Replacing front brake pads on a Nissan Almera G15: instructions with photos and tips

Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan that is valued for its reliability and unpretentiousness. But even on such a car, the brake pads wear out, and their replacement becomes a necessary procedure. On average, the front pads are Almere G15 serve 30–50 thousand km, but this indicator depends on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions. If you notice squeaking, vibration when braking, or increased braking distance, it's time to act.

Many owners are afraid to replace them themselves for fear of damaging the brake system. In fact, the procedure is no more complicated than oil change, if you know the nuances. This article contains detailed instructions with photos, a list of tools, common mistakes and tips on how to save money at a service station. We will also tell you which pads are best to choose for Almera G15 and how not to run into a fake.

Signs of wear on the front pads on a Nissan Almera G15

Brake pads do not break suddenly - they wear out gradually, giving signals to the driver. The main thing is not to ignore them, so as not to lead to critical wear of disks or emergency. Here are the main symptoms:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - the most obvious sign. The pads are equipped with special wear indicators (metal plates) that begin to rub against the disk when the friction layer remains thick 2–3 mm.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance. If the car brakes worse than usual, the pads could have worn down to metal or lost their friction properties due to overheating.
• 🌀 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when you press the brake pedal. This may indicate uneven pad wear or deformation of the brake disc.
• 🔴 ABS or brake system lamp on the dashboard. Sometimes it lights up due to the pad wear sensor (if installed).

On Nissan Almera G15 The front pads wear out faster than the rear ones due to the greater load. You can check their condition visually through the spokes of the wheel or by removing it. Critical thickness of the friction layer — 1.5–2 mm. If less, urgent replacement is required.

⚠️ Attention! If the pads are worn down to metal, they will begin to scratch the brake disc, which will lead to premature wear. In advanced cases, the disc will have to be sharpened or replaced, and this will 3–5 times more expensivethan timely replacement of pads.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Almera G15: original vs analogues

Not only safety, but also the service life of brake discs depends on the quality of brake pads. On Almera G15 (2012–2018) pads with catalog numbers are installed:

• 📌 Original: 40520-4M000 (Denso) or 40520-4M00A (Nissan). Cost - from 2500 to 4000 rub. per set per axle.
• 🔧 Analogues:
  • TRW GDB1446 — premium quality, soft, low dust;
  • Brembo P24060 — sport option, aggressive braking;
  • Ferodo FDB1446 — optimal price/quality balance;
  • ATE 13.0460-7216.2 - reliable, but can creak for the first 200 km.

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition:

Pad type	Pros	Cons	Recommendation
Semi-metallic	Long service life, good cooling	Discs squeak and wear out quickly	For aggressive riding
Ceramic	Low dust, quiet, disc-friendly	Dear ones, they work worse in the cold	For urban use
Organic	Soft, does not damage discs	Wear out quickly, poor heat resistance	For a relaxed driving style

Nissan Almera G15 with 1.6 (HR16DE) and 1.5 (K9K) engines fit the same pads, but for the version with ABS, wear sensor compatibility must be checked. Buy pads only in trusted stores - fake brands TRW or Brembo often found on the market.

Tools and materials for replacing pads

To change the front pads to Nissan Almera G15, you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And car stand (or ramps).
• 🔩 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔧 Socket heads on 14 mm And 17 mm (for caliper guides).
• 🔧 open-end wrench on 12 mm (for the brake bleeder fitting).
• 🛠️ Hammer And flat blade screwdriver (to press in the caliper piston).
• 🧴 WD-40 or liquid key (for unscrewing stuck bolts).
• 🧽 DOT-4 brake fluid (for topping up if necessary).
• 🧤 Gloves And safety glasses (Brake dust is harmful to health!).

Also useful caliper guide lubricant (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC) and copper paste for the back side of the pads (prevents squeaks). If you are planning to replace the pads for the first time, take a photo of the disassembly process - this will help you avoid mixing up the parts during reassembly.

⚠️ Attention! Never use graphite lubricant or Litol for caliper guides - they are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. Only specialized compounds!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads

The replacement procedure is the same for both sides, so just do it on one wheel and then repeat on the second. Follow the algorithm:

1. Wheel removal and preparation.

   Raise the car with a jack, remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt with a wire brush. Please note guide boot - if it is torn, it needs to be replaced.

2. Removing the caliper.

   Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (key on 14 mm). Carefully remove the caliper and hang it on a wire or rope to avoid damaging the brake hose. Do not press the brake pedal With the caliper removed, the piston may fly out!

3. Replacing pads.

   Remove the old pads and clean the seats from rust. Install new pads after applying copper paste on the back side (where they come into contact with the caliper).

4. Piston indentation.

   To put the caliper on the new (thicker) pads, you need to push the piston back. To do this use clamp or an adjustable wrench. Turn the piston clockwise (by Almera G15) will make the process easier.

