Qashqai J12 brake pads: how to choose and replace the front ones - experience from owners from forums

Brake system Nissan Qashqai J12 (2014–2021) is one of the most discussed topics on specialized forums. Owners are often faced with the question: what front brake pads choose for replacement, how to install them correctly and what to pay attention to during operation. Original spare parts from Nissan They are expensive, but the market offers dozens of analogues - from budget to premium. How not to make a mistake with your choice and avoid typical problems?

In this article we have collected exclusive information from the Qashqai Club, Drive2 forums and car communities, analyzed owner reviews, compared popular brands and prepared step-by-step replacement instructions. You will learn which pads last longer, why new parts squeak, and how to avoid premature wear. We’ll also look at the myths about “grinding in” and tell you why some owners return to the original after experimenting with analogues.

What kind of front brake pads are installed on the Qashqai J12 from the factory?

From the factory Nissan Qashqai J12 complete with original pads with article number 40520-4M000 (for versions with engines 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 l). These parts are manufactured by Akebono - a Japanese supplier who cooperates with Nissan for decades. Features of factory pads:

• 🔹 Material: Low metal compound with added ceramic fibers to reduce disc wear.
• 🔹 Resource: on average 30–50 thousand km (depending on driving style and operating conditions).
• 🔹 Behavior: soft braking without squeaks, but overheating is possible during aggressive driving.
• 🔹 Cost: from 4,500 to 6,000 rubles per set (for 2026).

On the forums, owners note that the original pads Akebono rarely cause problems, but their main disadvantage is the price. Many people prefer analogues that are 2-3 times cheaper. However, it is important to understand that not all alternatives are equally good. For example, pads Bosch or TRW They can creak for the first 500 km, and cheap Chinese options often get dusty and wear out quickly.

Interesting fact: in some batches Qashqai J12 (especially 2015–2017) pads were installed Sumitomo - they have a harder composition and last longer, but wear out the discs more. You can check which pads are on your car by looking at the markings on the back of the part.

Top 5 analogs of original pads: what owners choose

Analysis of forums showed that the most popular alternatives to the original are pads from Bosch, TRW, Ferodo, ATE And Brembo. We compared them according to key parameters: resource, noise level, dustiness and compatibility with disks. The data in the table is based on owner reviews Qashqai J12:

Brand	Article	Resource (thousand km)	Noise level	Dusty	Average price (RUB)
Bosch	0 986 494 796	35–45	Creaking the first 200–300 km	Average	2 800–3 500
TRW	GDB1646	40–50	No squeaks	Low	3 200–4 000
Ferodo	FDB1646	30–40	Possible barking when cold	High	2 500–3 200
ATE	13.0460-7206.2	45–55	Quiet	Low	3 800–4 500
Brembo	P 24 064	50–60	No noise	Minimum	4 200–5 000

The most controversial option is Ferodo. Despite the popularity of the brand, many owners Qashqai J12 complain about heavy dusting and creaking at low temperatures. For example, a user with the nickname @AlexQashqai on the forum Drive2 wrote: * “I installed Ferodo - after a month the discs were covered with a black coating, and in the morning the brakes squeal like a pig. I had to change it back to TRW”*. At the same time ATE And Brembo receive mostly positive reviews, but their price is close to the original.

Expert tip: If you drive mostly in the city, choose TRW or Bosch — they are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Better suited for aggressive driving style Brembo or ATE, as they can withstand high loads without loss of efficiency.

When to change pads: signs of wear and diagnostics

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 15,000 km, but the actual replacement period depends on many factors: driving style, quality of parts, operating conditions. The main signs that it is time to change the pads:

• 🚨 Creaking or squealing when braking (especially at low speeds).
• 🚨 Increased braking distance — the car slows down worse.
• 🚨 Vibration or the steering wheel wobbles when you press the pedal.
• 🚨 Metal clang - a signal that the friction material has worn down to the base.
• 🚨 Wear indicator on the dashboard (if pads with a sensor are installed).

On Qashqai J12 minimum permissible friction layer thickness - 2 mm. You can check it visually through the wheel spokes or using a caliper. If the thickness is less than 3 mm, the pads already require replacement, even if they look normal outwardly.

⚠️ Attention! If the pads appear cracked, chipped, or covered with an oily coating (for example, due to a caliper leak), they must be replaced immediately - regardless of thickness. Such defects sharply reduce braking efficiency.

People often ask on forums: *“Is it possible to drive if the pads squeak, but the thickness is still 4–5 mm?”*. Expert answer: squeaking does not always mean critical wear. Sometimes this is the result of dirt, uneven wear, or poor quality materials. But if the creaking is accompanied by vibration or worsening braking, you cannot delay replacement.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads

Replacing front brake pads with Qashqai J12 - a procedure of medium complexity that can be performed independently if you have the tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
• 🔧 14 and 17 mm wrench (for caliper guides).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for spreading the pads).
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT-4 (in case of pumping).
• 🔧 Copper grease for guides.

Replacement algorithm:

1. Preparation: Place the car on a level surface, engage the gear and tighten the handbrake. Remove the wheel.
2. Removing the caliper: unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper (14mm wrench), then carefully lift it up and secure it with wire so as not to damage the hose.
3. Removing old pads: Pull out the worn pads and clean the seats from dirt.
4. Installing new pads: insert new parts after applying a thin layer anti-squeak paste on the back side.
5. Assembly: Reinstall the caliper, tighten the bolts and put on the wheel.
6. Bleeding the brakes: Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in place.

