Replacing brake pads on a Nissan Qashqai J11: instructions with photos and videos

Replacing brake pads with Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) is a procedure that most owners put off until the last minute, risking safety. Meanwhile, worn pads increase braking distance by 30–50%, and metal shavings from the friction layer destroy the brake discs, leading to expensive repairs. This article contains detailed instructions taking into account the specifics J11including selection of spare parts, tools and unique design nuances, which are not described in standard manuals.

We will analyze the replacement of both front and rear pads (including the parking brake), point out typical mistakes that even experienced craftsmen make, and give recommendations for running in new parts. Let us separately dwell on the issue of pad compatibility with Nissan Qashqai J10 — there are pitfalls here that few people know about. If you plan to do the work yourself, this article will save you at least 5–8 thousand rubles (services charge this much for replacing a set of pads).

When to change pads on a Nissan Qashqai J11: signs and regulations

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 15,000 km, and replacement should be carried out when the friction layer is worn to 2–3 mm. However, actual service life depends on driving style, quality of spare parts and operating conditions. For example, in the urban cycle with frequent acceleration and braking, the pads wear out in 2–3 times fasterthan on the highway.

The main signs that the pads require replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking (most often caused by a wear indicator - a metal plate that rubs against the disc).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance or a “soft” brake pedal.
• 🔥 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel when braking (may indicate deformation of the discs due to worn pads).
• 🚨 Metal clang - a signal that the friction layer has been completely worn out and the metal of the pad is rubbing against the disc.
• 📏 Visual wear: if you can see through the wheel spokes that the thickness of the pad is less than 5 mm, it’s time to change it.

On Nissan Qashqai J11 The front pads wear out faster than the rear ones by about 1.5–2 times. This is due to the distribution of braking forces: the front axle receives up to 70% load when braking. Rear pads often “live” up to 60–80 thousand km, but their condition also needs to be monitored, especially if the car is used with a trailer or in mountainous areas.

⚠️ Attention: If deep cracks or chips appear on the pads, they must be replaced immediately - even if the thickness of the friction layer is still acceptable. Such defects reduce braking efficiency by 20–40%.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Qashqai J11: original vs analogues

Original pads for Qashqai J11 supplied by the company Akebono (Japan), but they are sold under the brand Nissan with articles:

• 📌 Front: D1060-JD00A (set per axle).
• 📌 Rear: D4060-1AM0A (for versions with hand brake) or D4060-1AM1A (for versions with electronic parking brake EPB).

The cost of the original set is from 6,000 to 9,000 rubles for the axle. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands, which are often not inferior in quality, but are cheaper 30–50%. The table below shows the best options, indicating compatibility and features:

Brand	Article (front/rear)	Price per axle, ₽	Features	EPB Compatible
TRW	GDB1446 / GDB1760	3 500–4 200	Soft friction material, minimal disc wear, low noise level.	Yes
Brembo	P 24 064 / P 44 060	4 800–5 500	High coefficient of friction, suitable for aggressive riding style.	No (only for handbrake)
Ferodo	FDB1446 / FDB1760	3 800–4 500	Moderate wear, good performance over a wide temperature range.	Yes
ATE	13.0460-7206.2 / 13.0460-7708.2	4 200–5 000	Optimal price/quality balance, low dust level.	Yes
Bosch	0 986 494 219 / 0 986 494 795	3 600–4 300	Long service life, but may creak for the first 200–300 km.	No

When choosing pads for Qashqai J11 please note:

• 🔧 Parking brake type: if you have EPB (electronic), not all analogues are suitable - a special form of pads for the sensor is required.
• 📋 Certification: look for markings ECE R90 is a guarantee of compliance with European standards.
• 🌡️ Temperature: “soft” pads are suitable for city driving (Ferodo, TRW), for a sporty style - “hard” (Brembo, ATE).

⚠️ Attention: Pads from Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) don't fit for J11 due to the modified geometry of the calipers and brake discs. Installing incompatible parts will result in uneven wear and vibration when braking.

Tools and materials for replacing pads on Qashqai J11

To replace the pads yourself Nissan Qashqai J11 you will need the following set of tools:

Jack and supports (or lift)

Wheelbrace for 19 or 21 (depending on rims)

Socket heads for 14, 17 and hex key for 7 mm

Flat-head screwdriver or spatula for spreading the pads

Caliper guide lubricant (e.g. TRW PFG110 or Slipkote 220-R DBC)

Rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner (Brake Cleaner)

Torque wrench (optional, but recommended for precise tightening)

New pads and, if necessary, brake fluid DOT 4

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If you plan to replace brake discs, additionally prepare:

• 🔧 18mm socket for unscrewing the hub nut (if the disk is “stuck”).
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer to remove the disc.
• 📏 Vernier caliper to check the thickness of the disc (minimum permissible - 22 mm for front and 8 mm for the rear).

Pay special attention to the choice of lubricant for the caliper guides. Do not use regular lithol or graphite grease - they cannot withstand high temperatures and can cause the caliper to jam. Optimal options:

• 🧴 TRW PFG110 — synthetic lubricant with a temperature range from –40° to +300°C.
• 🧴 Slipkote 220-R DBC — especially for brake systems, not aggressive to rubber seals.
• 🧴 Molykote G-3407 — universal high-temperature lubricant.

