Brake pads for <em>Nissan Note</em>: how to choose and replace correctly

Nissan Note is a compact and economical hatchback that has earned popularity due to its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even the most reliable car requires attention to the braking system. **Brake pads** are consumables, the condition of which determines your safety. In this article we will look at how to choose high-quality pads for Note (including models E11 And E12), when to change them, and how to replace them yourself or supervise the work of a specialist.

We analyzed reviews from owners, technical characteristics of original and analog parts, as well as nuances that are often silent about in services. For example, why after replacing the pads Nissan Note creaking may occur, and how to avoid this without expensive “anti-creaking” plates. You'll also learn which brands offer the best value for money, and why cheap pads can cost more in the long run.

Signs of brake pad wear on Nissan Note

Brake pads wear out gradually, and many drivers miss the first “bells”. The danger is that critical wear can lead to damage to the brake discs - and replacing them will cost many times more. Here are the key symptoms that indicate the need for testing:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - the most obvious sign. On the blocks Nissan Note Metal wear indicators are often installed, which begin to cling to the disc when the remaining friction layer thickness is ~2 mm.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance. If the car slows down worse, and the pedal “sinks” deeper than usual, this is a signal that the friction material has worn down to the base.
• 🔥 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when braking. Most often this indicates deformation of the brake disc, but sometimes the cause is uneven wear of the pads.
• 💨 Dust on wheels. Heavy black deposits are normal for new pads, but if there is noticeably more dust, this may indicate accelerated wear.

On Nissan Note first generation (E11, 2004–2013) and second (E12, 2012–2020) recommended pad inspection interval - every 20,000–30,000 km. However, actual service life depends on driving style, quality of parts and operating conditions. For example, in city driving with frequent braking, the pads wear out faster than on the highway.

⚠️ Attention: If on the blocks Nissan Note If cracks or chips appear in the friction layer, they must be replaced immediately, even if the thickness is still acceptable. Such defects lead to uneven braking and the risk of caliper jamming.

Original vs. analog pads: what to choose for Nissan Note

Owners Note often face a choice: buy original pads from Nissan or analog from third-party manufacturers. Original parts (part number for front pads - D1060-JD00A, for the rear - 40520-JD00A) guarantee compatibility and predictable behavior, but their price can be steep. Analogues offer a wide range of prices and characteristics.

Let's look at the pros and cons of each option:

Pad type	Benefits	Disadvantages	Average price (set)
Original (Nissan)	100% compatible with calipers Optimal composition of friction material Minimal risk of squeaking	High cost (from 4,500 ₽ for a front set)	4 500–6 000 ₽
Premium analogues (Brembo, Akebono)	The quality is not inferior to the original Wide range for different riding styles Often better than the original in terms of wear resistance	The price is still high (3,000–5,000 RUR)	3 500–5 500 ₽
Middle segment (TRW, Ferodo)	Good price-quality ratio Suitable for most drivers Easy to find in stores	The first 200–300 km may creak	2 000–3 500 ₽
Budget (Bosch, Textar)	Low price (from 1,200 ₽ per set)	Rapid wear Increased dustiness Risk of disk damage	1 200–2 500 ₽

For Nissan Note with engines HR12DE (1.2 l) and HR16DE (1.6 L) we recommend pads TRW (article GDB1446 for the front ones) or Akebono (article ACT907A). These brands offer the optimal price-resource ratio, as well as minimal noise levels. If you prefer the original, pay attention to the kits Nissan marked Genuine Parts — they are supplied in branded packaging with a hologram.

How to check the condition of the pads Nissan Note without removing wheels

Many owners Note They are afraid to check the brake system themselves for fear of damaging something. In fact, you can assess the condition of the front pads without removing the wheel - just arm yourself with a flashlight and a flat-head screwdriver. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Place the car on a flat surface and lock the handbrake.
2. Turn the steering wheel to its extreme position (for example, to the left to check the right side).
3. Locate the brake caliper through the wheel spokes. You will see the outer block in it.
4. Estimate the thickness of the friction layer. If it's thinner 3–4 mm, it's time to change the pads.
5. Check for even wear. If one pad is worn more than the other, this may indicate a stuck caliper.

For rear pads (if you have Note with drum brakes) the process is more complicated - you have to remove the wheel and drum. But there is a life hack: if you hear a metallic clang from behind when braking, most likely the pads have worn down to the base and are scratching the drum. In this case, you cannot delay the replacement.

Step-by-step replacement of brake pads Nissan Note with your own hands

Replacing the pads with Nissan Note - a task of medium complexity that even a beginner can handle with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time. Below are instructions for the front pads (rear drum or disc pads are changed according to a different pattern).

Required tools:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift)
• 🔧 Balloon wrench
• 🔧 14 mm socket wrench (for caliper guides)
• 🔧 Flathead screwdriver or pry bar
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT-4 (for topping up)
• 🔧 Copper grease for guides

Work order:

Pay special attention caliper piston. On Nissan Note it often gets stuck, and it can be difficult to drown it back. If the piston does not move, do not hit it with a hammer - this may damage the boot. Instead, use a special tool to push the pistons in, or use a pry bar to gently pry them in, pressing evenly in a circle.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the pads, be sure to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. When the piston is retracted, the liquid rises, and if the reservoir was full, it may overflow. Wipe off any traces of liquid, as it is aggressive to the paintwork.

