Rear disc brakes Nissan Almera G15 - a topic that worries many owners of this popular sedan. A car is often equipped with drums at the rear as standard, but upgrading to disc brakes can significantly improve braking performance, especially under heavy use or tuning. In this article we will analyze all aspects: from technical advantages to step-by-step instructions for replacement, selection of spare parts and nuances that even experienced craftsmen are silent about.

It is important to understand that upgrading the brake system is not just replacing parts, but a comprehensive intervention in the safety of the car. We will analyze when it is really worth switching to disc brakes, and when high-quality maintenance of standard drums is enough. You will also learn about the compatibility of spare parts from other models. Nissan And Renault, which will help you save money without losing reliability. Ready to get into all the details? Let's start by comparing the two systems.

Drum vs disc brakes: which is better for Almera G15?

Standard drum brakes on the rear axle Nissan Almera G15 have their advantages: they are cheaper to maintain, less susceptible to contamination and remain effective longer with infrequent use. However, they have critical disadvantages:

  • 🔥 Overheating during intensive braking (for example, in mountainous areas or with a trailer), which leads to the “west” of the pedal and an increase in the braking distance.
  • 🛠️ Difficulty of repair: To replace pads or cylinders, the drum must be completely dismantled, which takes 2-3 times longer than with disc counterparts.
  • ⚖️ Uneven wear: The pads in the drums wear unevenly, which can lead to beating when braking.

Disc brakes do not have these problems, but have other features:

  • ❄️ Better cooling due to the open design and ventilation (if the discs are perforated or with grooves).
  • 🎯 More predictable work: there is no effect of “sticking” the pads to the drum when moisture enters.
  • 💰 More expensive to maintain: Pads and discs wear out faster, especially during aggressive driving.
📊 What type of rear brakes does your Almera G15 have?
  • Drum (standard)
  • Disk (already installed)
  • I'm planning to switch to disk
  • I don't know which ones I have

The final choice depends on your driving style and budget. For example, for city use with infrequent heavy braking, drum brakes may last longer. But for lovers of dynamic driving or frequent trips with a full load, disc brakes will be the optimal solution.

Which disc brakes are suitable for Almera G15: original and analogues

If you decide to install rear disc brakes, you need to decide on the components. Original spare parts from Nissan for Almera G15 with disc brakes at the rear have article numbers:

  • 📦 Rear brake disc: 40520-BM400 (left) and 40521-BM400 (right).
  • 🛡️ Brake pads: 40506-BM400 (set for both sides).
  • 🔧 Caliper assembly: 40530-BM400 (left) and 40531-BM400 (right).

However, original parts are expensive (from 15,000 rubles for a complete set), so many owners choose analogues from trusted brands:

Manufacturer Disc part number Pad article number Approximate price, ₽ Features
ATE 24.0122-0159.2 13.0460-7106.2 8 500 High quality metal, suitable for aggressive driving.
Brembo 09.9596.11 P 68 030 12 000 Perforated discs, minimal pad wear.
TRW DF4585 GDB1646 7 200 A budget option with good wear resistance.
Ferodo DFR630 FDB1936 9 800 Low noise level, suitable for urban use.

An important nuance: when purchasing calipers, pay attention to the installation side (left/right) and the presence of mounts for the hand brake. Some analogues (for example, from Renault Megane 3) may not fit the connectors for the parking brake cable.

It is also worth considering the option of installing brakes from Nissan Note E12 or Renault Fluence — they are fully compatible in terms of fastenings and have identical fits for the hub. This will save up to 30% without loss of reliability.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing drum brakes with disc brakes

Rear brake replacement process Almera G15 requires not only a set of tools, but also an understanding of suspension design. We will break the work into stages to avoid common mistakes.

Required tools and materials

Jack and supports (be sure to secure the vehicle on a level surface!)

Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14, 17 mm)

Socket wrench for removing the hub nut (usually 30 or 32 mm)

Caliper puller (or pry bar)

Brake fluid DOT-4 (not less than 0.5 l)

Medical syringe or vacuum pump for pumping

New brake hoses (if the old ones are cracked)

WD-40 or a similar compound for loosening stuck bolts -->

Before starting work, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery and make sure that the handbrake is released. Also prepare a container for draining the brake fluid - it may leak out when dismantling the calipers.

Removing old drum brakes

  1. Lift the rear of the car and remove the wheel. Then unscrew the hub nut (some force or leverage will be required).

  2. Remove the brake drum. If it sticks, gently tap the edge with a hammer through a wooden spacer.

  3. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the lever on the shoes. Remember or take a photo of its position!

  4. Unscrew the brake shield fasteners (3 12 mm bolts) and remove it.

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If the drum cannot be removed due to worn pads, try loosening the adjusting bolt through the hole in the shield. Sometimes it helps to screw two bolts into the threaded holes of the drum to “tighten” it.

Installing new disc brakes

  1. Install a new brake shield (if it comes with the caliper). Secure it with bolts with a torque of 30–35 Nm.

  2. Place the brake disc onto the hub and secure it with guide pins (if provided by the design).

  3. Install the caliper by first lubricating the guide pins with special lubricant (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).

  4. Connect the brake hose and handbrake cable. Make sure that the cable moves freely and without kinks.

  5. After assembly, bleed the brake system, starting with the right rear wheel.

How to bleed the brakes correctly?

