Brake system Nissan Terrano is not just a set of parts, but a guarantor of your safety on the road. Rear pads, unlike the front ones, are often left without proper attention, although their wear can lead to dangerous situations: increased braking distance, vibrations during braking, or even complete brake failure on one of the wheels. If you notice a squeaking, metallic grinding sound, or feel that the car is braking jerkily, it's time to check the condition of the rear pads.

In this article we will look at everything the owner needs to know. Terrano (including models R50 And R51): how to determine pad wear without disassembling, which brands to choose for replacement, how to carry out the work yourself and what to pay attention to during installation. And we’ll also reveal 3 myths about rear brakes, which even experienced car owners believe in. Don't miss the details!

Signs of rear pad wear: when is it time to change?

Rear brake pads on Nissan Terrano They wear out more slowly than the front ones (due to load distribution), but their service life depends on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions. On average, replacement is required every 40–60 thousand km, but there are signs that indicate the need for inspection already now:

  • 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking, this is not always a “wear indicator” (although many pads have one), but most often it indicates that the friction layer has been worn down to metal.
  • 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when pressing the brake pedal - may indicate uneven pad wear or a stuck caliper.
  • 🔥 Rear discs overheating (you can touch them after the trip - if they burn, this is a warning sign).
  • 🛑 Increased braking distance or a “cotton” pedal - the pads can be worn down to the base, and braking occurs due to the metal.

Particularly dangerous uneven wear of pads on one axle - this leads to “steering” of the car and increased load on the hub bearings. On Terrano with rear drum brakes (on some versions) also serves as a sign of wear crunching sound when turning wheel on the lift.

⚠️ Attention! If the pads have cracks or chips in the friction layer, they need to be replaced. regardless of thickness - this is a sign of poor quality material or overheating.
📊 How often do you check your rear brake pads?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when the creak appears
  • When changing tires seasonally
  • Never checked

Which rear pads to choose for Nissan Terrano?

The choice of pads depends on the year of manufacture, type of brake system (disc or drum) and your riding style. On Terrano different options were installed:

  • 🔧 Disc brakes - on most models after 2014 (including Terrano II for the Russian market).
  • 🥁 Drum brakes - on early versions and budget trim levels.

We tested popular brands and compiled a rating based on price/quality ratio:

Brand Model (item) Type Average price, ₽ Features
Nissan (original) 40520-4M000 Disk 3 200–3 800 Optimal resource, low noise level. Suitable for Terrano R51 2014–2020
Bosch 0 986 494 219 Disk 2 500–3 000 Good heat dissipation, but may creak for the first 200 km.
TRW GDB1446 Disk 2 800–3 300 Soft braking, suitable for aggressive driving.
Ferodo FDB1636 Disk 2 200–2 700 A budget option, but they wear out faster.
Akebono ACT907A Drums 1 800–2 200 Best choice for drum brakes Terrano until 2014.

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition:

  • 🔥 Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and aggressive to disks.
  • 🌿 Organic - soft, make little noise, but wear out faster.
  • 💎 Ceramic — the best option for city driving (low wear, little dust), but more expensive.
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If you frequently drive off-road or tow a trailer, choose pads with increased friction coefficient (For example, TRW or Textar). They work better under high loads, but can wear out the discs faster.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the rear pads yourself

Replacing rear pads with Nissan Terrano with disc brakes it takes about 1–1.5 hours (per wheel). You will need:

  • 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (for “14”, “17”).
  • 🔨 Hammer and screwdriver (for bending the locking plates).
  • 🛠 Lubricant for caliper guides (Slipkote or analogues).
  • 🧴Brake fluid DOT-4 (in case of pumping).
  • 🚫 Don't use WD-40 for cleaning brake mechanisms!

Sequence of actions:

Jack up the car and remove the rear wheel|Unscrew the caliper mounting bolts (usually 2 pieces)|Hang the caliper on a wire so as not to damage the hose|Remove the old pads and clean the seats-->

  1. Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt. Check brake disc thickness (minimum permissible - 8–9 mm for Terrano).

  2. Unscrew the caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm), remove it and hang it on a wire without kinking the brake hose!

  3. Remove the old pads. If they are stuck, carefully pry them off with a screwdriver. Clean the caliper guides and apply special lubricant.

  4. Install new pads and reassemble the caliper in reverse order. Don't forget to press in the caliper piston (use sliding pliers or a special tool).

  5. After assembly press the brake pedal several timesso that the pistons are in working position. Check the brake fluid level.

⚠️ Attention! On Terrano with electronic handbrake (EPB) before replacing the pads it is necessary disable the system via diagnostic connector or scanner (for example, Launch X431). Otherwise the caliper will not open!
What should I do if the caliper piston does not press in?

If the piston cannot be pressed in by hand, it is most likely soured. Try this:

1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap (to relieve pressure).

2. Use a tool to press the piston in while rotating (on some models Terrano The piston is screwed in clockwise).

3. If it doesn’t help, the caliper requires repair or replacement.

Subtleties of replacement: 5 mistakes that ruin new pads

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads. That's what can't do on Nissan Terrano:

  • 🛑 Ignore the condition of the brake discs. If they have deep grooves or waves, the pads will last 2 times less.
  • 🧴 Lubricate the back of the pads regular lubricant (for example, Lithol). Use only special anti-squeak pastes (Permatex 24110 or analogues).
  • 🔧 Do not check the caliper guides. If they become sour, the pads will jam, which will lead to uneven wear.
  • 🚗 Forget about bleeding the brakes after replacement. Even if the fluid level is normal, air may have entered the system.
  • 🔥 Operate the machine immediately after replacement. For the first 200 km, avoid sudden braking - the pads need to get used to it.

