Rear brake cylinder Nissan Almera - a critical element of the braking system, on which traffic safety directly depends. If it malfunctions, it can lead to brake fluid leakage, reduced braking performance, or even complete rear brake failure. Owners Almera (especially models N16, G15 And B10) you should pay attention to the slightest signs of wear: fluid leaks on the inside of the rear wheel, a “soft” brake pedal or uneven operation of the pads.
In this article we will look at how to diagnose problems with the rear brake cylinder, select a high-quality spare part (original or analogue), and also carry out the replacement yourself - with step-by-step instructions, nuances for different generations Almera and tips for prevention. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that car owners make during repairs, and we will tell you how to avoid them.
Design and operating principle of rear brake cylinder
Rear brake cylinder Nissan Almera refers to drum brake system (on most modifications) and acts as an actuator. When you press the brake pedal, fluid under pressure flows through the circuit to the cylinder, which expands brake pads, pressing them against the drum. Unlike front disc brakes, there is no caliper - the cylinder takes on the entire load.
Structurally, the part consists of:
- 🔧 Housings (aluminum or cast iron, depending on model)
- 🛢️ Pistons (usually 2 pieces, with sealing cuffs)
- 🔄 Return springs (provide reverse movement of the pads)
- 🔩 Bleeding fittings (to remove air from the system)
- 🛡️ Anther (protects from dirt and moisture)
On Almera N16 (2000–2006) and G15 (2012–2019) cylinders have a similar design, but differ in mounting and piston diameter. For example, on N16 with engine 1.5/1.8 cylinders with a diameter of 19.05 mm, whereas on G15 — 20.64 mm. Ignoring this nuance when purchasing spare parts leads to incorrect operation of the brakes and premature wear of the pads.
When the sealing collars wear out or the housing is corroded, the cylinder begins to “leak” - liquid seeps past the piston, reducing the pressure in the system. This is one of the most common faults that can be diagnosed visually.
Signs of trouble: when is it time to change the cylinder?
Symptoms of a broken rear brake cylinder Nissan Almera often disguised as other brake system problems. However there are several key signals, which directly indicate the need for diagnosis:
1. Brake fluid leaks on the inside of the rear wheel or shield. The liquid has a characteristic yellow or brown color and an oily consistency.
2. "Falling" brake pedal — several presses are required for effective braking.
3. Uneven brake application: the car pulls to the side when braking (usually towards the faulty cylinder).
4. Rear pads grab — the wheel rotates with force even after releasing the pedal.
5. Whistling or squeaking on the rear drum side (sometimes confused with pad wear).
Particularly dangerous jammed piston — in this case, the block constantly rubs against the drum, which leads to overheating, deformation of the brake disc (if there is one) and increased wear. On Almera G15 with ABS this may cause false alarms of the system.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads or bleeding the brakes, the pedal remains soft and the fluid leaves the reservoir, there is a 90% probability that the rear cylinder is to blame. Don't delay diagnostics: a fluid leak can lead to complete brake failure!
To check, just remove the rear wheel and drum (if equipped). The cylinder should not have:
- 💧 Traces of liquid on the body or boot
- 🔍 Corrosion or mechanical damage
- 🔄 Sticking when pressing the pedal (pistons should move smoothly)
- Once every 10,000 km
- Only when problems arise
- Before winter/summer
- Never checked
Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues
When purchasing a rear brake cylinder for Nissan Almera the main thing is compliance article number And sizes. Original parts from Nissan guarantee 100% compatibility, but their price can be steep. The table below shows proven analogues and their article numbers for different generations. Almera:
| Model Almera | Original article | Analogs (brand + article) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N16 (2000–2006, 1.5/1.8) | 40520-4M000 |
|
Piston diameter - 19.05 mm. New boots included. |
| G15 (2012–2019, 1.6) | 40520-BM40A |
|
Diameter - 20.64 mm. Suitable for versions with ABS. |
| B10 (1995–2000) | 40520-60X00 |
|
Rarely found on sale, often ordered under the original number. |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:
- 📏 Piston diameter (must match the original)
- 🔧 Housing material (aluminum is preferable to cast iron - it rusts less)
- 🛡️ Presence of anther included (if not, buy separately)
- 🔄 Country of manufacture (European brands TRW, ABS more reliable than Asian ones)
Average price of an original cylinder - 2 500–4 000 ₽, analogue - 1 200–2 500 ₽. There is no need to skimp on this part: cheap, uncertified cylinders can already leak through 10–15 thousand km.
Before purchasing, check whether the cylinder is included repair kit (cuffs, springs). If not, it’s better to buy it separately (it’s worth 300–500 ₽), so as not to disassemble the system again.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the rear brake cylinder
Replacing the cylinder with Nissan Almera requires a minimum set of tools and can be done independently in 1.5–2 hours. The main thing is to be consistent and not to forget about safety precautions. Below is a universal instruction suitable for most generations (taking into account the nuances for N16 And G15).
Required tools:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (
10–17 mm) - 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer (for removing the drum)
- 🛠️Pliers and flat blade screwdriver
- 🧴Brake fluid
DOT-4 - 🧽 Rags and brake cleaner (BRAKE CLEANER)
- 🔩 New brake pads (recommended to be replaced at the same time)
Work order:
Preparation. Place the car on a flat surface, secure the front wheels with shoes, and loosen the rear wheel bolts. Jack up and remove the wheel.
Removing the drum. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and carefully knock the drum with a hammer through the wooden spacer. On Almera N16 the drum may “stick” - in this case, WD-40 and heating with a hair dryer will help.
