<em>Nissan Almera</em> rear brakes: device, malfunctions and do-it-yourself repairs

Nissan Almera is a popular car known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even with such a proven model, the brakes wear out over time, especially the rear ones. Unlike front disc brakes, rear drum (or disc, depending on the generation) require special attention: their design is more difficult to diagnose, and wear often goes unnoticed until a critical moment.

In this article we will analyze the design of the rear brakes Almera (including models N16, G15 And Tino), typical faults, signs of wear and step-by-step instructions for replacing pads and drums. We will pay special attention nuances of adjusting the hand brake and the choice of spare parts - these points often become the cause of errors during self-repair.

Rear brake device Nissan Almera: drum vs disk

Rear brake design Almera depends on the generation and configuration. Most models (especially budget versions) are equipped drum mechanisms, but in some modifications (for example, Almera Classic or Almera Tino) meet and disc brakes. Let's analyze both systems in detail.

Drum brakes consist of:

• 🔧 Brake drum - a cast iron or aluminum cylinder that rotates with the wheel.
• 🛠️ Shoes — two semicircular linings, pressed against the drum during braking.
• 🔄 Working cylinder — a hydraulic element that spreads the pads.
• 🔗 Handbrake cable — mechanical drive for the parking brake.
• 🔩 Return springs - return the pads to their original position.

Disc brakes (if installed) include:

• 📀 Brake disc - Attached to the wheel hub.
• 🔗 Caliper with a piston that presses the pads.
• 🛑 Pads - friction linings that clamp the disc.
• 🔧 Brackets and guides — provide the mobility of the caliper.

The main difference is efficiency: disc brakes cool better and are less susceptible to jamming, but drum ones are easier to maintain and cheaper to repair. On Almera N16 (2000–2006) most often there are drums, and on G15 (2012–2018) - already disc mechanisms (in top trim levels).

Signs of rear brake failure: when to sound the alarm

Rear brake wear is less noticeable than front brake wear, but ignoring the symptoms is dangerous. Here are the key signs that it's time to check your system:

1. Increased braking distance - if the car takes longer to stop, especially on a wet road, this is a sign of wear on the pads or drums. On Almera with drum brakes, critical wear occurs with the thickness of the linings < 1.5 mm.

2. Grinding or squealing noise when braking - points to metal contact (the block has worn down to the base) or sand/dirt gets into the mechanism. With drum brakes, a grinding noise is often heard when reversing.

3. Vibration or beating in the brake pedal - indicates drum deformation (on drum systems) or disk curvature (on disk). On Almera N16 This is a common problem due to corrosion of cast iron drums.

4. Difficulty rotating the wheel - if after braking the car “grabs”, the following are possible:

• 🔧 Working cylinder jammed (drum brakes).
• 🔗 Rusted caliper guides (disc brakes).
• 🛑 Tightened handbrake cable.

5. Uneven pad wear - one side wears off faster than the other. Reason: jammed cylinder piston or damaged spring.

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the pads with Almera The brake pedal has become “soft”, check working cylinder tightness. Brake fluid leaks are a common problem on cars older than 10 years.

Rear brake diagnostics Nissan Almera: step by step instructions

Before replacing pads or drums, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics. Here's how to do it without a lift:

1. Visual inspection

• 🔍 Remove the wheel and inspect the drum (or disk) for deep furrows, cracks or rust.
• 📏 Measure the thickness of the drum with a caliper. Norm for Almera N16: 200–201 mm (maximum diameter). If more, a groove or replacement is required.
• 🔧 Check the drum play: if it “walks” on the hub, it is weakened fastening bolts.

2. Checking the pads

• 🔧 On drum brakes, the pads can be inspected through viewing window in the shield (if there is one). The thickness of the overlay should be > 2 mm.
• 🛠️ On disc brakes, the pads are visible through the caliper. Critical wear - < 3 mm.

3. Slave cylinder test

• 🔧 Ask an assistant to press the brake pedal, mientras you watch the cylinder. If the pistons do not extend or fluid leaks, the cylinder is faulty.
• 🛑 Check it out anthers on pistons: cracks or tears will lead to corrosion.

4. Handbrake diagnostics

• 🔗 Raise the handbrake lever 3-4 clicks. The wheel should be locked. If not, it is required cable adjustment.
• 🔧 Inspect the cable for corrosion or breakage. On Almera The cable often rusts where it is attached to the body.

