Nissan Almera N16 is a popular sedan that is still found on the roads due to its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even such time-tested cars have weak points, and one of them is the braking system. Brake discs on Almera N16 wear out over time, and their replacement becomes an integral part of maintenance.
In this article we will look at everything you need to know about brake discs for Nissan Almera N16: From signs of wear and selection of original or analog parts to step-by-step instructions for replacement. You will learn which rims are best suited for city driving and which ones for an aggressive driving style, as well as how to avoid common installation mistakes. If you notice vibration when braking or increased braking distance, this information will be especially useful.
Signs of wear on brake discs Nissan Almera N16
Brake discs do not break suddenly - they wear out gradually, and the car always gives signals about the need for replacement. The main thing is to notice them in time. One of the most obvious signs is vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal when pressed. This occurs due to disc deformation, which occurs when overheated or unevenly worn.
Another alarming symptom - creaking or grinding when braking. If the sound appears even when you lightly press the pedal, most likely the disc is already worn to a critical state, and its thickness is less than acceptable. It is also worth paying attention to increased braking distance - if the car slows down worse, this may be due to both the pads and the discs.
- 🔴 Vibration on the steering wheel or brake pedal - a sign of disc deformation.
- 🔊 Creaking/grinding when braking - a signal about critical wear.
- 📏 Thickness reduction disc below 19–20 mm (for Almera N16).
- 🚗 Car withdrawal to the side when braking - uneven output is possible.
Don't ignore these symptoms! Worn brake discs on Nissan Almera N16 with a thickness of less than 18 mm can crack under sudden braking, which will lead to a complete loss of braking efficiency. If you notice at least one of the listed symptoms, be sure to check the condition of the disks.
- Every 10,000 km
- Once a year
- Only when problems arise
- Never checked
Original vs. non-original brake discs: what to choose?
When replacing brake discs with Nissan Almera N16 The owner is faced with the question: should he buy original parts or analogues? Original wheels from Nissan (article 40520-4M000 for front and 40530-4M000 for the rear ones) guarantee perfect compatibility and long service life, but their price may seem overpriced - from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles per set.
On the other hand, the market offers many analogues from well-known brands, such as Brembo, ATE, TRW, Bosch And Ferodo. They are cheaper (from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles per set), but do not always match the original in quality. For example, disks Brembo often praised for its resistance to overheating, and ATE - for durability. However, cheap, unbranded wheels can quickly become deformed or wear unevenly.
| Brand | Article (front) | Price per disc (RUB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 40520-4M000 |
4 000–6 000 | Perfect compatibility, long service life |
| Brembo | 09.9692.11 |
3 500–4 500 | High temperature resistance, suitable for aggressive riding |
| ATE | 24.0122-0179.1 |
3 200–4 000 | Good price/quality ratio, low noise level |
| TRW | DF4536 |
2 800–3 500 | Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to certification (For example, ECE R90) and reviews from other owners Almera N16. Cheap, unbranded wheels may save you money on the purchase, but will cost more in the long run due to frequent replacements and the risk of accidents.
⚠️ Attention! Some analogues are thinner than the original discs. For example, if the original is 22 mm, then a cheap analogue can be 20 mm. This shortens the service life and impairs heat transfer.
Which brake discs are best for Nissan Almera N16?
The choice of brake discs depends on your driving style and operating conditions. For Almera N16 Three main categories can be distinguished:
- Standard (OEM replacement) — suitable for most drivers who prefer a quiet driving style. Original disks or analogues from ATE, TRW.
- Reinforced (perforated/ventilated) — optimal for those who often drive on mountain roads or practice aggressive braking. Recommended Brembo or EBC.
- Budget - for temporary replacement or if the car is rarely used. May be considered Fenox or LPR, but don't expect long service life.
If you often drive around the city with frequent acceleration and braking, it is better to choose ventilated discs - they dissipate heat better and are less susceptible to deformation. Standard ones are also suitable for the track, but it is important to monitor their condition, since prolonged braking at high speed can lead to overheating.
When purchasing new drives, always check them for runout before installation. Even original parts may have manufacturing defects. To do this, just spin the disk on the table and visually assess whether there are any vibrations.
Particular attention should be paid perforated discs. They cool better and self-clean from dust, but wear out faster and require more frequent pad replacement. If you decide to install such disks on Almera N16, be prepared for the fact that the pads will have to be changed about 30% more often.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake discs
Replacing brake discs with Nissan Almera N16 - a task of medium complexity that you can cope with yourself if you have the necessary tools. You will need:
- 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
- 🔨 A set of sockets and keys (especially for
14And17). - 🛠️ Brake pad puller (if necessary).
- 🧴 Copper grease for caliper guides.
- 📏 Vernier calipers to check the thickness of the disc.
Before starting work, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the batteryto avoid short circuit when accidentally pressing the brake pedal. Also prepare new pads - it is recommended to change them along with the discs, even if they are not completely worn out yet.
Disconnect the battery (remove the "-" terminal)
Raise the car and secure it on stands
Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt
Prepare new discs and pads
Check for grease on the guides -->
Next follow the instructions:
- Remove the caliper. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually on
14), then carefully hang it on a wire or a special hook without disconnecting the brake hose. - Remove the old disk. Unscrew the guide bolts (if any) and remove the disk. If it gets stuck, you can gently tap it with a rubber mallet.
- Install a new drive. Clean the hub from rust, install the disc and secure it.
- Assemble the caliper. Install new pads, lubricate the guides and reattach the caliper.