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes, which then result in squeaking, uneven braking or premature wear. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Unlubricated caliper guides. If you don't apply copper grease to the pins, the caliper will seize and the pads will wear unevenly. Use only specialized lubricants (for example, TRW PFG110).
• 🔧 Forgot to clean the seats. Before installing new pads, remove any rust and dirt from the surface where they meet the caliper. Use a wire brush or sandpaper.
• 🔧 Incorrect installation of spring clips. On Nissan Note brackets (anti-squeak plates) must be installed convex side to the block. If you mix it up, a whistle will appear.
• 🔧 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the discs have deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm), they need to be sharpened or replaced. New pads on worn discs will last 2–3 times less.

Another typical problem is squeak after replacement. It may appear due to:

• Cheap pads with hard friction material.
• Lack of anti-squeak paste on the back of the pads.
• Incorrect running-in (sharp braking should be avoided for the first 200 km).

How to remove squeaking pads without replacing them?

If the squeak appears after installing new pads, try the following:

1. Apply anti-squeak paste (eg Permatex 24110) to the back of the pads.

2. Check the caliper play - if it is loose, tighten the guides.

3. Drive 50–100 km with gentle braking to break in.

If the squeak remains, the pads are most likely defective or do not match the composition.

Pad service life: how to extend the resource by Nissan Note

Average life of front pads Nissan Note — 30,000–50,000 km, rear (drum) - up to 80,000–100,000 km. However, these numbers can vary greatly. Here are the factors that affect wear:

• 🚦 Riding style. Aggressive acceleration and braking reduces the life of the pads by 30–40%.
• 🏙️ Operating conditions. In a city with frequent traffic lights, the pads wear out faster than on the highway.
• 🌡️ Quality of materials. Cheap pads with a high metal content wear out discs faster.
• 🔧 Brake system condition. A stuck caliper or worn guides will accelerate wear.

To extend the life of your pads, follow these tips:

1. Avoid holding the brake pedal for a long time at traffic lights it is better to use the handbrake.
2. When braking at high speed use the engine (lower gear).
3. Regularly flush the brakes from dirt and salt (especially in winter).
4. Check play in wheel bearings - it increases the load on the pads.

Cost of replacing pads at a service center vs. on your own

Cost of replacing pads Nissan Note in service depends on the region and level of the service station. On average in Russia the cost of work is:

• Front pads: 1,500–2,500 ₽ (for axles).
• Rear pads (drum): 2 000–3 500 ₽.
• Rear pads (disc): 2 500–4 000 ₽.

If you add the cost of parts, the total amount can reach 10 000–15 000 ₽ for a complete replacement of all pads. Self-replacement will cost only the price of the parts (2,000–6,000 rubles) and will save up to 50% of the budget. However, keep in mind that for the job you will need at least a jack, a wheel wrench and a set of sockets.

Where is the best place to buy pads?

• 🛒 Official dealers Nissan - original parts, but expensive.
• 🛒 Specialty stores (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - a wide selection of analogues at competitive prices.
• 🛒 Markets or small auto shops - the risk of running into a fake.

When purchasing, check:

• Availability holograms or security stickers on the packaging.
• Compliance article number your model Note (check by VIN code).
• Absence traces of corrosion on the metal parts of the pads.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about brake pads for Nissan Note

Is it possible to install pads on only one axle (for example, only the front ones)?

No, the pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (both front or both rear). If you replace the pad on only one side, the car will pull to the side when braking, and the wear will be uneven. The exception is if the pad is mechanically damaged (for example, a piece breaks off), and it has to be replaced urgently.

Which brand of pads is the quietest for Nissan Note?

According to owners' reviews, the pads creak the least Akebono (series ACT) and TRW (ruler Coated). They have a special coating that reduces vibrations. Also pay attention to the pads with ceramic composition - they are less noisy, but may brake worse at low temperatures.

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

Bleeding the brake system is required only in two cases:

1. If you have disconnected brake hoses or pipes.
2. If after replacement the brake pedal becomes “soft” (this is a sign of air in the system).

In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times until the caliper pistons are in the working position.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes stiff after replacing the pads?

A stiff brake pedal after replacing the pads usually indicates one of the following problems:

• Not completely sunk caliper piston (you need to return it to its original position).
• Jammed caliper guides (lubricate them and check the play).
• Damaged piston boot (caliper replacement required).

If the problem persists, check vacuum brake booster - its malfunction may also be the cause.

Is it possible to drive if the wear indicator on the pads wears off?

You can drive, but no more than 500–1000 km. The wear indicator begins to squeak when the thickness of the friction layer reaches 2–2.5 mm. If you ignore this signal, the metal base of the pad will begin to scratch the brake disc, and it will have to be replaced or ground. Cost of a new disk for Note - from 3,000 ₽, while replacing pads will cost 2-3 times cheaper.