Remove the wheel and inspect the drum/disc|

Check the thickness of the pads|

Slave cylinder leak test|

Check the play and travel of the handbrake cable|

Prepare tools: jack, wrenches 10, 12, 14, pliers, WD-40

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Replacing rear brake pads with Nissan Almera: step by step guide

Replacing pads on drum brakes Almera more difficult than on disk ones, but you can do it without experience. The main thing is take your time and follow the instructions. You will need:

• 🔧 Keys on 10, 12, 14 mm.
• 🛠️Pliers and a flat blade screwdriver.
• 🔨 Hammer (for removing the drum).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar composition.
• 🔧 New pads (for example, Nisshinbo, TRW or Bosch).

Step 1: Removing the Drum

1. Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) or spray WD-40 around the perimeter of the drum.
3. Gently tap the drum through the wooden spacer with a hammer. Don't hit the edge - only in the center!

Step 2. Removing old pads

1. Remove the upper and lower springs using pliers.
2. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the shoe lever.
3. Remove the spacer bar and the pads themselves.

Step 3. Installing new pads

1. Clean the brake shield from dirt and rust.
2. Install new pads starting with rear (with handbrake lever).
3. Connect the spacer bar and springs. Check that the pads are not jammed when rotating.
4. Connect the handbrake cable and adjust its tension.

Step 4: Reassembly

1. Reinstall the drum. If it doesn't sit down, check pad travel — perhaps they are spread too widely.
2. Screw in the guides and install the wheel.
3. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads with Almera with drum brakes Be sure to adjust the handbrake. If this is not done, the pads will not fit properly, which will lead to accelerated wear.

Replacing the rear brake drum: when is it required and how to do it

Drum on Nissan Almera Lasts longer than pads, but over time it wears out or becomes deformed. Replacement is required if:

• 📏 Diameter exceeds 201 mm (for Almera N16).
• 🔧 On the inner surface there is deep furrows or cracks.
• 🛑 Drum cannot be removed due to corrosion or deformation.

Replacement Tools:

• 🔧 Keys on 12, 14, 17 mm.
• 🛠️ Drum puller (or hammer with a wooden spacer).
• 🔨 Socket wrench for the hub nut.
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, Liqui Moly).

Step by step instructions:

1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the guide pins (if equipped).
2. Sprinkle WD-40 along the edge of the drum and wait 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently knock down the drum with a hammer, tapping criss-cross.
4. Unscrew the hub nut (if the drum is integrated with the hub).
5. Install the new drum and tighten all fasteners to torque. 80–100 Nm.

After replacing the drum be sure to check:

• 🔧 Wheel runout (should be <0.1 mm).
• 🛑 Handbrake operation (adjustment may be required again).

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck to the hub, try the following methods:

1. Heat the drum with a hair dryer (do not overheat!).

2. Fill penetrating lubricant into the gap between the drum and the hub.

3. Use puller or tighten the hub nut 2-3 turns, then loosen it sharply - sometimes this helps to “rip” the drum out of place.

4. As a last resort, cut the drum with a grinder (carefully so as not to damage the hub!).

Adjusting the handbrake to Nissan Almera

An incorrectly adjusted handbrake is a common cause. uneven pad wear And wedging rear wheels. On Almera adjustment is performed in two places: under the car (cable) and in the cabin (lever).

Tools: keys on 10, 12 mm, pliers.

Step 1: Adjust the cable under the car

1. Raise the car on a jack or platform.
2. Find cable equalizer (located under the bottom, near the rear beam).
3. Loosen the locknut with a wrench 12 mm.
4. Tighten the adjusting nut until the cables are taut (the wheels should lock after 3-4 clicks of the lever).
5. Tighten the locknut and check the lever travel.

Step 2. Adjustment in the cabin

1. Remove the plastic console around the handbrake lever.
2. Locate the adjustment nut on the arm linkage.
3. Tighten it to reduce the lever stroke (standard: 3–5 clicks until completely blocked).

Check:

• 🔧 Raise the lever 3 clicks - the rear wheels should be locked.
• 🛑 Lower the lever - the wheels should rotate freely, without jamming.

⚠️ Attention! If after adjustment the handbrake still does not hold, check:

- Pad wear (perhaps they have been worn down to metal).

- Condition of the cables (corrosion or breakage).

- Working cylinder (if the pads do not move apart).