5. Assembly and testing.

   Place the caliper in place, tighten the bolts (tightening torque - 25–30 Nm). Put on the wheel, lower the car and press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in the working position. Check the brake fluid level.

Important nuance: after replacing the pads the first 200–300 km Avoid sudden braking - the new pads should get used to the discs. Also check for any brake fluid leaks around the caliper.

What should I do if the caliper piston does not press in?

If the piston is not pressed in with the clamp, there may be pressure remaining in the system. Try to slightly unscrew the brake bleeder fitting (12 mm wrench) and press the piston in again. Be careful - brake fluid may splash!

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to squeaks, uneven wear or even brake failure. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Unlubricated guides. If you do not apply special lubricant, the caliper will jam and the pads will wear unevenly.
• 🚫 Overtightened caliper bolts. Over-tightening will distort the threads or cause the pads to become misaligned.
• 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the disk has collar more than 1 mm or cracks, it needs to be sharpened or replaced.
• 🚫 Forgot to press in the piston. Without this, the caliper will not fit on the new pads, and the brake fluid may overflow through the reservoir.
• 🚫 Using unsuitable lubricant. Litol or solid oil will destroy the caliper boots in a few months.

Another common problem is squeaking pads after replacement. Reasons:

• 🔊 The pads have not gotten used to the disc (you need to drive 300–500 km).
• 🔊 Missing anti-squeak plate or copper paste.
• 🔊 Low-quality friction material (especially for cheap analogues).

⚠️ Attention! If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal becomes “soft” or goes to the floor, it means that air has entered the system. Required bleeding the brakes!

When do you need to change brake discs and pads?

Brake discs on Nissan Almera G15 They last longer than pads, but they also have a wear limit. Replacement of disks is required in the following cases:

• 📏 Disc thickness less than permissible:
  • For Almera G15 with engine 1.6 - minimum thickness 19 mm (denomination - 22 mm).
  • For version with 1.5 diesel - minimum thickness 20 mm.
• 🌀 Deep grooves or cracks on the work surface.
• 🔄 Disc runout, which is felt as vibration on the steering wheel when braking.
• 🔥 Overheating and turning blue disk (indicates critically high temperatures).

If the disk is still normal, but has collar along the edge, it can be turned on a machine. The cost of the service is approx. 1000–1500 rub. per disc. However, grooving is possible only if the residual thickness allows it (at least 20.5 mm for Almera G15).

When replacing discs, be sure to also change the pads - the old pads will not rub evenly onto the new surface. Also check guide anthers And caliper cuffs for cracks.

How much does it cost to replace pads at a service station and how to save

Cost of replacing front pads Nissan Almera G15 services vary:

Service type	Labor cost (per axle)	Lead time
Official Nissan dealer	2500–3500 rub.	1–1.5 hours
Unofficial service	1200–2000 rub.	40–60 minutes
Mobile master (onsite)	1500–2500 rub.	1 hour
Self-replacement	0 rub. (only cost of pads)	1.5–2 hours (first time)

The savings when replacing yourself are obvious: if the pads TRW are worth 2000 rub., then along with the work at the service station it will come out 3500–4500 rub.. However, consider the risks:

• ⚠️ Incorrect installation may result in caliper jamming.
• ⚠️ Lack of experience is fraught damage to the brake hose.
• ⚠️ Without a special tool, it is difficult to press the piston evenly.

If you have never changed the pads yourself, it is better to do it for the first time under the supervision of an experienced technician or choose a service with a guarantee on the work.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to drive if the brake pads squeak?

Creaking does not always mean critical wear. If the pads are even thicker 3 mm, you can drive, but it’s better to check their condition. Creaking can occur due to sand, rust on the disc, or lack of anti-squeak plates. However, if the creaking is accompanied vibration or poor braking, the pads need to be replaced immediately.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?

Bleeding is only necessary if you have unscrewed the brake line fitting or air has entered the system. When replacing pads normally (without opening the hydraulics), bleeding is not required. However, after replacing first press of the brake pedal may be “soft” - this is normal, since the caliper piston rises to the working position.

How often do you need to change brake fluid when replacing pads?

Brake fluid to Almera G15 it is recommended to change every 2 years or 40,000 km, regardless of replacing the pads. However, if you notice that the fluid has darkened or there is sediment in it, replace it immediately. Cost of liquid DOT-4 - about 300–500 rub. per liter, and the replacement procedure takes 20–30 minutes.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

Jerky braking is usually caused by:

1. Uneven grinding of the pads (you need to drive 200–300 km in gentle mode).
2. If dirt or grease gets on the working surface of the pads/disc (need to be cleaned white spirit).
3. Deformation of the brake disc (grooving or replacement required).

If the problem persists, check caliper mobility — the guides may have become sour.

Is it possible to put chocks on only one wheel?

No! Pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (i.e. on both front wheels at the same time). If you install new pads on only one side, the car will pull to the side when braking, and the wear on the pads and discs will become uneven. The exception is if the pads on the second wheel are almost new (for example, they were recently replaced).