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

Rear brake pads on Nissan Almera G15 - a consumable that requires regular monitoring and replacement. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects the safety of braking, especially in emergency situations. If you notice squeaking, vibration, or increased stopping distance, it's time to check and possibly replace your pads.

In this article we will analyze the entire process of replacing rear brake pads with Almera G15 (2013–2018) with drum and disc brakes - from selection of spare parts to final inspection. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes and when it is better to turn to specialists. And if you've never done brake repair, don't worry: our guide is designed for beginners, but also contains expert nuances.

When do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Almera G15?

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear brake pads every 20–30 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style, quality of spare parts and operating conditions. Here are the key signs that your pads are worn out:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - a signal about critical wear of the friction material.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance, especially on wet roads.
• 🔥 Vibration or beat in the brake pedal - may indicate disc deformation or uneven pad wear.
• 🔧 Visual wear: if the thickness of the friction layer is less 2–3 mm, the pads must be replaced.

On Almera G15 with rear drum brakes (basic configuration) pads last longer - up to 50–60 thousand km, but their diagnosis is more difficult due to the closed design. On versions with disc brakes (usually in top trim levels) wear occurs faster, but replacement is easier. Don't ignore these symptoms: Driving with worn pads will damage your brake rotors or drums, and replacing them will cost many times more.

⚠️ Attention! If the indicator on the dashboard comes on BRAKE or ABS, check the brake system immediately. On Almera G15 This could mean not only worn pads, but also low brake fluid levels or a faulty sensor.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Almera G15?

Not only the braking efficiency, but also the life of the brake discs/drums depends on the quality of the brake pads. For Almera G15 Original spare parts and analogues from trusted brands are suitable. Here's what the experts recommend:

Brake type	Original article	Analogs (brand + article)	Notes
Disc (rear)	40520-BM40A	AKEBONO ACT907A Brembo P 24 063 TRW GDB1466	Suitable for versions with 1.5 And 1.6 liter engines.
Drums (rear)	40530-4M000	NIBK PB1016 Bosch 0 986 494 219 Sangsin SP1539	The kit includes springs and spacer bars.

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic pads (semi-metallic) - durable, but noisy and aggressive to disks.
• 🔹 Ceramic (ceramic) - quiet and gentle, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic (organic) - soft and silent, but wear out quickly.

For Almera G15 optimal choice - ceramic or low metal pads (For example, Akebono ACT907A or Brembo P 24 063). They strike a balance between efficiency, durability and comfort. Avoid cheap no-name analogues: they can become dusty, squeak and quickly destroy brake discs.

Tools and materials for replacement

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. To replace the rear pads with Almera G15 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or a lift, if possible).
• 🔨 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔩 Socket set and ratchet wrench (dimensions: 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm).
• 🛠️ Pliers and round nose pliers (for working with springs on drum brakes).
• 🔧 Brake drum puller (if the pads are drum pads).
• 🧴 DOT-4 brake fluid (for topping up after replacement).
• 🧼 Brake cleaner (For example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger).
• 🛡️ Protective gloves and glasses (Brake dust is harmful to health!).

Disc brakes may require additional special tool for pressing in the caliper piston (For example, Lisle 25800). Useful on drum brakes adjusting wrench for eccentric (usually comes with pads).

⚠️ Attention! Never use gasoline, diesel, or petroleum-based solvents to clean brakes. They destroy rubber seals and reduce braking efficiency. Only specialized cleaners!

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on disc brakes

If your Almera G15 equipped with rear disc brakes (usually on versions with engine 1.6 l), follow these instructions:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt using cleaner. Pay attention to the condition of the brake disc: if it has deep grooves or cracks, it also needs to be replaced.

2. Unscrew the caliper guides (usually two bolts per 14 mm). Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or special hook so as not to damage the brake hose.

3. Remove old pads and inspect them. If the friction material is worn unevenly, this may indicate a stuck caliper guide or piston.

4. Press in the caliper piston using a special tool or sliding pliers. On Almera G15 The piston is screwed in clockwise (use a wrench to rotate).

5. Install new pads, having previously applied to their back side anti-squeak paste (For example, LIQUI MOLY Anti-Quietsch-Paste).

6. Reassemble everything in reverse order and press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in the working position.

On Almera G15 With rear disc brakes, after replacing the pads, be sure to check the operation of the hand brake. If the cables are stretched, they may need to be adjusted through a special mechanism under the machine.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on drum brakes

Drum brakes on Almera G15 found in basic versions with engine 1.5 l. Replacing them is more difficult, but you can do it without experience if you follow the instructions:

1. Remove the wheel and drum. If the drum is stuck, use a puller or gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer. Do not hit the drum directly - it may crack!

