Rear brake pads on Nissan Atlas (also known as Nissan NP300 Navara in some regions) is a consumable that requires attention every 40–60 thousand km mileage Their wear depends on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions: driving with a trailer, frequent braking on descents or aggressive driving reduce the life of the pads by 1.5–2 times. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads are Atlas change less frequently, but the process has its own nuances - especially when it comes to models with drum brakes or electronic parking brake (EPB).
In this article you will find step by step instructions for replacing rear pads Nissan Atlas (including versions with disc and drum brakes), a list of required tools, as well as unique tips for avoiding common problems, such as souring of guides or EPB errors after replacement. We will also look at how to determine critical pad wear without removing the wheel and why ignoring this procedure can lead to brake disc deformation or ABS system failure.
When do you need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Atlas?
The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 20 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on several factors:
- 🚗 Driving style: Frequent hard braking wears out the pads 2-3 times faster than smooth steering.
- 🏔️ Operating conditions: Driving on mountain roads or with a trailer increases the load on the rear brakes.
- 🔧 Pad quality: original spare parts Nissan (article
D4060-JA00Afor disc brakes) last longer than non-original analogues. - 🌧️ Climate: In regions with high humidity or frequent temperature changes, the pads corrode and wear out faster.
The need for replacement can be determined by the following signs:
- 🔊 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates complete wear of the friction layer (the metal of the pad rubs against the disc).
- 📉 Increased braking distance or a “soft” brake pedal is a signal of reduced braking efficiency.
- 🚨 Wear indicator on the dashboard (if the pads are equipped with a sensor).
- 🔍 Visual inspection: friction layer thickness is less 2–3 mm - critical indicator.
⚠️ Attention: If the pads are cracked, chipped, or unevenly worn, they must be replaced. regardless of thickness. This may indicate a faulty caliper or guides.
- Every 10 thousand km
- Every 20 thousand km
- Only when a squeak appears
- Never checked
Which pads to choose for Nissan Atlas: original vs analogues
On Nissan Atlas Two types of rear brakes are installed:
- Disc brakes (on most versions, including NP300 Navara since 2015).
- Drum brakes (on basic trim levels or older models).
For disc brakes, the original pads are listed below the article number D4060-JA00A (left/right pair) or 40520-JA00A (set of 4 pieces). Their average price is 3,500–5,000 rubles. Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:
| Brand | Article | Price (set) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo | P 68 030 |
4 200–4 800 ₽ | Long service life, low dust level |
| ATE | 13.0460-7206.2 |
3 800–4 500 ₽ | Optimal price/quality ratio |
| TRW | GDB1646 |
3 500–4 000 ₽ | Soft braking, but wears out faster |
| Ferodo | FDB1646 |
4 000–4 700 ₽ | Resistant to overheating, suitable for off-road use |
For drum brakes, the original article number is - 40510-4M000. Analogues:
- Sangsin
SP1399— budget option (~2,500 ₽). - Nibk
PB1039— high resource (~3,200 ₽).
⚠️ Attention: When replacing pads on models with electronic parking brake (EPB) required mandatory adaptation after installing new parts. Ignoring this step will lead to incorrect operation of the system!
Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility with your modification. Atlas by VIN code. Some EPB versions require special pads with wear sensors.
Tools and materials for replacing rear pads
To replace the pads yourself Nissan Atlas you will need:
☑️ Necessary tools and materials
Additionally for models with EPB you may need:
- 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM) to reset errors and adapt the brake.
- 🔋 12V power supply (if battery is weak as EPB consumes a lot of power when activated).
If you are working with drum brakes, additionally prepare:
- 🔨 Brake drum puller (or rubber hammer).
- 🔧 Adjustment tool for eccentrics.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the brake drum is stuck to the hub, treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) and gently tap the edge with a rubber mallet. Do not hit the center - this may damage the bearing!
Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on a Nissan Atlas (disc brakes)
The process of replacing pads on versions with disc brakes takes 1–1.5 hours to one side. Follow the algorithm:
- Preparation:
Place the car on a level surface, engage first gear (or
Pfor automatic transmission) and place chocks under the front wheels. Loosen the rear wheel bolts, then jack up the car and remove the wheel. - Removing the caliper:
Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually under the head on 14 mm). Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope, without disconnecting the brake hose!
- Replacing pads:
Remove the old pads, clean the guides and seats from dirt. Install new pads, first applying a thin layer copper grease on their back side (not on the friction layer!).
- Reassembly:
Press the caliper piston back (to do this, use a special tool or pliers, rotating the piston clockwise). Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts firmly 25–30 Nm.
For models with EPB After replacing the pads you must:
- Connect the diagnostic scanner.
- Go to section
EPB Service Mode. - Select option
Retraction(piston retraction) andCalibration(calibration).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads with Atlas an error occurred with EPB C1130 (failure of the electric parking brake), this means that the piston has not been retracted completely. Repeat the calibration procedure or check wiring integrity.
On EPB models, never press the brake pedal with the caliper removed - this may push the piston all the way out, making it impossible to retract without a special tool!
