Replacing brake pads with Nissan Qashqai - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools and basic skills. Depending on the generation (J10 2006–2013, J11 2013–2021 or J12 from 2021) the algorithm may differ slightly, but the general principles remain unchanged. In this article we will figure out how to properly replace the pads on the front and rear axles, what tools you will need, and what to pay attention to to avoid mistakes.

Average brake pad life Qashqai amounts to 30–50 thousand km

depending on driving style and operating conditions. However, signs of wear such as squeaking, vibrations or increased braking distance cannot be ignored. On models with ESP and ABS, after replacing the pads, it may be necessary to reset the brake adaptation via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Delphi), otherwise an error will appear on the dashboard. If you have never repaired the brake system, it is better to start with the front axle - it is easier to maintain.

Signs of brake pad wear on a Nissan Qashqai

The first signal about the need for replacement is creaking or whistling when braking. On the blocks Qashqai Wear indicators (metal plates) are often installed, which begin to cling to the disc when the friction material is critically worn. Other symptoms:

  • 🔴 Increased braking distance — the pads lose effectiveness due to the thinning of the linings.
  • 🔴 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when braking - a sign of uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the discs.
  • 🔴 Metal scraping - indicates complete erasure of the friction layer and friction of metal on the disk (requires urgent replacement!).
  • 🔴 Brake light came on on the tidy - may indicate wear or a malfunction of the sensor.

On Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2021) and J12 (from 2021) pads with electronic wear sensors are often installed. If a warning appears on the dashboard BRAKE PAD WORN, which means that at least one pad has reached critical wear. You can check the condition visually through the inspection window on the caliper or by removing the wheel.

⚠️ Attention: If deep grooves or irregularities appear on the discs, they will have to be sharpened or replaced. Installing new pads on damaged discs will reduce their service life by 2–3 times.

Required tools and materials

To replace brake pads with Nissan Qashqai You will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. Here's the full list:

td>Recessing the caliper piston

Tool/material Purpose Note
Jack and stops Lifting the car Use only a flat surface!
Balloon wrench Removing wheels On Qashqai usually 19 mm or 21 mm
Socket wrench 14 mm or 17 mm Unscrewing the caliper guides Depends on the model generation
Sliding pliers Rear pads may require special tools
WD-40 or similar lubricant Treatment of soured bolts Do not use calipers for guides!
Brake fluid DOT-4 Topping up when retracting the piston On Qashqai tank volume ~0.5 l

Additionally useful:

  • 🔧 Medical syringe — for pumping brake fluid from the reservoir (when replacing rear pads).
  • 🔧 Metal brush — cleaning the caliper and guides from dirt.
  • 🔧 High temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC) - for caliper guides.
  • 🔧 New pads - choose the original (Nissan 40520-JM00A for the front axle) or analogues (Brembo, TRW, Akebono).
📊 Which pads do you prefer to install?
  • Original Nissan
  • Brembo
  • TRW
  • Akebono
  • Others

Preparing the car for replacing pads

Before starting work, make sure that the vehicle is on a level surface and that the handbrake is released (for front axle) or tightened (for the back). Sequence of preparation:

  1. Loosen the wheel bolts before getting up on a jack (but do not remove the wheel completely!).
  2. Raise the car with a jack and place supports under the rear wheels (if you are working from the front) or the front wheels (if you are working from the rear).
  3. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt with a metal brush.
  4. Open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it is close to the maximum, pump out some of it with a syringe - when the piston is retracted, the liquid will rise.

On Nissan Qashqai J11 with electronic hand brake (EPB) Before replacing the rear pads, you must put the system into maintenance mode. To do this:

  1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
  2. Press and hold the button EPB within 10–15 secondsuntil you hear a click.
  3. An indication will appear on the instrument panel SERVICE MODE.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not activate maintenance mode EPB, the caliper cannot be released, and the piston can only be retracted with a special tool (Nissan Tool J-46536 or equivalent).

☑️ Preparing to replace pads

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Step-by-step replacement of front brake pads

Front axle on Qashqai equipped with disc brakes with floating caliper. Replacement algorithm:

  1. Remove the caliper:
    • Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm or 17 mm).
    • Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope, without disconnecting the brake hose!
  2. Remove old pads:
    • Remove the retaining clips (if any) and pull out the pads.
    • Clean the seats from rust and dirt.
  3. Press down the caliper piston:
    • Use sliding pliers or a special tool (piston swivel wrench).
    • On Qashqai J10 the piston is pressed straight on J11/J12 - with clockwise scrolling.
  4. Install new pads:
    • Apply a thin layer of high temperature grease to back side of the pads (not on the friction layer!).
    • Make sure the retaining springs or brackets are installed correctly.
  5. Assemble the support:
    • Tighten the mounting bolts to a torque 25–30 Nm.
    • Press the brake pedal 3–5 times until the piston is in working position.

After replacement, check the brake fluid level and add if necessary. First 100–200 km Avoid sudden braking - the pads need to get used to it.

💡

If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads, bleed the brake system. On Qashqai with ABS, this may require a scanner to activate the valves.

