The braking system is a critical safety element of any vehicle, and Nissan Almera The G15 generation is no exception. Owners of this model are often faced with the design features of the rear axle, which uses a drum design instead of a disc one. This decision, made by engineers to reduce cost and increase service life, creates specific operating and maintenance conditions.
Understanding how they work rear brakes on this platform, allows owners to identify problems in a timely manner and avoid costly repairs. Many car owners mistakenly believe that drum mechanisms do not require attention, but they are subject to wear in the same way as disk systems, but have their own hidden nuances.
Design features of the drum assembly
Rear suspension Nissan Almera The G15 is equipped with a semi-supporting axle on which a classic drum mechanism is installed. Unlike disc systems, where the brake pads are pressed against the disc from the outside, here they are released from the inside of the drum. This arrangement provides good protection from dirt and water, but complicates the process of diagnosing wear without dismantling.
The main elements of the node are two brake drum, a pair of pads with return springs and a self-feeding mechanism. A special feature of the design is the presence of a hydraulic cylinder, which pushes the pads apart when you press the brake pedal. It is important to note that this model often uses a combined parking brake control system integrated into the same unit.
- 🔧 The drums are made of cast iron and are highly resistant to overheating during prolonged braking
- 🔧 The pads are equipped with a special mechanism to compensate for friction lining wear
- 🔧 The parking brake is operated via a cable drive that requires regular adjustment
The self-adjusting mechanism operates automatically every time the handbrake is used, which should theoretically keep the gap between the shoes and the drum constant. However, in practice, this mechanism can become sour or break, which leads to incomplete release of the brakes and increased wear.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the symptoms of jamming of the self-feeding mechanism can lead to overheating of the drums and even fire of the friction linings during prolonged movement.
Diagnosis of wear and characteristic symptoms
Determine rear brake wear Nissan Almera G15 is more difficult than on cars with disc mechanisms, since visual inspection is impossible without disassembly. However, there are indirect signs that should alert the driver. One of the most striking symptoms is a change in the length of travel of the parking brake lever. If you have to lift the handle higher than normal to secure the vehicle, this is a sure sign that adjustments or parts need to be replaced.
Another warning sign is the appearance of extraneous sounds when braking. A creaking, grinding or humming noise may indicate that the friction linings have worn down to metal or that dirt has entered the mechanism. Sometimes the problem lies not in the pads themselves, but in the deformation of the drum, which over time can lose its ideal round shape due to overheating or corrosion.
- 🛑 Increased braking distance during emergency braking on the rear axle
- 🛑 Noticeable vibration of the steering wheel or body when pressing the brake pedal
- 🛑 Burning smell from under the wheels after active driving for no obvious reason
If you notice that the car pulls to the side when braking, this may indicate uneven wear on the pads on different wheels or leakage of brake fluid in one of the cylinders. In such a situation, operating the vehicle becomes dangerous and immediate diagnosis is required.
- Once a year
- Only in case of breakdown
- Once every six months
- I never check
Selection of quality replacement parts
When choosing components for Nissan Almera G15 it is important to understand the difference between original parts and high-quality analogues. The original (Nissan) always guarantees perfect compliance with geometry and materials, but is much more expensive. For most drivers, the optimal solution is proven brands, such as Tokico, TRW or Delphi, which supply spare parts to the conveyor.
Upon purchase brake pads pay attention to the composition of the friction mixture. Cheap analogs often contain metal inclusions that can quickly wear out the drum, making it unsuitable for further use. It is also important to check that all necessary components are present in the box: springs, clamps and wedges.
| Brand | Type | Features | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Original | Ideal geometry, long service life | For those who don't want compromises |
| TRW | Analogue | High quality, often goes to the conveyor | Optimal choice price/quality |
| Febi Bilstein | Analogue | Good quality, affordable price | Budget but reliable option |
| Chinese nonames | Budget | Poor quality, risk of drum damage | Not recommended for installation |
It is equally important to choose the right one brake drum. If you change pads and the drum has wear or microcracks, the new pads will quickly become unusable. In some cases, it is enough to grind the drum, but if its thickness is less than the permissible minimum, replacement is required.
⚠️ Attention: Installing pads in a worn drum will lead to their rapid erasure and reduced braking efficiency in the first hundreds of kilometers.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake pads
The process of replacing rear brake pads Nissan Almera G15 requires care and special tools. Start by placing the vehicle on a level surface and securing the front wheels with wheel chocks. Loosen the rear wheel bolts, then jack up the vehicle and place it on a jackstand.
Remove the wheel and brake drum. If it is stuck, gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer or use special screws in the technological holes to remove it from its place. Be extremely careful not to damage the ABS sensor if it is installed in the hub.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
After removing the drum, inspect the condition of the brake cylinder for leaks. If you find oil, the cylinder must be replaced. Clean all parts from dust and dirt using a special liquid or compressed air. Do not use benzene or thinners as they may damage the rubber seals.
