Replacing the rear brake pads of the <em>Nissan X-Trail T32</em>: DIY repair guide

Why replace the rear pads with X-Trail T32 requires special attention

Rear brake pads on Nissan X-Trail T32 (2014–2021) wear out more slowly than the front ones, but their condition directly affects safety. Unlike front disc brakes, the rear ones on most trim levels T32 installed drum mechanisms (on versions with 4WD And 2.5L - disk). This complicates the replacement process, especially if this is your first time encountering such a design.

The main signs of wear on the rear pads are: squeaking when braking, increased pedal travel, vibrations or the car pulling to the side. On X-Trail T32 with electronic hand brake (EPB) An additional procedure for resetting the service mode will be required - without this, the pads will not open completely. In this article we will analyze unique replacement algorithm for drum and disc rear brakes T32, including working with EPB and the nuances of reassembly.

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original rear pads for Nissan X-Trail T32 supplied by the company Akebono (article for drums - 40520-4M000, for disk - 40520-4M025). Their average price is 3,500–5,000 rubles per set. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands:

• 🔧 TRW (article GDB1746 for drums) - optimal price/quality ratio, soft in operation.
• 🔧 Brembo (P68020 for disc) - aggressive composition, suitable for a sporty driving style.
• 🔧 Ferodo (FDB1746) - low dust level, but wear out faster.
• 🔧 Bosch (0 986 494 219) - a universal option with good durability.

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition: pads with high metal content (semi-metallic) last longer, but wear out the drums/discs more. Ceramic (ceramic) - quieter and cleaner, but more expensive. For X-Trail T32 with EPB it is critical that the pads have integrated wear sensors (if they are provided for by the design).

⚠️ Attention: On versions X-Trail T32 with 2.0L engine and drum brakes, the rear pads often “stick” to the support plates. Before purchasing, check if new ones are included guide springs and clamps — their repeated use is fraught with creaking and uneven wear.

Tools and preparation: what you need for work

To replace the rear pads with X-Trail T32 you will need a specialized tool. Basic set:

• 🔨 Jack and body supports (it is strictly forbidden to work on the same jack!).
• 🔨 Set of heads and socket wrenches (10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm).
• 🔨 Brake drum puller (for example, Lisle 18000) or two bolts M8 for a homemade puller.
• 🔨 Pliers for circlips (if drum brakes).
• 🔨 Scanner to reset EPB (For example, Launch CReader or ELM327 with the program Nissan DataScan).
• 🔨 Copper grease (Permatex 24110) for guides.
• 🔨 Brake cleaner (CRC Brake Cleaner).

Before starting work:

1. Make sure the car is parked flat surface, and the handbrake disabled (for versions with EPB — through the menu Settings → Service → Brake system).
2. Remove protective cap from the wheel and loosen the fastening nuts (but do not remove completely!).
3. Jack up the car and place supports under rapids or subframe.
4. For drum brakes: unscrew guide pin (usually under the head 12mm) and try to remove the drum. If it does not move, use a puller or gently tap with a hammer through a wooden spacer.

Loosen the wheel nuts|Jack up and install jack stands|Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism|Connect the EPB scanner (if equipped)|Check that all fasteners are present-->

Step-by-step replacement of rear pads on drum brakes X-Trail T32

Drum brakes on X-Trail T32 with rear pads 200x40mm have a classic design with automatic gap adjuster. The main difficulty is to correctly assemble the mechanism after replacement, otherwise the pads will jam or not be pressed.

Step 1: Removing the drum

After removing the wheel, unscrew the two drum guide bolts (head 12mm). If the drum cannot be removed:

1. Apply penetrating lubricant (WD-40) at the junction of the drum and the hub.
2. Screw two bolts M8 into the threaded holes of the drum (they are on all T32) and tighten them evenly until the drum moves.
3. Do not hit the drum with a metal hammer - there is a risk of damaging the wheel bearing!

Step 2: Removing old pads

After removing the drum you will see:

• Two pads (upper and lower) connected tension springs.
• Release lever (activated by the handbrake cable).
• Automatic gap adjuster (gear with spring).

Carefully remove the retaining springs with pliers, then disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever. The pads should come out of the grooves freely. Please note metal guide plates - They need to be cleaned and lubricated.

Step 3: Install New Pads

Before installing new pads:

1. Apply copper grease on the contact points of the pads with the support plate (but not on the friction surface!).
2. Install the pads in reverse order, starting from the bottom.
3. Connect the handbrake cable and check the lever travel - it should move freely.
4. Install the tension springs (use special pliers or needle nose pliers).

⚠️ Attention: On X-Trail T32 with drum brakes after replacing the pads it is necessary manually adjust the gap. To do this:

1. Press the brake pedal 10–15 times to activate the auto-adjuster.
2. Check that the drum rotates freely (without jamming).
3. If jammed, loosen the adjuster by turning the gear counterclockwise.

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If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads, bleed the rear circuit. On X-Trail T32 To do this, just open the fitting on the working cylinder and press the pedal 3-4 times, then tighten the fitting.

Replacing rear pads on disc brakes (versions with EPB)

On Nissan X-Trail T32 with all-wheel drive (4WD) and engines 2.5L are installed rear disc brakes with electronic handbrake (EPB). Here the process is more complicated due to the need to enter the system into service mode.

