Replacing the front wheel bearing of the <em>Nissan Almera G15</em>: instructions with photos and videos

Replacing the wheel bearing with Nissan Almera G15 - a task that every owner of this car faces sooner or later. A characteristic hum at speed, steering wheel vibration or wheel play indicate a malfunction that is dangerous to ignore. Unlike many foreign cars, where the hub comes assembled, on Almera G15 The bearing can be replaced separately - this saves up to 50% of the repair cost. However, the process requires precision, special tools and knowledge of key nuances, which are often kept silent in standard instructions.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from diagnosis to final assembly, paying attention to typical mistakeswhich lead to premature failure of the new bearing. You will learn how to properly remove the hub without damaging the ABS sensor, which bearing puller suitable for Almera G15, and why you can’t use a hammer when pressing. We will also analyze when it is more appropriate to replace the hub assembly, and when only the bearing is enough - this will help save up to 3,000–4,000 rubles.

Signs of a bad front wheel bearing

The first symptoms of wheel bearing wear on Nissan Almera G15 often confused with tire noise or transmission problems. However, there are key signs that clearly indicate a problem:

• 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing during acceleration. At an early stage, the noise may disappear when turning (due to load redistribution).
• 🌀 Steering wheel vibration, especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h. If vibration is also felt in the pedals, the problem may be related to the rear bearing or driveshaft.
• 🔄 Wheel play when rocking in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). For Almera G15 permissible play - no more than 0.5 mm.
• 🚨 Grinding or crunching noise when rotating the wheel manually (indicates critical wear or destruction of the cage).

It is important to distinguish bearing noise from other faults. For example, whistle when braking more often associated with pads, and knocking on bumps - with wear of racks or silent blocks. For an accurate diagnosis, raise the car on a lift or use a jack with a stop under the lever (never work with only a jack!). Spin the wheel by hand: if you hear a crunching sound or feel uneven resistance, the bearing needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera G15 With a mileage of more than 100,000 km, bearing wear is often accompanied by damage to the hub (deterioration of the seat). In this case, replacing only the bearing will have a temporary effect - after 10,000–15,000 km the hum will return.

If you notice oil smudges near the hub, this may indicate damage to the axle shaft seal. In this case, a comprehensive repair is required: replacing the bearing + oil seal + checking the condition of the CV joint.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the front wheel bearing with Almera G15 Attempting to perform the job with improvised tools (like a hammer and chisel) will damage the hub or ABS sensor. Here's a complete list:

Tool/material	Purpose	Notes
Wheel bearing puller (3-jaw)	To carefully remove the old bearing	The puller is suitable for bearings with a diameter of 72–75 mm (e.g. KUKKO 204-2)
Bearing press-in mandrel	Uniform force when installing a new bearing	You can use the old bearing as a mandrel
30 mm socket wrench	To loosen the hub nut	Requires extension and lever (tightening torque 200–230 Nm)
Torque wrench	Checking the torque of the hub nut	Mandatory to prevent constriction
WD-40 or similar	For processing threaded connections	Apply 10–15 minutes before unscrewing

Additionally you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and sockets (10–19 mm)
• 🔨 Hammer with a soft striker (rubber or polyurethane)
• 🛠️ Vise (for fixing the hub during pressing)
• 🧴 Litol-24 or similar lubricant (for processing seats)
• 📦 New bearing (original - Nissan 40520-BM00A, analogues - SKF VKBA 3643, NSK 6206DDU)

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a bearing, check availability magnetic ring for ABS sensor. Some non-original bearings do not have it, which will cause an ABS error after installation.

If you are planning to replace a bearing for the first time, we recommend purchasing hub repair kitwhich includes a new snap ring and oil seal. This will eliminate the risk of lubricant leakage in the future.

Preparing the vehicle and removing the wheel

Before starting work, ensure safety and access to the hub. Park Nissan Almera G15 on a level surface, apply the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. If you have a manual transmission, engage first gear; for an automatic machine - position P.

