The wheel bearing is one of the most loaded components of the chassis Nissan Almera N16, and its wear can lead to serious handling and safety problems. Owners of this model are often faced with the need to replace the front bearings at mileage from 80,000 to 120,000 km, but the first symptoms of a malfunction cannot be ignored. Unlike the rear ones, the front wheel bearings are Almera N16 They fail more often due to greater load when turning and braking.
This article will help you figure out how to determine critical bearing wear, what tools and spare parts will be needed for replacement, and will also provide step-by-step instructions with photos And video recommendations. We took into account all the nuances of the design Nissan Almera N16 (including features of models with ABS and without it) and added tips that will save time and nerves. If you have never done such work, don’t worry: with the right approach, even beginners can replace a bearing.
Signs of a wheel bearing failure on a Nissan Almera N16
The first symptoms of bearing wear are often confused with wheel imbalance or problems with the brake discs. However there is key features, which directly indicate the need for diagnosis:
- 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing during acceleration (especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h). The sound may disappear when turning in one direction - this is due to load redistribution.
- 🔄 Wheel play when swinging it with your hands in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). Even the smallest gap is a reason for replacement.
- 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip. If the wheel is hot after stopping, but the others are not, the bearing is running with increased friction.
- 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel or body, which does not disappear after wheel balancing. More often appears when driving over uneven surfaces.
On Nissan Almera N16 with ABS an additional signal may be ABS light on on the dashboard. This is due to the fact that the ABS sensor is built into the hub, and its position is disturbed when the bearing wears out. Ignoring the problem will lead to destruction of the bearing cage and wheel jamming while driving.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 With a mileage of more than 150,000 km, bearing wear may be accompanied by a cracking noise when turning the steering wheel. This indicates a critical condition of the unit - operating a car in this condition is dangerous!
- I ignore it until it gets worse
- I check the play myself
- I'm going to the service center for diagnostics.
- I change the bearing immediately
What tools and spare parts are needed for replacement?
To replace the front wheel bearing with Nissan Almera N16 will be required specialized tool, since standard keys and a jack will not be enough. Here's the full list:
| Category | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Wheel bearing puller | Preferably with a set of attachments for Nissan |
| Tool | Socket heads for 17, 19, 30 mm | 30 mm socket - for the hub nut |
| Tool | Torque wrench | To tighten the hub nut with a torque of 200–250 Nm |
| Spare parts | Wheel bearing | Original Nissan 40520-4M000 or analogues: SKF VKBA 3643, NTN 4T-40520 |
| Consumables | Bearing grease | Recommended LIQUI MOLY LM 50 or Molykote BR2 Plus |
If on your Almera N16 system installed ABS, be sure to check the condition ABS sensor and its connector. When replacing a bearing, the sensor is often damaged, so it is better to purchase a spare one in advance (Nissan 40525-4M000). You will also need new retaining ring for the bearing - its reuse is unacceptable!
⚠️ Attention: Do not use an impact tool (for example, an air impact wrench) to unscrew the hub nut! This can damage the threads on the axle shaft and require replacement of the entire drive.
☑️ Preparing to replace the bearing
Step-by-step instructions for replacing a bearing
The process of replacing the front wheel bearing with Nissan Almera N16 takes 3–5 hours if you have experience. If this is your first time, please be patient and follow the instructions. strictly in order.
Step 1: Removing the wheel and brake disc
1. Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel. Be sure to secure the machine with supports!
2. Unscrew the two bolts securing the brake caliper (17 mm wrench) and hang the caliper on a wire so as not to damage the hose.
3. Remove the brake disc by unscrewing the two guide pins (19 mm wrench).
Step 2: Removing the hub and old bearing
1. Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm socket). If it doesn't work, use WD-40 and lever.
2. Remove the hub from the axle shaft. If it is tight, gently tap the wood spacer with a hammer.
3. Using a puller, remove the old bearing. On Almera N16 it is pressed into the steering knuckle, so force will be required.
What to do if the bearing does not come out?
If the puller fails, you can use the “cold-heat” method: heat the steering knuckle with a hair dryer (up to 100°C) and cool the bearing with liquid nitrogen or ice. The temperature difference will help extract it.
Step 3: Install the New Bearing
1. Clean the bearing seat from dirt and corrosion. Use a wire brush and solvent.
2. Install a new retaining ring.
3. Press in the new bearing using a puller. Don't hit it with a hammer! This will damage the clip.
4. Apply grease to the inner race of the bearing and install the hub back onto the axle shaft.
Step 4: Assembling and tightening
1. Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench to 200–250 Nm.