2. Clean the mechanism from dust and dirt. Please note the condition working cylinder: If it leaks, it needs to be replaced.

3. Remove the tension springs using pliers. Be careful - the springs are under tension!

4. Remove old pads and inspect them. On drum brakes, often only one pad (usually the rear) wears out, but both need to be replaced.

5. Install new pads, having previously lubricated the contact points with the support disk copper grease (For example, Permatex 24110).

6. Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum using an eccentric. The correct clearance is when the drum rotates freely, but without play.

7. Reassemble everything in reverse order and adjust the handbrake (if necessary).

On drum brakes Almera G15 there is often a problem with jamming of the working cylinder. If the brake sticks after replacing the pads, check the cylinder for leaks and free movement.

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

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

1. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Gently tap the drum with a rubber or wooden mallet.

3. If there are threaded holes on the drum, screw bolts into them - this will help “pull” the drum from the hub.

4. As a last resort, use a puller or contact service.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads. Here are the most common mistakes on Almera G15 and how to prevent them:

• 🚫 Incorrect installation of springs on drum brakes - leads to uneven wear or jamming of the pads. Always refer to the diagram included with your new pads.
• 🚫 Forgetting to press in the caliper piston — without this, the new pads simply will not fit into place. On Almera G15 with disc brakes, the piston not only needs to be pressed in, but also crank.
• 🚫 Using the wrong lubricant - ordinary lithol or solid oil cannot withstand high temperatures. Only specialized lubricants for brake mechanisms!
• 🚫 Don't check the brake fluid level — after replacing the pads, the level in the tank rises. If it was at maximum, the liquid may overflow.
• 🚫 Ignores handbrake adjustment — after replacing the pads, the cable tension may weaken and the handbrake will not work effectively.

Another common mistake is improper running-in of new pads. First 200–300 km After replacement, avoid sharp braking so that the friction material “grinds in” to the disc or drum. During this period, braking distances may be slightly longer than usual.

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the brake pads the brake pedal becomes soft or falls out, immediately check the system for leaks. The brake hose may have been damaged or the caliper guides may not have been fully tightened.

1. No brake fluid leaks.

2. Uniform rotation of the wheels (without jamming).

3. Effectiveness of the handbrake (should hold for 3–4 clicks).

4. No extraneous noise when braking.-->

Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads

On Nissan Almera G15 The handbrake requires adjustment after replacing the rear pads, especially if they have been heavily worn. Here's how to do it:

1. Raise the rear of the car on a jack or lift so that the wheels hang in the air.

2. Loosen the locknut on the adjustment mechanism (located under the car, next to the handbrake lever).

3. Tighten the adjusting nutuntil the wheels are locked (they should not rotate).

4. Loosen the nut 2–3 turnsso that the wheels rotate freely, but with slight resistance.

5. Tighten the locknut and check the operation of the handbrake. It must securely fix the machine on a slope 20–25% at 3–4 clicks of the lever.

If the handbrake does not hold even after adjustment, the problem may be stretched cables or worn pads. On Almera G15 The handbrake cables are not separately adjustable - they can only be replaced.

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

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, the pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis. If you replace the pads on only one side, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking. The exception is if the pads on the second wheel are almost new (less than 30% wear).

How long does it take to replace rear pads?

On Almera G15 with disc brakes, it takes an experienced technician 1–1.5 hours. On drum brakes the process takes longer - 2–3 hours, since disassembly of the mechanism and adjustment are required. If this is your first time doing this, stock up. 3–4 hours.

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

Typically, bleeding is not necessary unless you have disconnected the brake lines or replaced the wheel cylinders. However, if the brake pedal becomes soft, check the system for air. On Almera G15 It is convenient to do pumping with an assistant, starting from the rear right wheel.

Which pads are better - original or analogues?

Original pads (Nissan) guarantee compatibility and predictable behavior, but are often more expensive than analogues. Brands Akebono, Brembo or TRW offer similar quality at a lower price. The main thing is to avoid cheap no-name pads that can get dusty or squeak.

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

Creaking can occur for several reasons:

• The new pads have not yet gotten used to it (they must go through 100–200 km).
• There is no anti-squeak paste on the back of the pads.
• Low quality friction material (typical of cheap pads).
• Dirt or oil getting on the working surface of the pads/disc.

If the squeaking persists, check the installation of the pads and the condition of the brake discs.