Step 1: Activate EPB service mode

Without this step, the pads will not release and it will be impossible to remove the caliper. Activation options:

• 📱 Through a scanner (for example, Launch X431): select Nissan → X-Trail → Brake system → EPB Service Mode.
• 📱 Via Nissan DataScan (for ELM327): in the menu EPB click Retraction.
• 🔧 Manually (Emergency only!): Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes, then connect and immediately press the brake pedal 5 times.

After activating the mode, the caliper piston will retract and the pads can be removed.

Step 2: Removing the caliper and pads

Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (head 14mm) and carefully hang it on the wire - do not disconnect the brake hose! Remove the old pads and clean the guides from corrosion. Please note wear indicator (if any) - it needs to be moved to a new block or replaced.

Step 3: Install new pads and reassemble

When installing new pads:

• Apply thin layer of lubricant on the back of the pads (where they contact the caliper).
• Make sure fixing brackets (if any) installed correctly.
• After assembling the caliper do not press the brake pedaluntil you exit the service mode!

To exit the mode:

1. Connect your scanner and select EPB Service Mode → Exit.
2. Press the brake pedal all the way - the piston will move to the working position.
3. Check that the indicator on the dashboard has gone out EPB.

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On disc brakes X-Trail T32 After replacing the pads, be sure to check the brake fluid level - when the piston is retracted, it can rise and cause overflow!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing rear pads with X-Trail T32. Here are the most common:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Untimely reset EPB	Piston jamming, inability to remove caliper	Always activate service mode to start of work
Reusing old guide springs	Creaking, uneven pad wear	Springs and retainers are consumables, change them along with the pads
Incorrect installation of the auto slack adjuster (drum brakes)	Drum jamming, overheating	After replacing the pads manually spin the drum and adjust the gap
Ignoring cleaning the caliper guides	Uneven pad fit, accelerated wear	Use CRC Brake Cleaner and copper grease for guides

Another common problem is incomplete retraction of EPB piston. If after activating the service mode the pads still do not release:

1. Check the battery voltage (must be at least 12.5V).
2. Repeat the reset procedure through the scanner.
3. If that doesn’t help, remove the caliper and manually screw in the piston (it’s threaded) counterclockwise.

What should I do if the EPB light comes on after replacing the pads?

If the indicator EPB does not go out after replacing the pads, the reasons may be the following:

1. Incorrect exit from the service mode (you need to repeat the procedure through the scanner).

2. Broken wear sensor wire (check the circuit with a multimeter).

3. Low brake fluid level (add DOT 4).

4. Malfunction of the EPB control unit (diagnostics required).

When to change pads: regulations and signs of wear

According to the regulations Nissan, rear pads on X-Trail T32 require replacement every 60,000–80,000 km, but the actual period depends on driving style and operating conditions. Main signs of wear:

• 🚨 Creaking or whistling when braking (especially at low speeds).
• 🚨 Enlarged brake pedal travel or its vibration.
• 🚨 Visible development on blocks (thickness of the friction layer is less 2mm).
• 🚨 On drum brakes - deep furrows on the working surface of the drum.
• 🚨 On disc brakes - scoring or rust at the edges of the disk.

To check the condition of the pads on X-Trail T32 with EPB you can use a diagnostic scanner - it will show wear percentage in real time. If the value is lower 20%, the pads must be replaced.

Important: on versions with 4WD and disc brakes at the rear pads and discs are replaced in pairs (left and right wheel at the same time). On drum brakes, the pads can be replaced individually, but only if the wear is even.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads

Is it possible to replace the rear pads with X-Trail T32 without a scanner for EPB?

Theoretically yes, but it's risky. Without a scanner you will not be able to retract the caliper piston (on versions with EPB), which will make dismantling the pads impossible. An alternative is to disconnect the battery for 10 minutes, but this may reset other vehicle settings (such as the radio or climate control). It's better to borrow or rent a scanner.

What should be the gap between the pads and the drum? X-Trail T32?

Optimum clearance for drum brakes - 0.2–0.3 mm. It adjusts automatically when you press the brake pedal, but after replacing the pads it is recommended to check it manually:

1. Remove the drum and visually assess the gap.
2. If the pads rub against the drum, loosen the adjuster (turn the gear counterclockwise).
3. After installing the drum, press the brake pedal 10 to 15 times to automatically adjust.

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

Bleeding is only necessary if you have disconnected the brake hoses or opened the air bleeders. If you just changed the pads (without depressurizing the system), it is enough:

• Check the brake fluid level (should be between MIN And MAX).
• Press the brake pedal several times to allow the system to self-adjust.

The exception is if after replacement the pedal becomes “soft” or “falls in”. In this case, pumping is necessary.

Which pads are better - with or without a wear sensor?

Pads with a wear sensor are more expensive, but their advantages are obvious:

• 🔹 Timely notification about critical wear (lamp on the dashboard).
• 🔹 Security — you won’t miss the moment of replacement.
• 🔹 Convenience for versions with EPB, where visual control is difficult.

If you drive a little (up to 15,000 km/year), you can do without a sensor. For active use or long-distance travel, a sensor is required.

What happens if you don't change the rear pads on time?

Ignoring rear pad wear leads to:

• 🚗 Increased braking distance (on 30–50% at critical wear).
• 🚗 Overheating and deformation brake drums/discs.
• 🚗 Brake fluid leak due to damage to the working cylinders (on drum brakes).
• 🚗 Wheel jamming when the friction layer is destroyed.

On X-Trail T32 with EPB worn pads can cause emergency handbrake operation while driving due to false sensor signals.