marked with the Nissan logo, has a smooth, burr-free surface and comes in original packaging with a part number. Counterfeits often have crooked threads, poor quality packaging and blurry inscriptions. Rubber seals on the original are always soft and elastic, while on fakes they can be hard and dry.
System bleeding and final check
After installing the new brake cylinder It is critical to properly bleed the brake system. The air in hydraulics is compressed, while the fluid is not, so the presence of air pockets leads to a complete lack of braking. The process begins by bleeding the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, that is, the rear right, then the rear left.
An assistant will be needed for pumping. One person presses the brake pedal several times and holds it down, while the second person unscrews the fitting on the cylinder, releasing air and fluid. Repeat the procedure until clean liquid without air bubbles comes out of the hose. Monitor the fluid level in the reservoir under the hood, not allowing it to drop below the minimum.
The final step is to check the functionality of the handbrake. Raise the rear of the car and try to turn the wheel with the handbrake applied. It should be blocked. With the vehicle lowered, check to see if the wheels are stuck after driving. If the drums overheat, it means that the pistons have not returned to their original position and the clearances need to be adjusted.
Before you start bleeding, be sure to check the condition of the brake master cylinder under the hood. If it is faulty, air will be constantly sucked in and you will not be able to bleed the system, no matter how hard you try.
Typical maintenance errors
Many owners Almera N16 They make the same mistake, trying to save time and do not change the brake fluid when replacing the cylinder. Old fluid accumulates moisture, which lowers the boiling point and accelerates corrosion of new pistons. It is recommended to carry out a complete fluid change whenever any intervention is made in the hydraulic system.
Another common problem is improper adjustment of the gaps between the pads and the drum. If the gap is too large, the pedal will sink too low before the brakes engage. If the clearance is too small, the pads will rub against the drum constantly, causing overheating and rapid wear. IN Nissan Almera this adjustment is often automatic, but if wear is severe, manual adjustment may be necessary.
Never use silicone grease or WD-40 to lubricate brake parts. These substances destroy the rubber cuffs and can lead to immediate failure of the unit. Use only special high temperature silicone or copper based lubricants designed specifically for brake systems.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use silicone-based DOT-5 brake fluid if your vehicle is rated DOT-3 or DOT-4. Mixing these types of fluids will cause sludge to form and cause the entire brake system to fail.
Proper bleeding of the brake system is the key to safety. Do not skimp on time at this stage, as even a small air bubble can cause an accident.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to replace only the cylinder cuffs and not the entire assembly?
This is technically possible if the cylinder body is free of corrosion and mechanical damage. However, in practice, it is often cheaper and more reliable to buy a new assembly, since old pistons may have microscopic scratches that will lead to repeated failure.
How long does it take to replace a rear brake cylinder?
For an experienced technician, replacing one cylinder takes about 30-40 minutes. Taking into account bleeding the system and checking the handbrake on both wheels, the process will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. A beginner may need more time.
Do I need to replace both cylinders at once if only one is leaking?
It is highly recommended to replace them in pairs. Since both units were operated under the same conditions, the life of the second cylinder is most likely also coming to an end. This will ensure uniform braking and save time on repeated repairs.
Why are the brakes still soft after replacement?
Most likely, there is air left in the system or the brake master cylinder is faulty. It is also possible that the new cuffs have not yet settled into place. Try repeating the bleeding procedure or check the tightness of all connections.
Which brake fluid is best for Nissan Almera N16?
The manufacturer recommends using DOT-4 standard fluid. It has an optimal boiling point and is compatible with the system's rubber seals. Avoid using DOT-3 as it has lower performance properties.