Selection of spare parts: which pads and drums to install on Almera

Depends on the quality of spare parts security And resource braking system. For Nissan Almera We recommend the following brands:

Part type	Recommended Brands	Article (example)	Notes
Brake pads (drum)	Nisshinbo, TRW, Bosch	Nisshinbo NFR330	They are soft, generate little dust, but wear out faster than cheap analogues.
Brake pads (disc)	Ferodo, ATE, Brembo	Ferodo FDB1636	High coefficient of friction, suitable for aggressive riding.
Brake drum	Nissan OEM, Febi, Mapco	Nissan 40520-9M000	The original lasts longer, but the analog Febi cheaper with comparable quality.
Working cylinder	TRW, Ate, Nissan	TRW LCB100	When replacing a cylinder, be sure to bleed the brakes!
Handbrake cable	Febi, Sasic, Nissan	Febi 23610	Cables Sasic often rust - it’s better to take Febi.

Important: on Almera N16 (2000–2006), drums from different manufacturers may differ in diameter by 1–2 mm. Before purchasing, check the catalog using the VIN code!

What to avoid when choosing:

• 🚫 Pads noname-brands (for example, AvtoVAZ or Finwhale) - they get dusty and wear out quickly.
• 🚫 Drums without heat treatment are deformed after 10–15 thousand km.
• 🚫 Handbrake cables without corrosion protection (for example, SEVI).

Common mistakes when repairing rear brakes Almera and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with rear brakes. Here are the most common:

1. Incorrect pad installation

• 🔧 The right and left pads are mixed up — on drum brakes they are asymmetrical!
• 🛑 Handbrake cable not connected — the block will not move apart.

2. Ignoring handbrake adjustment

• 🔧 If you do not adjust the cable, the pads will wedge or, conversely, don't hold car on a slope.

3. Using the wrong lubricant

• 🛑 Litol or solid oil not suitable for brake mechanisms - they collect dirt. Use copper or graphite lubricant

4. Unbleeded brakes after replacing the cylinder

• 🔧 If you don’t bleed the system, there will be air left in it and the pedal will be “soft.”

5. Tightening the drum “by eye”

• 🛑 The drum must sit tight, but without distortions. If you overtighten it, it will become deformed.

6. Saving on spare parts

• 🚫 Cheap pads or drums lead to vibrations, creaks And accelerated wear.

What to do if the brakes squeak after replacing the pads?

Creaking can occur for several reasons:

1. Low quality pads - replace with a trusted brand (for example, Ferodo).

2. Dirt entry between the block and the drum - clean the mechanism.

3. Lack of lubrication on the back side of the pads - apply copper paste.

4. Unused pads — the creaking may disappear after 200–300 km.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about rear brakes Nissan Almera

How often do you need to change the rear brake pads on Almera?

The service life of the pads depends on the driving style and operating conditions:

• 🚗 Quiet ride: 50–70 thousand km (drum), 30–50 thousand km (disc).
• 🏁 Aggressive driving: 20–30 thousand km.
• 🌧️ Off-road driving: pads wear out 1.5–2 times faster due to dirt.

We recommend checking the thickness of the pads every 15 thousand km.

Is it possible to sharpen the drums instead of replacing them?

Yes, but only if:

• 📏 The drum diameter does not exceed 201 mm (for Almera N16).
• 🔧 No deep cracks or chips.
• 🛑 Grooving is performed on machine (manual processing is unacceptable!).

After grooving, the drum will last longer 20–30 thousand km, but the resource will be lower than that of a new one.

Why does the car brake jerkily after replacing the pads?

Possible reasons:

• 🔧 Uneven pad running-in — will pass after 100–200 km.
• 🛑 Warped drum - requires replacement or grooving.
• 🔗 Jammed slave cylinder — check the tightness.
• 🚗 Unadjusted handbrake — the cable may jam the pads.

What brake fluid should I fill in Almera?

For Nissan Almera all generations recommended liquid class DOT-4. Popular brands:

• 🔧 Castrol React DOT4 - high temperature, suitable for intensive driving.
• 🛑 Motul DOT4 — good price/quality balance.
• 🚗 Nissan Original — optimal for regular work.

Change the fluid every 2 years or 40 thousand km.

Is it possible to bleed the brakes on Almera yourself?

Yes, but you will need an assistant. Procedure:

1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
2. Place the hose onto the rear wheel wheel cylinder fitting.
3. Have an assistant press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
4. Unscrew the fitting, let out the air, screw it back on.
5. Repeat the procedure for all wheels (starting with rear right).

After bleeding, add fluid to the level MAX.