2. Install the brake disc and caliper, tighten all bolts.
3. Place the wheel and lower the car.
4. Check the wheel play and the absence of extraneous noise during rotation.
After replacing the bearing, be sure to check the wheel alignment! Even a slight displacement of the hub can disrupt the wheel alignment angles.
Bearing selection: original vs analogues
There are more than 10 wheel bearing options on the market for Nissan Almera N16, and their quality varies greatly. Original bearing (Nissan 40520-4M000) is more expensive than its analogues, but its service life is on average 30–40% higher. However, there are proven brands that are not inferior in reliability:
- 🔧 SKF VKBA 3643 — the best analogue in terms of price/quality ratio. Used on the assembly lines of many automakers.
- 🔧 NTN 4T-40520 — Japanese quality, suitable for aggressive driving.
- 🔧 FAG 713610630 - German precision, but sensitive to the quality of installation.
- 💰 Koyo 40520-4M005 - a budget option, but the resource is 20–25% lower.
When choosing a bearing, pay attention to country of origin. For example, SKFmade in China can last 2 times less than the same SKF, but from Europe. Also check the package contents: the box should contain retaining ring and protective cap (if they are not there, it is a fake).
Before purchasing a bearing, check its part number using your vehicle's VIN code. On Almera N16 with ABS And without it, bearings with different sensors can be installed.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature bearing failure. Here are the most common of them:
- Retightening the hub nut. If the tightening torque is exceeded (more than 250 Nm), the bearing will begin to overheat and quickly wear out. Use a torque wrench!
- Reusing the retaining ring. It is deformed during dismantling and does not provide reliable fixation of the new bearing.
- Lack of lubrication. Many people forget to lubricate the inner race of the bearing, which leads to “dry” friction and reduces its service life.
- Impact load during pressing. Hitting a bearing with a hammer is a sure way to damage it before installation.
Another common mistake is Ignoring axle check. On Almera N16 With high mileage, the axle shaft may become worn out, which will accelerate the wear of the new bearing. Inspect it for burrs and play. If they are, the axle shaft also needs to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the bearing, avoid sudden acceleration and braking for the first 500 km. This will allow the lubricant to be evenly distributed inside the cage.
Cost of work in the service vs independent replacement
Front wheel bearing replacement cost Nissan Almera N16 in services varies from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per wheel. The spread depends on the region, the level of the service station and the need for additional work (for example, replacing a hub or axle shaft). Here is an approximate price:
| Type of work | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bearing replacement (1 pc.) | 3 500 – 5 000 | Does not include the cost of spare parts |
| Replacing bearing with ABS sensor | 5 000 – 7 000 | Includes ABS diagnostics |
| Replacing the hub assembly | 6 000 – 10 000 | Relevant if the seat is damaged |
| Wheel alignment | 1 500 – 2 500 | Mandatory after bearing replacement |
Replacing it yourself will cost less: the cost of the bearing is from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles (depending on the brand), plus consumables. However, keep in mind hidden costs:
- 🔧 Buying a puller (from 1,500 rubles), if you don’t have one.
- 🔧 Torque wrench (from RUB 2,000).
- 🔧 Possible replacement of damaged parts (for example, caliper bolts).
If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But if you decide to do it yourself, keep an eye on safety precautions: Always support the vehicle on supports and wear protective gloves.
Savings on bearing quality will result in its replacement after 20–30 thousand km. It's better to pay once for a good part than twice for a cheap one.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with a humming bearing?
No! The hum indicates critical bearing wear. With further use, it may collapse, which will lead to the wheel jamming while driving. The maximum permissible mileage with such symptoms is 500–1000 km (before repair).
Which bearing is better: original or SKF?
Original bearing Nissan 40520-4M000 manufactured by the company NTN or Koyo commissioned by Nissan. SKF VKBA 3643 - not inferior in quality, and sometimes even superior to the original (due to improved lubrication). If your budget allows, take it SKF.
Do I need to replace the bearing in pairs?
Not necessarily. On Almera N16 bearings wear out independently of each other. It makes sense to change in pairs if the car's mileage exceeds 150,000 km or if the second bearing also has play/roar.
Is it possible to press a bearing without a puller?
Theoretically yes, but it's risky. You can use the old bearing race as a spacer and gently hit it with a hammer, evenly distributing the blows. However, there is a high chance of damaging the new bearing or seat.
What should I do if there is still a hum after replacement?
The reasons may be the following:
- The bearing is installed crookedly or is not fully pressed.
- The axle shaft is damaged (deterioration or play).
- The hub nut is not tightened correctly.
- Defective new bearing (found in cheap analogues).
It is necessary to re-disassemble the assembly and check all elements.