Next, follow the steps:

1. Loosen the wheel nuts (do not remove completely!) using a wheelbrace while the vehicle is on the ground. This will prevent the wheel from spinning on the jack.
2. Jack up the car, installing it under a reinforced place on the threshold (see diagram in the instruction manual). Use an additional support (for example, a wooden block) under the lever.
3. Remove the wheel and set it aside. Clean the hub and brake disc from dirt with a wire brush.
4. Unscrew the brake caliper guide pins (14 mm wrench) and hang the caliper on a wire to the spring - Do not let the caliper hang on the brake hose, this may damage it.

At this point you will have access to the hub and brake disc. If the disc has deep grooves or cracks, it is also recommended to replace it - this will save time in the future.

Removing the hub and removing the bearing

The most critical stage is dismantling the hub and removing the old bearing. Many people make mistakes here that lead to damage to the ABS sensor or seat. Follow the instructions:

1. Remove the ABS sensor (disconnect the connector and unscrew the bolt with a 10 mm wrench). Carefully place the sensor aside, do not pull on the wires.
2. Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm socket wrench). If the nut does not budge, use an extension and a lever. Do not apply excessive force; the threads on the axle shaft may be damaged.
3. Remove the hub from the axle shaft. Light tapping with a hammer through the wood spacer may be necessary. Don't hit the hub itself!

Now you need to remove the old bearing. To do this:

1. Clamp the hub in a vice through soft pads (for example, pieces of rubber) so as not to damage the seating surface.
2. Place the puller on the bearing and gradually tighten the bolt until the bearing comes out of its seat. If you don't have a puller, you can use long M10 bolts and nuts as an improvised press.
3. After removing the bearing, clean the seat of old grease and corrosion. Check the integrity of the retaining ring - if it is deformed, replace it.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera G15 with mileage over 150,000 km often found development of the hub seat. If the hole diameter exceeds 72.1 mm, the entire hub must be replaced - the new bearing will “walk” and quickly fail.

New bearing installation and assembly

Pressing the bearing is a critical step. Incorrect installation will lead to misalignment, accelerated wear and repeated humming after 5,000–10,000 km. Use only mandrel (or an old bearing), but under no circumstances a hammer!

Procedure:

1. Check the new bearing for absence of defects. Make sure the magnetic ring (for ABS) is intact and clean.
2. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the hub seat. This will make pressing easier and prevent corrosion.
3. Install the bearing into the seat, aligning the hole for the retaining ring. Use a mandrel and press (or vise), applying pressure evenly only to the outer ring of the bearing.
4. Secure the bearing with a retaining ring. Make sure it is completely seated in the groove.

After pressing, check that the bearing rotates smoothly, without jamming or play. If resistance is felt, it means that the bearing is installed skewed - it needs to be re-pressed.

Next, proceed to assembly:

1. Install the hub onto the axle shaft and install the nut (do not tighten it!).
2. Connect the ABS sensor and secure it with a bolt (tightening torque: 8–10 Nm).
3. Install the brake disc and caliper, lubricating the guides with special paste (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
4. Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (torque - 200–230 Nm). Overtightening the nut leads to overheating of the bearing and its destruction after 1,000–2,000 km.

Check after replacement and possible errors

After assembly, be sure to perform a test drive. Here's what to look for:

• 🚗 No hum at speeds of 40–100 km/h. Test on a flat road without turns.
• 🌀 Smooth wheel rotation with the car jacked up. Any binding or unevenness indicates bearing misalignment.
• 🚨 No ABS errors on the dashboard. If the light comes on, check the integrity of the magnetic ring and the correct installation of the sensor.
• 🔧 No lubricant leakage from the hub side. If oil stains appear, the oil seal is installed incorrectly.

Typical mistakes made when replacing:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using a hammer to press in	Bearing misalignment, cage destruction	Use only mandrel and press
Failure to comply with the hub nut tightening torque	Bearing overheating, wheel play	Use a torque wrench
Damage to the ABS sensor	ABS error, incorrect system operation	Remove the sensor carefully, do not pull the wires
Ignoring hub wear	Rapid wear of the new bearing	Check the diameter of the seat with a micrometer

If the hum does not disappear after replacement, possible reasons:

• 🔄 The bearing is installed skewed (needs to be repressed).
• 🛠️ The separator is damaged during pressing (the bearing needs to be replaced).
• 🚗 Bearing wear on the other side (check the second wheel).
• 🌀 Malfunction of the CV joint or axle shaft (diagnostics needed).

