Many owners Nissan Almera Classic are faced with the issue of the effectiveness of the standard braking system, especially during active driving or in heavy city traffic. The factory design provides drum brakes on the rear axle, which, despite their simplicity and low cost, have a number of significant disadvantages in terms of heat dissipation and force modulation.
Rear axle modernization disk system allows you to radically change the nature of braking, making it more predictable and powerful. This solution not only improves safety, but also improves the appearance of the car, opening up space for the installation of more stylish rims.
Why should you replace drums with discs?
Drum mechanisms installed from the factory are prone to overheating during frequent braking, which leads to a “fading” effect. Unlike them, disc brakes have a significantly better ability to dissipate heat, remaining effective even after long descents or aggressive riding.
In addition, replacing it with a disk system simplifies maintenance. You no longer have to disassemble complex mechanisms to replace pads or check bearings. Access to the working surfaces becomes open, which allows you to visually monitor the wear and condition of components without special tools.
An important aspect is the brake pedal. After installation disc rear axle it becomes more sensitive and linear. You will need to use less force to achieve the same braking force, which is especially noticeable in emergency situations.
Selecting the Right Installation Kit
On the auto parts market there are several options for conversion kits (kits) designed for Nissan Almera Classic. The most popular are kits adapted from models Nissan Tiida or Renault Megane, since their geometry and mounting most closely match the hubs of your car.
When choosing a set, pay attention to the material of the discs themselves. Standard ventilated discs provide maximum heat dissipation, but require careful testing for compatibility with large diameter wheels. If you're using stock 15-inch wheels, you may need to consider non-ventilated (solid) wheel options, which are more compact.
The calipers are no less important. Cheap Chinese analogues often suffer from piston jamming after just six months of operation. It's better to spend money on proven brands such as Brembo or original spare parts from donors to avoid problems with uneven pad wear.
⚠️ Attention: Never install calipers without checking their compatibility with your hub type. Differences in seats can lead to impossibility of installation or rapid failure of bearings.
- Drum (standard)
- Disk (homemade)
- Disc (kit)
- I don't know
Necessary tools and preparation
Before starting work, you need to prepare a set of tools that will allow you to perform all operations efficiently. You will need jacks, car stands, a set of socket wrenches, a torque wrench and a specialized tool for compressing the caliper piston.
Also don’t forget about consumables: grade brake fluid DOT-4, brake cleaner, copper guide grease and possibly a new set of brake lines if the old ones are showing signs of wear.
It is better to carry out work in a dry and clean room so that dust and dirt do not get inside the hydraulic system. If you plan to replace the front brakes as well, do it at the same time to keep the system balanced.
⚠️ Attention: Working with the brake system requires extreme care. Any error in assembling or charging the system can lead to complete failure of the brakes while driving.
☑️ Preparing to replace brakes
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the mechanism
We begin the process by dismantling the wheel and removing the drum. If the drum is stuck, you can gently tap it through a wooden spacer to loosen it, but avoid hitting the flange hard.
After removing the drum, unscrew the guide bolts and remove the old mechanism. Next, you need to disconnect the brake hose from the master cylinder or adapter, carefully closing the hole to prevent fluid from leaking out and air from entering.
The new caliper is installed using adapter brackets, which are usually included in the kit. It is important to observe the tightening torque of all fastening bolts according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Use a torque wrench to avoid warping or stripping threads.
Now proceed to install the disk. Make sure it fits snugly to the hub without any play. If a centering ring is used, check its condition. Secure the drive with the screws that are often included in the kit.
Features of working with the caliper piston
Unlike front calipers, rear calipers often have a handbrake mechanism inside the piston. To compress it, you must use a special ratchet wrench or device, rotating the piston clockwise while applying pressure. This cannot be done with normal compression without damaging the handbrake mechanism.