Remove the old pads by disconnecting the springs and retainers. Pay attention to the self-feeding mechanism: if it is jammed, it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Install new pads, following the order in which the springs and clamps are installed. Make sure all elements are securely fastened.
- 🔩 Use new springs and retainers every time you replace pads
- 🔩 Apply high-temperature grease to the contact points between the pads and the support disk
- 🔩 Check the operation of the self-feeding mechanism before installing the drum
How to properly compress the brake cylinder pistons?
Before installing new pads, you must press the brake cylinder pistons inward. To do this, use a special tool or a vice, but do not use brute force so as not to damage the rubber cuffs. If the self-feeding mechanism is not unscrewed, the pistons may not press in completely.
Before installing the drum, apply a thin layer of copper grease to the hub mounting surfaces to prevent it from sticking tightly next time.
Adjusting the clearance and parking brake
After installing new pads, it is critical to correctly adjust the gap between them and the drum. On Nissan Almera G15 this process is automated, but requires the correct algorithm of actions. Install the drum and wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
To adjust the parking brake, tighten it all the way and then release it. Repeat this procedure several times. After this, check the lever travel: it should be between 4 and 6 clicks at full tension. If the travel is too large or small, the cable will need to be adjusted under the vehicle.
Correct adjustment of the parking brake ensures reliable fixation of the vehicle on a slope and prevents spontaneous release of the brake while driving.
If the clearance remains incorrect after adjusting the lever, the self-adjustment mechanism may be faulty or incorrectly installed. In this case, you will have to remove the drum and check the condition of the wedge and the self-feeding lever.
⚠️ Caution: Incorrect adjustment may cause the pads to constantly rub against the drum, causing overheating and loss of braking performance.
Servicing the brake cylinder and drive cables
The brake cylinder is one of the most vulnerable elements of the rear axle. Over time, the boots can tear, and moisture that gets inside causes corrosion of the pistons. This leads to cylinder jamming and uneven pad wear. Regularly checking the condition of the boots should be part of your maintenance schedule.
The parking brake cables also require attention. They pass under the bottom of the car and are exposed to moisture and reagents. If the cables are soured, the handbrake lever may not return to its original position, which will lead to constant braking of the wheels.
- 🛠️ Periodically lubricate the handbrake cables with silicone grease
- 🛠️ Check the integrity of the rubber boots of the brake cylinders
- 🛠️ If fluid leaks are detected, replace the cylinder immediately
If you replace the brake cylinder, be sure to bleed the brake system to remove air. To do this, have an assistant press the brake pedal while you unscrew the fitting on the cylinder.
Signs of a faulty brake cylinder
If the brake pedal becomes soft and the car pulls to the side when braking, this is a sure sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. There may also be fluid leakage around the rear wheels.
Frequent maintenance errors
Many car owners make typical mistakes when servicing rear brakes, which shorten the service life of the units. One of the most common mistakes is using a permanent lubricant on friction surfaces. This instantly reduces braking efficiency and creates a dangerous situation on the road.
Another mistake is to ignore the condition of the brake drums. An attempt to save on replacing the drum when there is wear out leads to the fact that the new pads are quickly worn out. The minimum permissible drum thickness for Nissan Almera G15 is 29.0 mm, while the maximum wear diameter should not exceed 30.2 mm.
Installing low-quality springs can also cause problems. Weak springs do not ensure reliable return of the pads, which leads to their constant contact with the drum. Always use components from trusted manufacturers.
Skimping on the quality of spare parts and incorrectly assembling the brake mechanism can cost you not only money for repeated repairs, but also your life in an emergency.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
How often do you need to change the rear brake pads on a Nissan Almera G15?
The service life of the rear pads depends on driving style and operating conditions. On average they travel from 40,000 to 60,000 km. However, if squeaks appear or the handbrake travel increases, a check must be carried out immediately.
Is it possible to grind brake drums instead of replacing them?
Yes, grooving is possible if the thickness of the drum allows this to be done without violating the permissible limits. However, if the wear is uneven or there are deep risks, replacement is a more reliable solution.
Why do the rear wheels get hot after a trip?
Heating can be caused by a seized brake cylinder, improperly adjusted parking brake, or lack of play between the shoes and drum. It is necessary to carry out a complete diagnosis of the unit.
Do I need to replace both brake cylinders at once?
It is recommended to change cylinders in pairs to ensure even braking on both wheels. If one cylinder fails, the second will most likely soon require replacement as well.
How to check the operation of the self-feeding mechanism?
To check, lift the rear wheel, spin it and press the brake pedal. Then try turning the wheel by hand. If it rotates freely, the mechanism is working. If there is resistance or binding, the mechanism requires cleaning or replacement.