What should I do if after replacement there is vibration in the steering wheel?

Vibration in the steering wheel after replacing a bearing may be due to:

1. Incorrect wheel balancing (even if the disk was not removed, the weight of the new bearing may affect the balance).

2. Damage to the brake disc during removal/installation (check the disc runout with an indicator).

3. Loosening the hub or caliper mounting bolts (check the tightening torques).

If vibration appears immediately after replacement, in 80% of cases the reason is uneven pressing of the bearing.

When is it advisable to replace the hub assembly?

In some cases, replacing just the bearing is not practical. Let's consider situations where it is cheaper and more reliable to install a hub assembly:

• 🔧 Development of a seat more than 0.1 mm (checked with a micrometer). The new bearing will “walk” and the noise will return after 5,000–10,000 km.
• 💥 Hub cracks or deformation (often occurs after an accident or aggressive driving in potholes).
• 🛠️ Thread wear under the hub nut (it is impossible to ensure the correct tightening torque).
• 🔄 Repeated bearing replacement (if this has already happened 2-3 times, the hub is definitely worn out).

The cost of a new hub assembly for Nissan Almera G15 (original Nissan 40520-BM000) - about 8,000–10,000 rubles. Analogues (Febi 24363, TRW JTC1345) will cost 5,000–7,000 rubles. This is more expensive than a separate bearing (1,500–2,500 rubles), but will save you from repeated repairs.

Advantages of replacing the hub assembly:

• ⏱️ Save time - no need to bother with pressing.
• 🔧 Guaranteed correct geometry — there is no risk of bearing misalignment.
• 🛡️ Long service life — the new hub will last 100,000+ km.

If you choose a hub assembly, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Availability ABS magnetic ring (some analogues do not have it).
• 📏 Compliance landing dimensions (diameter of the hole for the axle shaft is 30 mm).
• 🔧 Complete set (the set must include a nut and a locking ring).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a wheel bearing

Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing? What are the risks?

You can drive with a worn bearing, but it is extremely dangerous. Risks:

• 🔥 Bearing jam at high speed (will result in loss of control).
• 🚗 Axle shaft damage (the cost of repairs will increase 3–4 times).
• 💥 Hub destruction (the wheel may fall off while driving).

At the first sign of a hum, it is recommended to replace the bearing within 1,000–2,000 km. If you hear a crunching or grinding sound, you must stop driving and evacuate the car.

Which bearing is better to choose: original or analogue?

Original bearing (Nissan 40520-BM00A) guarantees compatibility and long service life (100,000+ km), but costs more (about 2,500 rubles). among analogues we recommend:

• SKF VKBA 3643 — optimal price/quality ratio (1,800–2,200 rubles).
• NSK 6206DDU - high quality, but rarely found in stores.
• FAG 713680630 - a budget option (1,200–1,500 rubles), but the resource is lower.

The main thing is to check availability ABS magnetic ring and packaging (counterfeits often lack a hologram or barcode).

Do I need to replace the bearing on both sides if only one is humming?

No, only the faulty bearing must be replaced. However, if the car's mileage exceeds 150,000 km, it is recommended to check the condition of the second bearing (play, noise during rotation). Practice shows that if one bearing fails, the second is often in a limiting state and will require replacement after 20,000–30,000 km.

Is it possible to replace a bearing without a puller?

Theoretically yes, but it's risky. Alternative methods:

• 🔧 Using Long Bolts and Nuts like an improvised press (suitable for extraction).
• 🔨 Knocking out the bearing through a mandrel (only for old bearings, new ones cannot be installed this way!).

To press in a new bearing, use a puller required - without it it is impossible to ensure uniform force, which will lead to misalignment.

How often should the condition of bearings be checked?

Recommended inspection interval:

• 🔍 Every 20,000 km - visual inspection on the lift (play, leaks).
• 🚗 Every 50,000 km - check for noise (when accelerating to 80–100 km/h).
• 🛠️ After strong impacts (for example, hitting a curb) - immediate diagnosis.

Bearing life at Almera G15 — 80,000–120,000 km. With aggressive driving or frequent off-road trips, the resource is reduced to 50,000–70,000 km.