Nissan Sunny is a legendary car that has gained a reputation as a reliable and unpretentious sedan in the post-Soviet space. But even the most proven equipment requires attention to the braking system. **Brake pads** are consumables on which your safety directly depends. In this article we will look at how to choose suitable pads for Sunny (including models B13, B14, B15 and restyled versions), when to change them, and how to avoid common mistakes when replacing them.
Let's immediately note: the braking system Nissan Sunny (especially in bodies N14 And N15) has its own characteristics. For example, the front pads wear out faster than the rear ones due to the design of the calipers, and non-original cheap analogues can cause squeaking or uneven wear of the discs. We analyzed owner reviews, technical manuals, and tests by independent experts to collect up-to-date information—without fluff or general phrases.
Signs of brake pad wear on a Nissan Sunny
The first signal that the pads require replacement is **creaking or whistling** when braking. However, this does not always mean critical wear. Cheap pads often squeak due to low-quality friction material, while original or premium analogues (for example, Brembo or Akebono) can operate silently even with a residual thickness of 3–4 mm.
More reliable signs:
- 🔴 Increased braking distance - if the car slows down slowly, especially on a wet road.
- 🔴 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when braking - often indicates uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the brake discs.
- 🔴 Metal scraping - this is already critical: the friction layer is worn down to the base, and the metal rubs against the disc.
- 🔴 Wear indicator on the dashboard (if pads with a sensor are installed).
On Nissan Sunny B14 (1994–1998) and B15 (1999–2006) the minimum permissible thickness of the friction layer is 2 mm. But experts recommend changing the pads when the remaining thickness is 3–3.5 mm to avoid damage to the discs.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal becomes “soft” or falls out, immediately check the brake fluid level and the tightness of the system. On Sunny with ABS (models after 2000), this may indicate a faulty accumulator.
- Original Nissan
- Brembo
- Akebono
- Ferodo
- Others
Which brake pads are suitable for Nissan Sunny: comparison of brands
The choice of pads depends on driving style, budget and year of manufacture Sunny. For example, “soft” pads with low dust levels are suitable for urban use (Akebono), and for aggressive driving it is better to choose Brembo or Ferodo with increased heat resistance.
| Brand | Model/part number (front) | Compatibility | Features | Average price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 40520-4M000 (B13/B14), 40520-4M025 (B15) |
All modifications | Optimal balance of wear and braking properties, minimal dust | 3 200–4 500 |
| Akebono | ACT907A |
B13, B14, B15 | Low noise level, “soft” braking, suitable for the city | 2 800–3 500 |
| Brembo | P24064 |
B14, B15 (1.6/1.8) | High temperature resistance, aggressive braking, increased disc wear | 3 800–5 000 |
| Ferodo | FDB1435 |
B13, B14 | Good price/quality ratio, moderate dust | 2 500–3 200 |
| TRW | GDB1438 |
B15 (with ABS) | Low squeaking, long service life, but possible vibration during cold braking | 3 000–4 000 |
For Nissan Sunny N16 (2000–2006, European version) suitable pads from Almera N16 - for example, Textar 2463501 or ATE 13.0460-2834.2. But keep in mind: these models have different calipers and pads from B15 won't fit!
⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B13 (1990–1994) with engine GA14DE front pads are thinner than on B14/B15. It is impossible to install thicker analogues - this will lead to jamming of the caliper.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake pads on a Nissan Sunny
Replacing the pads with Sunny does not require a special tool, but there are some nuances. For example, on models with ABS (B15) Before replacing, you need to relieve the pressure in the system, otherwise the pump may be damaged. Below are universal instructions for the front pads (we consider the rear drum brakes separately).
Raise the car and remove the wheel|Unscrew the lower caliper bolt (14mm wrench)|Hang the caliper on a wire to avoid damaging the hose|Remove the old pads and clean the guides|Lubricate the caliper guides with a special lubricant (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC)-->
Step 1: Removing the caliper
Unscrew the lower caliper mounting bolt (usually on 14 or 17). There is no need to touch the top bolt - the caliper will rotate on it as if on a hinge. Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope so as not to strain the brake hose.
Step 2: Replacing the pads
Remove the old pads and check the condition of the brake discs. If there is a bead on the edges of the disk that is more than 1 mm high, it needs to be ground or replaced. New pads are installed in the reverse order. Important: on Sunny B15 with engine QG18DE pads with anti-squeak plates — do not lose them when replacing them!
Step 3. Running in
After installing new pads, avoid sudden braking for the first 200–300 km. The friction material should “grind in” to the disc. If a squeak appears during this period, try applying it to the back of the pads. anti-squeak paste (For example, Loctite 7650).
1) Correct installation of the pads (left/right).
2) Condition of the brake hoses - they could have become deformed when hanging the caliper.