Features of replacing rear pads on a Nissan Atlas with drum brakes
Drum brakes on Nissan Atlas They are less common, but their replacement has its own nuances. The main difficulty is drum removal, which often “sticks” to the hub. Work algorithm:
- Removing the drum:
Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and try to remove the drum by hand. If that doesn't work, tap it evenly around the edge with a rubber mallet. Don't hit the center - this will damage the bearing!
- Cleaning and inspection:
After removing the drum, clean the mechanism from dirt and dust using brake cleaner. Check status brake cylinders - if they leak, they need to be replaced.
- Replacing pads:
Disconnect the springs and spacer bar, then remove the old pads. Install new ones, lubricating the contact points with the drum graphite lubricant. Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order.
- Adjustment:
After installing the drum, adjust the gap between the shoes and the drum using eccentric mechanism (located on the brake shield). A correctly adjusted gap ensures easy rotation of the wheel without play.
If after replacing the pads the wheel rotates with force, this indicates:
- 🔧 Incorrect gap adjustment.
- 🛠️ Brake cylinder jamming.
- 🔄 Distortion of pads during installation.
Common mistakes when replacing rear pads and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system malfunctions. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚫 Ignoring caliper guides: If the guides are not cleaned and lubricated, the caliper will jam, which will lead to uneven pad wear. Use special lubricant (not Litol or Solid oil!).
- 🚫 Incorrect pad installation: Mixed left/right pads or backward installation will lead to creaks and vibrations when braking.
- 🚫 No brake bleeding: After replacing the pads on EPB models, the brake system must be bled to remove air.
- 🚫 Using low quality pads: Cheap analogues often have uneven density of the friction layer, which leads to the steering wheel beating.
Another typical problem is caliper piston jamming after replacing the pads. This happens due to:
- Corrosion on the surface of the piston (especially if the car has been standing for a long time).
- Dirt gets into the caliper boot.
- Using unsuitable lubricant during assembly.
To avoid this problem, before installing new pads:
- Clean the caliper piston from rust and dirt.
- Check the integrity of the boot - if it is torn, replace the caliper.
- Apply a thin layer silicone grease on the surface of the piston (not on rubber parts!).
If the caliper piston does not retract, try opening the brake fluid reservoir cap to relieve excess pressure in the system.
How to extend the life of rear pads on a Nissan Atlas
Average resource of rear pads Nissan Atlas — 50–70 thousand km, but with proper operation this figure can be increased to 80–100 thousand km. Here are some tips:
- 🚗 Smooth braking: Avoid sudden pressure on the brake pedal. Use engine braking on the slopes.
- 🔧 Regular check: Every 10 thousand km Inspect the pads for cracks or uneven wear.
- 🚿 Brake washing: After driving in mud or salt, wash the brakes with water (but not under high pressure!).
- 🛠️ Guide lubrication: Every 20 thousand km Clean and lubricate the caliper guides.
- 🔋 Brake fluid control: Replace it every 2 years — old fluid accumulates moisture, which accelerates corrosion of the calipers.
Pay special attention operation with a trailer:
- 🚛 Increase the frequency of checking the pads to every 5 thousand km.
- 🔧 Use pads with increased friction coefficient (For example, Ferodo Premier).
- 🛑 Avoid prolonged braking on descents - use lower gears.
⚠️ Attention: If you often drive off-road, after overcoming fords or mud be sure to dry the brakes, smoothly braking several times on a dry section of the road. This will prevent corrosion of the discs and pads.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the rear pads on a Nissan Atlas on only one side?
No, the pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis. Unilateral replacement will lead to uneven braking and pulling the car to the side. The exception is if the pads on the second side are almost new (for example, after a recent replacement).
How to reset the EPB error after replacing the pads without a scanner?
On some models Nissan Atlas you can do without a scanner:
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Pull the parking brake lever up until it clicks, then release.
- Repeat the action 3-5 times.
- Turn off the ignition and turn it on again - the error should be reset.
If this method does not work, you will need a diagnostic scanner.
Why do my brakes squeak after replacing the pads?
Creaking can occur for several reasons:
- 🔊 Grinding in new pads (should disappear after 100–200 km).
- 🛠️ Poor quality pads (cheap analogues often creak).
- 🧴 Lack of lubrication on the back of the pads.
- 🔧 Dirt entry between the pad and the disc.
If the squeak does not go away, check the correct installation of the pads and the condition of the caliper.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the rear pads?
Pumping is required only in two cases:
- If you have disconnected the brake hose from the caliper.
- If air appears in the system (for example, when replacing brake fluid).
If you simply removed the caliper without disconnecting the hose, bleeding is not required. However, on models with EPB after replacing the pads, you must perform calibration systems.
Which pads are better - ceramic or semi-metallic?
The choice depends on your driving style:
- 🏔️ Ceramic: They generate less dust, last longer, but work worse at low temperatures. Suitable for city driving.
- 🚗 Semi-metallic: Better heat dissipation, more effective during aggressive driving or towing a trailer. They wear out faster and generate more dust.
For Nissan Atlas Taking into account its carrying capacity, the optimal choice is semi-metallic pads with a high coefficient of friction (for example, Brembo or Ferodo).