On Terrano models with the ESP system, the ABS error may come on after replacing the pads. This is due to the fact that sensors record changes in braking force. To reset the error, sometimes it is enough to drive 5–10 km with several intensive braking. If the light does not go out, diagnostics are required.

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After replacing the pads, be sure to check the operation of the handbrake! On Terrano with EPB The system may need to be calibrated via diagnostic equipment.

Comparison: drum vs disc brakes on Terrano

On Nissan Terrano There are both systems, and each has pros and cons:

Parameter Drum brakes Disc brakes
Pad life Up to 80–100 thousand km 40–60 thousand km
Braking efficiency Worse (especially when heated) Higher, more stable
Difficulty of replacement More difficult (you need to adjust the gap) Easier (can be done without special tools)
Repair cost Cheaper (pads and drums are inexpensive) More expensive (discs wear out and require replacement)
Dirt resistant Better (closed system) Worse (dust and water gets on the discs)

If you have Terrano with drum brakes, when replacing pads, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Adjusting the parking brake — after installing new pads, it needs to be tightened.
  • 🛠 Condition of springs and spacers - if they are rusty or deformed, replace them.
  • 🧴 Lubricating the pad axles - use copper grease to prevent corrosion.

Common problems with rear brakes Terrano and how to eliminate them

Owners Nissan Terrano often encounter typical rear brake problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

  • 🔊 Creak of new pads — usually goes away after running-in (200–300 km). If not, check the lubrication of the guides and anti-creaking plates.
  • 🚗 The car pulls to the side when braking, check:
    • Wear of pads/discs (must be even).
    • Caliper jammed (lubricate the guides).
    • Tire pressure (a difference of more than 0.2 bar may have an effect).
  • 🔥 Rear brake overheating — reasons:
    • Jammed caliper piston.
    • Heavily worn or poor quality pads.
    • Malfunction EPB (the electronic handbrake does not turn off completely).
  • 🛑 Vibration when braking - usually caused by deformation of the brake discs. Check their runout (tolerance - no more than 0.05 mm).

If on your Terrano system installed EPB, and after replacing the pads the handbrake does not work, try:

  1. Turn off and turn on the ignition again.
  2. Activate the handbrake 3–5 times in a row (the system may require calibration).
  3. Check fuse EPB (located in the block under the hood, usually 30A).

How much does it cost to replace rear pads at a service center?

The cost of work depends on the type of brake system and region. The average prices in Russia are:

Type of work Price, ₽ (per axle) Notes
Replacing rear pads (disc brakes) 1 500–2 500 Does not include the cost of pads. Includes bleeding of brakes.
Replacing rear pads (drum brakes) 2 000–3 000 More expensive due to the complexity of adjustment.
Replacing brake discs (rear) 3 000–4 500 They often suggest replacing them along with the pads.
Caliper repair (jamming) 2 500–3 500 Includes replacement of boots and lubrication.
Calibration EPB after replacing the pads 500–1 000 Not always required, only if an error occurs.

You can save money if you buy the pads yourself (services often charge a 30–50% markup) and only negotiate for labor. But remember: cheap pads from no name brands may lead to:

  • 🔥 Overheating and deformation of brake discs.
  • 🚗 Increase braking distance by 20–30%.
  • 🛑 Loss of warranty on the brake system (if the car is under warranty).
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If you choose a service, give preference to those that have free brake system diagnostics before renovation. This will help avoid unnecessary work (for example, replacing disks if they can still be sharpened).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about rear pads Nissan Terrano

Is it possible to put front pads on rear brakes (and vice versa)?

No! Rear and front pads on Terrano They have different shapes, friction material compositions and sizes. The front ones are designed for heavy loads, and the rear ones for softer braking. Installing unsuitable pads will lead to:

  • Uneven wear.
  • Overheating of brake discs.
  • Increased risk of skidding when braking.
How often do you need to check the rear pads if you drive mostly around the city?

During city use (frequent acceleration/braking), the rear pads wear out faster. We recommend:

  • Visual inspection every 15 thousand km.
  • Full check (including wheel removal) - every 30 thousand km.
  • Pay attention to car behavior when braking (vibrations, sideways movement).

On Terrano with EPB Additionally, check the operation of the electronic handbrake - if it activates spontaneously, this may indicate wear on the pads.

Which is better: original pads Nissan or analogues (Bosch, TRW)?

Original pads are guaranteed to fit in size and composition, but are often inferior to analogues in price. Our experience:

  • Nissan (original) - the best choice if you drive quietly and don’t want to take risks.
  • Bosch or TRW - better for aggressive driving (higher friction coefficient).
  • Ferodo or Akebono - a budget option, but the resource is 20–30% less.

The main thing is to avoid no-name brands (for example, "STO", "Fenox", etc.), since their pads often have unstable braking characteristics.

Do I need to change the brake fluid after replacing the rear pads?

Not required, but recommended if:

  • The fluid hasn't changed anymore 2 years (it is hygroscopic and accumulates moisture).
  • When replacing the pads, did you notice darkening or cloudiness liquid in the tank.
  • Brake hoses appear cracked or swollen.

For Terrano suitable liquid DOT-4 (For example, Castrol React DOT4 or Motul DOT 4). The volume of the system is about 0.5 l.

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

This is a serious problem that occurs for three reasons:

  1. Air entering the system - Brakes need bleeding.
  2. Incorrect pad installation — check if you forgot to remove the transport clips.
  3. Brake disc wear - if they are too thin, the caliper pistons move out more and the pedal “falls”.

If the problem remains after bleeding, check master brake cylinder - it may be faulty.