The brake pedal does not fall

No brake fluid leaks

Wheels rotate freely (do not jam)

No extraneous noise when braking -->

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the pads, avoid sharp braking for the first 200–300 km - the new parts should get used to the discs. Also check the brake fluid level: if it has risen above the maximum, pump out the excess with a syringe.

The problem of “soured” caliper guides is often discussed on forums. If the bolts do not come out, do not try to force them off as this may damage the threads. It is better to treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system failure. Here are the most common of them (based on forum analysis):

• 🔴 Unlubricated guides — leads to caliper wedging and uneven pad wear.
• 🔴 Using the wrong lubricant (for example, lithol or graphite). Needed for calipers high temperature copper grease.
• 🔴 Incorrect installation of spring clips — the pads may dangle or touch the disc.
• 🔴 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs. If the discs have grooves more than 0.5 mm deep, they need to be sharpened or replaced.
• 🔴 Forgetting to bleed the brakes after replacement - air in the system reduces braking efficiency.

Case Study: User @Qashqai2016 on the forum Qashqai Club told me how, after replacing the pads on my own, after 1,000 km I heard a metallic grinding sound. It turned out that he had not removed the protective stickers from the new pads Ferodo, and they melted onto the disk. *“I had to change both the pads and the discs—a lesson costing 15 thousand rubles,”* he wrote.

Another common problem is uneven pad wear (one wears off faster than the other). The reason usually lies in a soured caliper or worn guides. Solution: disassemble the caliper, clean and lubricate all moving parts, and replace the boots if necessary.

Creaking pads: why it appears and how to fix it

Squeaking brake pads is one of the most discussed problems on forums. Qashqai J12. The reasons may be different:

• 🔊 Grinding in new pads (normal in the first 200–500 km).
• 🔊 Low quality friction material (typical for cheap analogues).
• 🔊 Ingress of dirt or sand between the pad and the disc.
• 🔊 Brake disc wear or corrosion (furrows, rust).
• 🔊 No anti-squeak plates or their incorrect installation.

How to deal with squeaking:

1. If the pads are new: wait 300–500 km - the squeak should disappear after grinding in.
2. If the squeak is constant: check the condition of the discs (may need regrowing).
3. For budget pads: apply anti-squeak paste on the back side (for example, ATE Plastilube or Liqui Moly Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste).
4. If all else fails: Replace the pads with better ones (for example, TRW or ATE).

On the forum Drive2 user @SergeyNissan shared an unusual way to eliminate the squeak: *“I drove 100 km with frequent braking at a speed of 60–80 km/h - the pads got used to it, and the squeak disappeared”*. However, this method is only suitable for new pads and can be dangerous for worn discs.

What to do if a squeak appears after washing?

Creaking after washing is normal, as water gets between the pad and the disc. To eliminate it, it is enough to brake hard several times on a dry road. If the squeak does not go away during the day, check the condition of the brake mechanisms.

Owner reviews: what they say on the forums

We analyzed hundreds of posts on forums Qashqai Club, Drive2 And Nissan-Forum.ruto identify the most common opinions owners have about brake pads. Here are the key takeaways:

• ⭐ Original (Akebono): *“Expensive, but reliable. No squeaks, minimal dust"* (@MaxQashqai).
• ⭐ TRW: *“The best analogue in terms of price/quality ratio. Drove 40 thousand km - like new"* (@IvanN).
• ⭐ Bosch: *“The first 1,000 km creaked, then everything returned to normal. Moderately dusty"* (@DmitryQQ).
• ⭐ Ferodo: *“Cheap, but very dusty. Discs turn black within a week"* (@AlexK).
• ⭐ Brembo: *“Expensive, but they slow down like a glove. Ideal for aggressive driving"* (@RacerQ).

Interesting fact: many owners who experimented with cheap pads (for example, Sangsin or Frixa), after 10–15 thousand km they returned to the original or TRW. *“I saved 2 thousand rubles, but after six months I had to change both the pads and discs - the total overpayment was 3 times more”*, shared his experience @AndreyQ.

Also often discussed on forums compatibility of pads with discs. For example, if you install soft pads (for example, Ferodo) on worn discs with grooves, they will wear out 2 times faster. Optimal combination: medium hard pads (TRW, ATE) + discs without deep damage.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install pads from other Nissan models on the Qashqai J12?

Theoretically, you can use pads from Nissan X-Trail T32 (they are identical in size), but you need to check compatibility by article numbers. For example, pads from Juke won't fit - they're already there. It is better to focus on the original article 40520-4M000 or its analogues.

How much do original pads cost and where is the best place to buy them?

Original pads Akebono (article 40520-4M000) cost from 4,500 to 6,000 rubles per set. It is better to buy them from official dealers Nissan or in trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc). Beware of fakes - there are many counterfeit pads on the market with original packaging.

Do I need to change brake discs and pads?

Not necessary if the discs are in good condition. It is enough to measure their thickness (the minimum allowable is 22 mm for Qashqai J12) and check for grooves. If the depth of the grooves is more than 0.5 mm or the disc “leads” (beating when braking), grooving or replacement is required.

Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the pads?

This is normal if you have not bled the brake system. After installing new pads, the caliper pistons are recessed and the fluid level in the reservoir drops. Press the pedal intensely several times and it will return stiffness. If the pedal remains soft, check the system for leaks (brake fluid may be leaking).

Which pads are best for winter use?

For winter, pads with ceramic composition (For example, ATE Ceramic or Brembo Ceramic). They are less susceptible to icing, do not generate as much dust and work better in cold weather. Suitable for budget options TRW - they are resistant to low temperatures.