Disconnecting the cylinder. Unscrew the brake pipe (using a wrench
10 mm), first put a rubber cap on it to prevent liquid from leaking out. Then unscrew the two bolts securing the cylinder to the shield (12 mm).Installing a new cylinder. Before installation, apply a thin layer
copper greaseonto the thread of the bleeder fitting. Bolt the cylinder, connect the tube and tighten firmly15–20 Nm.Bleeding the brakes. Place a transparent hose onto the bleeder fitting and lower the other end into a container with liquid. An assistant should press the brake pedal until liquid comes out of the hose without air bubbles.
Assembly. Install new pads, drum and wheel. Repeat the procedure for the second wheel (if required).
I bought DOT-4 brake fluid|Checked the availability of the repair kit (cuffs, boots)|Prepared a tool for removing the drum|Loosened the wheel bolts before lifting them on the jack-->
⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with the systemESPAfter replacing the cylinder, an error may light upABS. In this case, errors must be reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. The average cost of replacing a rear brake cylinder in a service center is: 1 500–2 500 ₽ for one wheel (excluding spare parts).
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when repairing the brake system. Nissan Almera. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
1. Using old brake fluid.
The liquid is hygroscopic - it accumulates moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. Always fill fresh liquid DOT-4 (do not mix with DOT-3 or DOT-5.1).
2. Incorrect brake pipe tightening.
Weak tightening will lead to leakage, excessive tightening will damage the threads. Optimal effort - 15–20 Nm. Use a torque wrench.
3. Ignoring bleeding the brakes.
Air in the system makes the pedal “soft” and reduces braking efficiency. Bleed the brakes necessarilystarting from the rear right wheel.
4. Installation of the cylinder without lubrication.
The pistons and cuffs must move smoothly. Apply a thin layer silicone grease on rubber seals before assembly.
5. They forget to check the drum.
On a worn or deformed drum, new pads and cylinder will not last long. The maximum permissible inner diameter of the drum for Almera N16 — 201.5 mm.
What to do if after replacing the brakes are “wobbly”?
If the pedal remains soft after bleeding, check:
1. Tightness of tube connections (are there any leaks).
2. Condition of the master cylinder (may require replacement).
3. Liquid level in the tank (must be between MIN and MAX).
4. Correct installation of the pads (they should move freely in the guides).
Another typical problem is cylinder misalignment when tightening bolts. This leads to uneven pad wear. To avoid misalignment, tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern rather than in sequence.
Prevention and extension of cylinder service life
Average resource of the rear brake cylinder is Nissan Almera — 80–120 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or poor maintenance it can fail within 40–50 thousand km. To extend the life of your part, follow these tips:
1. Check the brake fluid level regularly.
A drop in level is the first sign of a leak. Normal: between marks MIN And MAX on the tank.
2. Change the fluid every 2 years or 40 thousand km.
Old fluid loses its properties and accelerates corrosion of the metal parts of the cylinder.
3. Avoid sudden braking.
Overheating of the brakes leads to deformation of the cuffs and accelerated wear of the cylinder. On Almera G15 with ABS this can also cause system errors.
4. Monitor the condition of the anthers.
A damaged boot allows dirt and moisture to pass through, which leads to corrosion of the piston. Inspect it every time you replace the pads.
5. Use quality pads.
Cheap friction materials increase abrasive wear of the drum and cylinder. Optimal brands for Almera: Ferodo, Textar, Ate.
6. Flush the brake system.
Every 60 thousand km It is recommended to flush the circuits with brake fluid to remove deposits and moisture.
Usage low quality brake fluid - the main reason for premature failure of the rear cylinders. The liquid must meet the standard DOT-4 and have a certificate of conformity (for example, FMVSS 116).
On Almera N16 And G15 With rear drum brakes it is especially important to keep an eye on adjusting the parking brake. An overtightened handbrake creates a constant load on the cylinder, which leads to its jamming.
Frequently asked questions about rear brake cylinders Nissan Almera
Can the cylinder be repaired instead of replaced?
Theoretically yes - they exist repair kits (cuffs, springs, boots), but in practice this is a temporary solution. The cylinder body wears out over time, and even after replacing the cuffs, the risk of repeated leakage remains high. Repair is justified only for rare models (for example, Almera B10), where the original cylinder is difficult to find.
Which cylinder is better - aluminum or cast iron?
Aluminum cylinders are lighter and less susceptible to corrosion, but cast iron cylinders are more wear-resistant. For Nissan Almera optimal choice - aluminum with anti-corrosion coating (for example, original parts or analogues from TRW). Cast iron cylinders are often installed on commercial vehicles.
Do I need to replace the cylinders in pairs?
Not required, but recommended. If one cylinder fails, the second is most likely also worn out (although it does not leak). Replacing them in pairs ensures uniform braking and prevents the car from pulling to the side. The exception is if the second cylinder is new (recently changed).
What should I do if after replacing the cylinder the brake pedal becomes hard?
A hard brake pedal after replacing a cylinder usually indicates:
- Incorrect bleeding (air remains in the system).
- A jammed piston in a new cylinder (defective or lack of lubrication).
- Problems with the brake master cylinder or vacuum booster.
Check all connections for leaks and repeat bleeding. If the problem persists, diagnose the master cylinder.
Will a Renault cylinder fit a Nissan Almera?
On Almera G15 (built on a platform Renault-Nissan B0) you can install cylinders from Renault Logan/Sandero first generation (item 40520-554R0). However for Almera N16 or B10 such analogues are not suitable - the piston diameter and fastening are different.