Comparison of characteristics: standard drums vs disc drums
For clarity, we present a comparison of the main parameters so that you can assess the scale of the changes that will occur after the modernization.
| Parameter | Drum brakes (Staff) | Disc Brakes (Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|
| Heatsink | Low, prone to overheating | High, efficient cooling |
| Pedal response | Soft, delayed | Rigid, linear |
| Service | Complex, requires disassembly | Simple, fast access |
| Water resistance | High (self-cleaning) | Low (requires pumping after puddles) |
Please note that the disc system is more sensitive to water. When driving through deep puddles, braking performance may be temporarily reduced due to the formation of a film of water on the disc. However, after a couple of pedal strokes, the moisture evaporates and efficiency is restored.
Another factor is the cost of ownership. Although the initial costs disc brake kit above, in the long run you save on replacing pads, since they change faster and easier, and their service life is often longer if used correctly.
Before installing new rotors, be sure to wipe them down with solvent or brake cleaner to remove the protective oil coating that is applied at the factory to prevent corrosion during storage.
Bleeding the system and adjusting the hand brake
After installing the mechanical part, it is necessary to fill the system with new brake fluid. Use a high-quality liquid that does not absorb moisture from the air to avoid the formation of vapor locks when heated.
The pumping process should be carried out according to the scheme: from the far wheel to the near one. Open the bleeder fitting by pressing the brake pedal and make sure that liquid comes out of the tube without air bubbles.
Pay special attention to setting the handbrake (handbrake). In disk systems, cable tension is adjusted differently than in drum systems. After installation, check the lever travel: it should lock in 3-5 clicks when fully tensioned. A mechanism that is too loose or too tight can lead to overheating of the discs or lack of parking effect.
Proper bleeding of the system and fine adjustment of the handbrake are critical steps that affect the safety and comfort of driving after installing disc brakes.
Common mistakes when installing yourself
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the caliper guides. If the guides are not lubricated or worn out, the caliper will become misaligned, which will lead to rapid wear of the pads and jamming of the wheel.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong disc thickness. If the disc is too thin or thick, it may interfere with the handbrake mechanism or cause friction against the wheel boot. Always check the specifications of the kit.
Don't forget to replace the brake hoses either. Old rubber hoses lose elasticity over time and can expand under pressure, reducing braking performance. Installing new reinforced hoses is a great addition to the upgrade.
Using low-quality pads can also ruin all efforts to install expensive discs. Cheap materials can melt or squeak, creating discomfort and reducing efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: Never mix brake fluid of different brands and colors. This can lead to a chemical reaction, sludge formation and destruction of the rubber seals in the system.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Are Nissan Tiida wheels compatible with Almera Classic?
Yes, most conversion kits use calipers and discs from a Nissan Tiida (C11) or Renault Megane, as they have a similar base and mounting geometry. However, always check the compatibility of a specific kit before purchasing.
Do I need to change the front brakes when installing rear discs?
Not required, but highly recommended. The balance of braking forces between the axles must be balanced. If the rear ones become too powerful and the front ones remain stock, this can lead to the rear axle skidding during heavy braking. However, if the standard front brakes are in excellent condition, switching to rear discs is possible without replacing the front ones.
How to check the serviceability of the handbrake after installation?
After installing and bleeding the system, find a flat area with a slope. Pull the handbrake and try to drive uphill. The vehicle must be held in place. Also check if the rear wheels get hot after a ride - this is a sign of uneven rubbing of the pads.
How long does it take to replace rear brakes?
For an experienced technician, replacement takes about 2-3 hours on one side. If you are doing this for the first time, allow 4-5 hours for the entire bridge, as it will take time to study the instructions, prepare tools and eliminate possible difficulties with stuck bolts.
Can I use old drum calipers?
No, that's impossible. The disc system requires a completely different design of the caliper, pads and handbrake mechanism. Standard drum assemblies do not have the ability to attach to disks and do not provide the necessary compression force.
The decision to modernize the brake system at Nissan Almera Classic always remains yours. If you value safety and performance, upgrading to rear disc brakes will be one of the best upgrades for your car. The main thing is to approach the process responsibly, using high-quality spare parts and observing all technical nuances.
A properly installed disc system can reduce braking distance by 15-20% compared to stock drums under heavy braking conditions. These are not just numbers, but a real factor that can save lives in an emergency.