3) Tire pressure (even a difference of 0.2 bar can cause steering).-->
Typical mistakes when replacing pads on a Nissan Sunny
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or caliper failure. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Ignoring caliper guides - if they are not cleaned and lubricated, the caliper will jam and the pads will wear unevenly.
- 🔧 Installing pads without anti-squeak plates - this leads to vibrations and creaking.
- 🔧 Incorrect running-in — aggressive braking in the first 100 km “burns” the friction layer.
- 🔧 Using copper grease instead of specialized grease — it burns out at high temperatures and loses its properties.
On Nissan Sunny B14 with engine GA16DE The problem of “souring” of the caliper guides is often encountered. If, after replacing the pads, the caliper does not move away from the disc, it must be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated with high-temperature grease (for example, Molykote G-Rapid Plus).
What happens if you don't change your brake pads on time?
When the friction layer is completely worn out, the metal base of the pad begins to contact the brake disc. This leads to:
1) Disc deformation - it will have to be sharpened or replaced.
2) Caliper overheating - Brake fluid may leak or the piston may jam.
3) Increased braking distance 1.5–2 times, which is critical in emergency situations.
On Sunny B15 With ABS, faulty pads can cause the system to trigger falsely, as the sensors detect uneven braking.
Rear brake pads: features of the drum system
On most Nissan Sunny (except N16) rear brakes - drum. Replacing them is more difficult than disk ones and requires attention to detail. The main problem is handbrake adjustment, which is often forgotten to do after installing new pads.
To replace the rear pads you will need:
- 🔩 Special puller for tension springs (can be replaced with thin-lipped pliers).
- 🔩 Lubricant for pad contact points (for example, Permatex 24110).
- 🔩 Adjustment key for eccentric (comes with the machine or purchased separately).
Important: After replacing the rear pads with Sunny B13/B14 it is necessary to adjust the gap between the pads and the drum. To do this:
- Raise the handbrake lever 2–3 clicks.
- Turn the drum forward and backward - the shoes are automatically centered.
- Lower the lever and check that the wheel rotates freely.
⚠️ Attention: If the handbrake does not hold after replacing the rear pads, check:1) Correct installation of the handbrake cable (it should be tensioned without sagging).
2) Drum condition - if its internal diameter exceeds 201.5 mm (for B14), the pads will not press down enough.
Is it worth saving on brake pads for Nissan Sunny?
Cheap pads (for example, NoName or Fenox) can cost 2–3 times less than the original ones, but their installation is fraught with:
- 💰 Increased disc wear — low-quality friction material wears away the metal.
- 💰 Increased braking distance - especially noticeable on wet roads.
- 💰 Creaks and vibrations, which are not eliminated even after running-in.
According to the test results of the magazine “Behind the Wheel” (2022), the original pads Nissan served on average 45,000 km, while budget analogues (AvtoVAZ, Finwhale) - only 20,000–25,000 km. The difference in price (1,500 ₽ versus 3,500 ₽) is offset by the frequency of replacement and the risk of damage to the disks.
The best choice for Nissan Sunny — pads of the middle price segment (Akebono, Ferodo, TRW). They strike a balance between durability, stopping power and comfort without overpaying for the brand.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Sunny brake pads
Is it possible to install brake pads from Nissan Almera on Sunny?
Yes, but only for specific models:
- Sunny B15 (1999–2006) compatible with Almera N16 (2000–2006) on front pads (article number
40520-4M025). - For Sunny B13/B14 pads from Almera do not fit due to different calipers.
Always check the catalogs Nissan or use VIN matching services.
How often should I change brake pads on Sunny?
Service life depends on driving style and quality of pads:
- Urban operation (soft braking): 40,000–50,000 km.
- Aggressive driving (sharp braking): 20,000–30,000 km.
- Rear drum pads last longer - up to 80,000–100,000 km.
Check the thickness of the pads every 10,000 km or when changing tires seasonally.
Why do new pads squeak on Sunny?
Creaking in the first 100–200 km is normal (the surfaces are rubbing in). If the squeak does not go away:
- Check availability anti-squeak plates (they are often forgotten to install).
- Apply anti-squeak paste on the back side of the pads (not on the friction layer!).
- Make sure that the pads are suitable for your model - non-original ones may have a different composition.
On Sunny B15 squeaking is often caused by wear and tear caliper guides - they need to be lubricated.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?
Not unless you have disconnected the brake lines or opened the system. Bleeding is required only in the following cases:
- Replacing brake hoses or calipers.
- Air entering the system (for example, when the fluid level is low).
- Repair of the main brake cylinder.
On Sunny with ABS, bleeding must be done using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431), otherwise air will remain in the accumulator.
What kind of brake fluid should I put in Sunny?
For all generations Sunny (B13, B14, B15) liquid recommended DOT-4. The volume of the system is about 0.5 l. Popular brands:
- Nissan Brake Fluid (original, article
KE909-99932). - Castrol React DOT4 (good price/quality ratio).
- Motul DOT 5.1 (for extreme conditions, but more expensive).