Bleeding must be performed in strict sequence: right rear → left rear → right front → left front wheel.

1. Place a transparent hose onto the bleeder fitting and lower the other end into a container with brake fluid.

2. An assistant must press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it pressed.

3. Unscrew the fitting ½ turn - liquid with air bubbles will begin to come out.

4. Tighten the fitting and repeat the process until no more bubbles appear in the hose.

5. After pumping, add fluid to the level MAX in the tank and check the tightness of the system.

After installation, be sure to check the operation of the hand brake: it should reliably fix the car on a slope of 20–25%. If the lever travel is not enough, adjust the cable tension.

Common mistakes when installing rear disc brakes

Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes that lead to incorrect brake operation. Here are the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: Never use brake fluid that has been stored in an open container for more than 6 months. It is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, which leads to corrosion of the calipers and a decrease in the boiling point.
  • 🔧 Incorrect tightening torque caliper bolts or wheel nut. This leads to vibrations and uneven wear of the disc.
  • 🛢️ Ignoring leveling brakes after replacement. Air in the system makes the pedal “wobbly” and increases the braking distance.
  • 🔗 Handbrake cable incompatibility with a new caliper. For example, the cable from drum brakes may be too short for disc brakes.
  • 🧲 Lack of lubrication on the guides calipers This leads to jamming and accelerated wear of the pads.

Another common problem is bolt pattern mismatch disks. On Almera G15 it amounts to 4×114.3, but some analogues (for example, from Mitsubishi) may have 4×100. Always check this option before purchasing!

Also, many people forget about adaptation of brake pads after replacement. For the first 200–300 km, avoid sharp braking to allow the pad material to get used to the disc.

Disc Brake Maintenance: How to Extend Their Life

Disc brakes require more frequent attention than drum brakes, but with proper care they will last longer. Here are the key recommendations:

  • 🧹 Cleaning from dirt: every 10,000 km, wash the calipers and discs with a special cleaner (for example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger). This prevents corrosion and jamming.
  • 📏 Disc thickness control: minimum permissible thickness for Almera G15 — 10.4 mm (from the original 12 mm). Measure with a caliper at 3-4 points.
  • 🔊 Diagnostics by sound: A squealing or squealing sound when braking may indicate worn pads or sand getting between the disc and pad.

Pay special attention brake fluid. On Almera G15 it must meet the standard DOT-4 and replaced every 2 years or 40,000 km. Signs that it is time to change the fluid:

  • Dark color (indicates the accumulation of wear products).
  • Loss of "elasticity" of the brake pedal.
  • The appearance of corrosion on the caliper pistons.
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Regularly checking the caliper boots and guides will help avoid costly repairs. A damaged boot allows dirt to enter the piston, causing it to jam.

Also don't forget about handbrake adjustment. When the pads wear out, the stroke of the lever increases and it needs to be tightened. The optimal stroke is 3-5 clicks until the wheels are completely locked.

Is it worth switching to disc brakes: pros and cons

Let's summarize when switching to disc brakes is worth it, and when it's better to stay with drum brakes.

Criterion Disc brakes Drum brakes
Cost of spare parts 1.5–2 times more expensive Budget
Difficulty replacing pads Easier (15–20 minutes per side) More difficult (40–60 minutes per side)
Heating efficiency Stable Drops when overheated
Pad life 20–30 thousand km 40–50 thousand km
Structure weight 1.5–2 kg lighter per side Heavier

Switching to disc brakes is advisable if:

  • You often drive with a full load or tow a trailer.
  • You operate the car in mountainous areas or with frequent braking.
  • Are you planning to tune the engine (increased power requires more effective brakes).

It is worth staying on drum brakes if:

  • The car is used mainly in the city with rare heavy braking.
  • Maintenance budget is limited.
  • You are not ready for more frequent replacement of pads and discs.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear disc brakes on Almera G15

Is it possible to install disc brakes only on the rear axle, leaving the standard ones on the front?

No, this is strictly prohibited! The braking system must be balanced. If there are disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear, the car may skid when braking sharply. Always change brakes in pairs (front + rear or rear only, keeping the front discs).

What is the service life of the rear brake discs on the Almera G15?

With a quiet ride, original wheels last 80–100 thousand km. Pads - 30–40 thousand km. However, these figures can vary greatly depending on driving style and the quality of parts. For example, cheap pads without asbestos wear out 2 times faster.

Do I need to change brake lines when switching to disc brakes?

Definitely! Hoses for drum and disc brakes differ in length and diameter. Using old hoses can cause them to rupture due to increased pressure in the system. Article number of the original hose for rear disc brakes - 40516-BM400.

Is it possible to install brakes from Nissan Juke on Almera G15?

Partially. Calipers and discs from Juke (first generation) are suitable for mounting, but the handbrake cable will need to be modified and the brake hoses replaced. You may also need a spacer to center the disc on the hub.

How to check that the caliper is not sticking?

Raise the car on a jack, remove the wheel and try to turn the disc by hand. It should rotate freely, without jamming. Also, after the ride, touch the caliper - if it is hot (so hot that you can’t hold your hand), this is a sign of jamming. In this case, you need to clean or replace the guides.