<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em> rear brake cylinder: how to select and replace without mistakes

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as N16 or B10 in some markets) is one of the most popular sedans in the budget segment, but its braking system requires special attention. The rear brake cylinder is a weak point here, especially after 100–150 thousand km. If you notice leaks of brake fluid on the inside of the rear wheel or the brake pedal has become “soft”, this is where the problem lies.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from choosing an original or analog cylinder to step-by-step replacement, taking into account typical errors. You will also learn how to distinguish cylinder wear from a faulty master cylinder (GTZ) and why on Almera Classic with ABS The brake bleeding procedure has its own characteristics.

Signs of a bad rear brake cylinder

First signal - brake fluid leak. On Nissan Almera Classic it manifests itself as characteristic marks on the inside of the rear disc or drum. The liquid has a yellow-brown color and a specific odor. If you ignore the problem, the level in the reservoir will drop, and air will enter the system - the brakes will become “wobbly”.

Other symptoms:

• 🔴 The brake pedal “falls” or requires more effort to press.
• 🔴 The rear wheels are blocked when braking (especially on a wet road).
• 🔴 Extraneous sounds (grinding, squeaking) from the rear brakes are a sign that the pads are wearing out faster due to uneven pressure.
• 🔴 When using the handbrake, the car “slides” even on a slight slope (due to fluid leakage from the parking brake circuit).

A critical mistake many owners make is to attribute a “soft” pedal to worn-out pads or discs. On Almera Classic the rear cylinder often “flows” unnoticed - the liquid evaporates from the hot drum, leaving no marks on the asphalt. Check the level in the tank every 2–3 thousand km!

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the cylinder the brakes remain “wobbly”, the problem may be master brake cylinder or damaged hoses. On Nissan Almera Classic with ABS A malfunction of the unit also gives similar symptoms - diagnostics with a scanner is required.

Articles and analogues: what to choose for replacement

Original rear brake cylinder for Nissan Almera Classic (2006–2012) has article no. 40520-9M000 (left) and 40521-9M000 (right). Cost - from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles per piece. However, the original is not always justified: many analogues last longer if installed correctly.

Proven analogues (compatible with Almera Classic N16/B10):

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Features
TRW	GDB1449	2 200–2 800	High quality seals, suitable for aggressive driving
Ate	24.5203-0107.2	2 500–3 000	Resistant to overheating, recommended for taxis
Febi	22720	1 800–2 300	Budget option, but requires frequent checking for leaks
Sangsin	BR930052	2 000–2 500	Good price/quality ratio, popular in services

When choosing, pay attention to piston material: on cheap analogues it can be plastic (wears out quickly under high loads). Original and TRW/Ate metal ceramics are used.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the rear brake cylinder with Almera Classic you will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (required) 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm).
• 🔧 A special key for bleeding the brakes (or a hose with a check valve).
• 🔧 WD-40 or a similar composition for unscrewing stuck bolts.
• 🔧 New brake fluid (DOT-4).
• 🔧 Copper washers for brake pipes (art. no. 38371-88E00).
• 🔧 Rubber gloves (brake fluid is toxic!).

Important point: before replacing the cylinder necessarily Check the condition of the brake hoses and tubes. On Almera Classic they often rust where they are attached to the body. If the tube bursts during pumping, you will have to replace it completely.

Drain the brake fluid from the reservoir|Loosen the cylinder mounting nuts (do not unscrew completely!)|Jack up the car and remove the rear wheel|Clean the pad guides from dirt|Prepare new brake fluid for bleeding-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not use brake fluid DOT-5 - it is incompatible with rubber seals Almera Classic and will cause them to swell. Only DOT-3 or DOT-4!

Step-by-step replacement of the rear brake cylinder

The procedure takes 1.5–2 hours per wheel. The main thing is to take your time and follow the sequence:

Step 1: Removing the old cylinder

1. Remove the rear wheel and brake drum (WD-40 may be needed if it's stuck).
2. Disconnect the brake pipe from the cylinder, first placing a container to drain the fluid.
3. Unscrew the two bolts securing the cylinder to the shield (12 mm).
4. Carefully remove the cylinder without damaging the guide boot.

Step 2: Installing a new cylinder

1. Before installation, apply a thin layer copper grease on the threads of the fasteners.
2. Install the new cylinder and tighten the bolts to torque 25–30 Nm.
3. Connect the brake pipe with a new copper washer.
4. Install the pads and drum, check the travel of the handbrake lever.

Step 3. Bleeding the brakes

On Almera Classic with ABS pumping needs to start with right rear wheel, then left rear, right front and left front. Use the “buddy” method: one pumps the pedal, the other opens the fitting. Repeat until clear liquid comes out without bubbles.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that lead to repeated disassembly. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Tightening the cylinder mounting bolts — leads to housing deformation and leaks. The tightening torque should not exceed 30 Nm.
• 🔧 Using old copper washers - they are deformed when unscrewed and do not provide a tight seal.
• 🔧 Bleeding the brakes without an assistant - on Almera Classic without ABS You can still handle it yourself, but ABS You definitely need a second person to press the pedal.
• 🔧 Forgetting to check the guide boot - if it is torn, dirt will get into the cylinder and it will quickly fail.

Critical error: bleeding the brakes while the engine is running. On Almera Classic with ABS this can lead to failure of the control unit, as the pump creates additional pressure in the system. Always bleed with the ignition off!

What should I do if, after replacing the cylinder, the brakes “grip” unevenly?

This is a sign that the pads or drum are worn unevenly. On Almera Classic After replacing the cylinder, it is recommended to grind the drums (if their thickness is more than 188 mm) or replace the pads as a set. Also check if the piston in the new cylinder is jammed - this happens when buying fakes.

Repair vs replacement: which is more profitable?

Repairing the rear brake cylinder (replacing the cuffs and piston) costs 2–3 times less than buying a new one. However, on Almera Classic This is justified only in two cases:

1. The cylinder is original and you are confident in the quality of the repair kit.
2. The car is rarely used (for example, a country house), and the service life of the repaired unit suits you.

In other cases replacement is more reliable. The fact is that even after repair, the cylinder can “leak” due to microcracks in the housing, which are not visible to the naked eye. The cost of repair work (1,500–2,000 rubles) is comparable to the price of a budget analogue (Febi or Sangsin), but there is no guarantee.

Frequently asked questions about brake cylinders Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive with the current rear cylinder if the leak is small?

No. Even a minimal leak allows air to enter the system, which dramatically reduces braking efficiency. On Almera Classic the rear circuit is also responsible for the handbrake - if there is a leak, the car can roll on a slope.

How often should the rear cylinders be checked?

Every 20–30 thousand km or when replacing pads. Pay attention to traces of liquid on the drum and the level in the tank. If the fluid drains faster than once every 6 months, look for a leak.

Is it possible to replace only one cylinder if it is the only one leaking?

It is possible, but not recommended. The rear cylinders wear at about the same rate. If one leaks, the second will soon fail. Savings of 2,000–3,000 rubles will result in repeated disassembly.

What are the differences between the cylinders for versions with and without ABS?

Structurally - nothing. But on machines with ABS When replacing a cylinder, it is imperative to reset the control unit errors (if the indicator lights up ABS on the panel). For this you need a scanner, for example, Launch CReader.

What brake fluid should I fill after replacing the cylinder?

Only DOT-4. The volume of the system is about 0.5 l, but take 1 l so that it is enough for pumping. Liquid DOT-5.1 is also compatible, but its hygroscopicity is higher, and the cost is unreasonably high for Almera Classic.