- Check your work. After assembly, press the brake pedal several times to seat the pads, then check for brake fluid leaks.
⚠️ Attention! After replacing the discs, it is not recommended to immediately brake aggressively. For the first 200–300 km, sharp braking should be avoided so that the pads evenly get used to the new surface.
What to do if the disc cannot be removed?
If the brake disc is stuck to the hub, do not try to knock it off with a hammer - this may damage the new part. Instead:
1. Treat the joint area with WD-40 or a similar liquid.
2. Wait 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently tap the disc through the wooden spacer.
4. If it doesn’t help, use a puller or contact service.
Common mistakes when replacing brake discs
Even experienced motorists sometimes make mistakes when replacing brake discs, which can lead to serious consequences. One of the most common - Incorrect tightening of caliper bolts. If you overtighten, the guides may become deformed; if you undertighten, the caliper will “walk,” which will lead to uneven wear of the pads and disc.
Another error - ignoring the condition of the hub. If there is rust or scoring, the new disc will not sit flat, causing vibration when braking. Always clean the hub with a wire brush before installing the disc. Also many people forget bleed the brakes after replacement, if the brake hose has been disconnected, this may lead to air entering the system.
- 🔧 Bolt tightening caliper - leads to deformation.
- 🚫 Using old pads with new discs - accelerates wear.
- 🧴 Lack of lubrication on the guides - causes creaking and wedging.
- 🔄 Incorrect running-in — aggressive braking in the first 300 km.
Another critical error - installation of disks of different thicknesses or brands on one axle. This leads to uneven braking and the vehicle pulling to the side. Always replace discs in pairs (both front or both rear) and use parts from the same manufacturer.
After replacing the discs, be sure to check the brake fluid level and add it if necessary. New pads can push the caliper pistons further, lowering the level in the reservoir.
How to extend the life of brake discs?
Brake disc service life Nissan Almera N16 depends not only on the quality of the parts, but also on the driving style. On average, original discs last 80,000–100,000 km, but with aggressive driving this figure can be reduced to 50,000 km. To maximize the life of your brake system, follow these tips:
- 🚦 Avoid hard braking — a smooth decrease in speed reduces the heating of the disks.
- 🔄 Check your pads regularly - worn pads damage the disc.
- 🚿 Wash your wheels in winter - salt and reagents accelerate corrosion.
- 🔧 Keep an eye on the calipers - A stuck caliper leads to uneven wear.
It is especially important to avoid disk overheating. If you often drive along serpentine roads or brake at high speed, let the brakes cool down - stop for a few minutes, do not put the car on the handbrake (so that the pads do not “stick” to the hot discs). Also, do not wash the car immediately after heavy braking - sudden cooling with water can deform the discs.
Equally important Maintain the brake system regularly:
- Every 10,000 km, check the thickness of the discs and pads.
- Once every 20,000 km, clean the calipers from dirt and lubricate the guides.
- Change the brake fluid every 2 years (it is hygroscopic and loses its properties).
Cost of replacing brake discs Nissan Almera N16
The cost of replacing brake discs consists of the price of parts and labor. If you decide to do it yourself, then spend only on spare parts. The price of the service will depend on the region and level of the service station. The average prices in Russia are as follows:
| Service/Part | Price (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original wheels (front, 2 pcs.) | 8 000–12 000 | Article 40520-4M000 |
| Analogues (Brembo/ATE, front, 2 pcs.) | 6 000–9 000 | The quality is close to the original |
| Budget analogues (front, 2 pcs.) | 3 000–5 000 | Risk of rapid wear |
| Replacing disks (work, 1 axis) | 1 500–3 000 | Includes removal/installation and bleeding |
| Pad set (front) | 1 500–3 000 | It is recommended to change along with the disks |
If you decide to replace the disks at a service center, the total cost for one axle (front or rear) will be approximately 10,000–15,000 rubles, taking into account work and spare parts in the middle price segment. Rear discs are usually 10-15% cheaper than front discs, but replacing them can be more difficult due to the parking brake.
You can save money by purchasing the parts yourself and agreeing with the service only about the work. Also, some service stations offer discounts when replacing brake discs and pads as a set.
❓ Do I need to change brake discs in pairs?
✅ Yes, definitely! Replacing discs on only one wheel will lead to uneven braking and the car pulling to the side. Always replace discs on the same axle in pairs (both front or both rear), even if one of them is still in good condition.
❓ Is it possible to drive if the disc is already thinner than the minimum allowed?
❌ No! If the disc thickness is less than 18 mm (for Almera N16), it may crack under heavy braking. This will lead to a complete loss of braking efficiency on one of the wheels and a high risk of an accident.
❓ Which brand of brake discs is the most reliable for Almera N16?
🏆 According to owner reviews, the best options are:
- Brembo — for aggressive driving;
- ATE — optimal price/quality ratio;
- Original Nissan - for maximum reliability.
Cheap analogues (Fenox, no-name brands) often last 2–3 times less.
❓ Do you need to pump the brakes after replacing the discs?
⚠️ Need pumping only if you disconnected the brake hose from the caliper. If the hose remained connected and the caliper was simply removed and hung on a wire, bleeding is not required. However, always check the brake fluid level after changing!
❓ Is it possible to install perforated discs on Almera N16?
✅ Yes, but with reservations. Drilled rims are better cooled and suitable for intense driving, but:
- they wear out faster;
- require more frequent pad replacement;
- may squeak when braking.
For city driving, standard wheels are often more practical.