Features of replacing rear pads

Rear axle on Nissan Qashqai can be equipped disk (on most versions) or drums (rarely, on basic trim levels J10) brakes. Let's consider replacement on disk mechanisms:

  1. Activate maintenance mode EPB (as described above).
  2. Remove the caliper:
    • Unscrew the two mounting bolts (similar to the front axle).
    • Disconnect the pad wear sensor connector (if equipped).
  3. Sink the piston:
    • On the rear calipers Qashqai the piston is pressed in with scrolling (clockwise).
    • Use a special key or pliers with notches.
  4. Replace pads:
    • Install new pads, making sure the wear sensor (if equipped) is connected correctly.
    • On models with EPB after assembly it is necessary reset adaptation through a diagnostic scanner.

If on your Qashqai There are drum brakes, the algorithm will be different:

  • 🔧 Remove the wheel and unscrew the drum guide pins.
  • 🔧 Knock the drum with a hammer (through a wooden spacer) if it is stuck.
  • 🔧 Replace the pads and adjust the gap using an eccentric.
⚠️ Attention: On the rear axle Qashqai J11/J12 Pads with an integrated wear sensor are often installed. If you buy non-original pads, make sure that the kit includes a new sensor - the old one may not fit!
What to do if the caliper piston does not retract?

If the rear caliper piston does not turn, it is most likely soured. Try treating it with WD-40 and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, you will need to replace the caliper or its repair kit (cuff + boot).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing pads. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Late replacement — Ignoring a squeak or wear indicator leads to damage to the discs.
  • 🚫 Using the wrong lubricant - ordinary lithol or solid oil is destroyed at high temperatures.
  • 🚫 Incorrect piston retraction — on the rear axle it needs to be scrolled, and not just pressed.
  • 🚫 Forget to reset adaptation EPB — leads to an error on the tidy and incorrect operation of the handbrake.
  • 🚫 They do not check the condition of the guides - soured or rusty guides cause uneven wear of the pads.

Another typical problem is uneven braking after replacement. This happens if:

  • The pads are installed on the wrong side (on some models the left and right are different).
  • The caliper is not centered relative to the disc (check the play of the guides).
  • The discs have different thicknesses or curvatures (need to be grooved or replaced).
💡

After replacing the pads, be sure to check the operation of the brakes while driving: accelerate to 40–50 km/h and perform several smooth braking. If the vehicle pulls to the side or the pedal vibrates, stop immediately and check the assembly!

Recommendations for choosing pads for Nissan Qashqai

There are three categories of pads on the market: original, premium analogues And budget. Here's what the experts recommend:

Pad type Manufacturer Article (front/back) Features
Original Nissan 40520-JM00A / 40520-4M00A Optimal combination of wear resistance and braking properties. Suitable for aggressive driving.
Premium Brembo P24064 / P24065 Softer than the original, less dusty, but wear out faster (~20–30 thousand km).
Premium TRW GDB1746 / GDB1747 Good for city driving, low noise level.
Budget Bosch 0986494793 / 0986494809 An acceptable option for a quiet ride, but they can creak.
Budget Ferodo FDB1746 / FDB1747 They are tough, last a long time, but generate a lot of dust.

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • 🔹 Friction material composition — ceramic pads generate less dust, but are more expensive.
  • 🔹 Presence of wear sensor - on Qashqai J11/J12 it is often integrated.
  • 🔹 Certification - look for markings ECE R90 (European safety standard).

If you drive mainly around the city, they will do TRW or Ate. For active driving (for example, with a trailer), it is better to choose Ferodo Premier or original.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to replace pads on only one axle?

No, the pads are always changed in pairs - on both wheels of the same axle (front or rear). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling away when braking.

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

Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hoses or opened the system. During normal pad replacement, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times until the caliper pistons are in the working position. However, if the pedal remains soft, check the fluid level and system leaks.

How often should brake discs be replaced?

Discs last longer than pads - usually 80–120 thousand km. Their replacement is required when:

  • Thickness below the minimum (for Qashqai front discs - 22 mm, rear - 10 mm).
  • Deep grooves or cracks.
  • Severe warping (steering wheel beating when braking).

When replacing pads, inspect the discs: if a “step” with a height of more than 1 mm, they need to be sharpened or replaced.

What to do if a squeaking noise appears after replacing the pads?

Creaking can occur for several reasons:

  • Grinding in new pads - usually passes through 200–300 km.
  • Low quality friction material - typical for cheap pads.
  • No anti-squeak plates — on some pads they are included and must be installed between the pad and the caliper.
  • Ingress of dirt or sand - Clean the caliper and discs.

If the squeaking persists, try applying anti-squeak paste (For example, Liqui Moly Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste) to the back of the pads.

Can I use pads from other Nissan models?

Sometimes the pads are off Nissan X-Trail or Rogue fit on Qashqai, but this depends on the generation and type of brake system. For example:

  • Qashqai J10 (2006–2013) compatible with X-Trail T31 (2007–2013).
  • Qashqai J11 (2013–2021) compatible with Rogue (EU) the same year.

Before purchasing, check the catalog for VIN code or part numbers. For example, pads Nissan 40520-JM00A (front) suitable for Qashqai J11 And X-Trail T32.