If you are changing pads for the first time, we also recommend purchasing caliper repair kit (boots and O-rings), since old parts often break during disassembly. Article for Qashqai J11: 40520-4M000 (front caliper) and 40530-1M000 (rear).

Step-by-step instructions: replacing front pads on a Nissan Qashqai J11

Front pads on Qashqai J11 It is easier to replace than the rear ones, since there is no parking brake mechanism. The whole process will take about 1–1.5 hours if you have a tool. Follow the instructions:

Step 1: Preparing and removing the wheel

• 🅿️ Place the car on a flat surface, engage first gear (or P for automatic transmission) and place chocks under the rear wheels.
• 🔧 Loosen the wheel bolts, then jack up the car and remove the wheel.
• 🧹 Clean the caliper and disc from dirt using a metal brush and brake cleaner.

Step 2. Removing the caliper

• 🔩 Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (head on 14 mm). The top bolt usually sticks - you can use penetrating lubricant WD-40.
• 🔄 Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope, without disconnecting the brake hose (otherwise you will have to bleed the system!).

Step 3: Replacing the pads

• 📱 Take a photo of the location of the old pads and spring clips.
• 🔨 Using a screwdriver, push the caliper piston inside (unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap first so as not to create excess pressure!).
• ✅ Install new pads, making sure they fit into the grooves of the guides. On Qashqai J11 the inner block has metal tongue - he should look towards the disk.

Step 4. Assembly and testing

• 🔧 Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to torque 30–35 Nm.
• 🚗 Press the brake pedal 3-5 times to force the piston to move.
• 🔄 Spin the wheel manually - it should rotate freely, without touching.

⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads, this is a sign of air getting into the system. In this case you will need bleeding the brakes (instructions below).

What to do if the caliper piston is not pushed back?

If the piston does not move when pressed with a screwdriver, it is most likely soured. In this case:

1. Remove the caliper completely by disconnecting the brake hose (plug it so that the fluid does not leak out!).

2. Wash the piston with brake cleaner and try gently tapping it with a wooden block.

3. If that doesn’t help, use a special tool to press the piston (for example, Lisle 25800) or contact service.

Replacing rear pads on Qashqai J11: features and difficulties

Rear pads on Nissan Qashqai J11 are more difficult to change due to integration with the parking brake mechanism. There are two design options here:

• 🔧 Mechanical handbrake (cable drive) - on basic versions.
• 🤖 Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) - on versions with automatic transmission.

For EPB you will need a special scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM) to put the system into maintenance mode. Without this, recess the rear caliper piston impossible — it is blocked by an electric motor.

Instructions for versions with a mechanical handbrake:

1. 🔧 Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt.
2. 🔩 Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (head on 14 mm).
3. 🔄 Remove the caliper and hang it on a wire.
4. 🔨 Drown the piston by rotating it clockwise (on Qashqai J11 a threaded mechanism is used). To do this, you can use a special wrench or pliers.
5. ✅ Install new pads, making sure that the handbrake cable is not twisted.
6. 🔧 Reassemble everything in reverse order and adjust the handbrake (it should work at 3-5 clicks of the lever).

For versions with EPB:

1. 📱 Connect the diagnostic scanner and activate the maintenance mode (Service Mode).
2. 🔧 Remove the caliper and recess the piston rotational movement (similar to a mechanical handbrake).
3. ⚠️ After installing new pads necessarily perform calibration EPB through the scanner!

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the rear pads on versions with EPB The brake system malfunction indicator comes on, which means that the calibration was incorrect. Repeat the procedure or contact service.

Running in new pads and checking the brake system

After replacing the pads with Qashqai J11 must be completed running-in - this will allow the friction material to evenly rub against the discs and avoid vibrations during braking. Follow this algorithm:

1. 🚗 Drive 200–300 km in a gentle mode, avoiding sudden braking.
2. 🛑 For the first 50 km, brake smoothly, with no more force 50% of maximum.
3. 🔥 After running in, perform 3–5 intense braking from a speed of 80–100 km/h to a complete stop, so that the pads “break in”.

Also, after replacing the pads, be sure to check:

• 📋 Brake fluid level - it could rise after pressing the pistons.
• 🔊 No extraneous sounds (creaks, knocks) when braking.
• 🚗 Straightness of braking — if the car pulls to the side, the caliper may be unevenly tightened or the disc may be defective.

If the pads continue to squeak after break-in, this may be due to:

• 🧴 Lack of anti-squeak lubricant on the back side of the pads (applied in a thin layer).
• 🔧 Incorrect installation — check that the pads do not touch the edges of the disc.
• 🌡️ Overheating - Allow the brakes to cool after intensive use.

Typical mistakes when replacing pads on a Qashqai J11 and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Nissan Qashqai J11. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Incorrect installation of the inner pad (the tongue does not point towards the disc)	Uneven wear, squeaking, reduced braking performance	Before installation, check the photo of the old pad or instructions
Tightening the caliper bolts without a torque wrench	Over-tightening leads to deformation of the bracket, under-tightening leads to play and vibrations	Use a torque wrench (tightening torque: 30–35 Nm)
Ignoring guide lubrication	Caliper jamming, uneven pad wear	Apply high temperature grease to the guides every time they are replaced.
Unbleeded brake system after replacement	Soft brake pedal, increased braking distance	Pump the brakes if the pedal becomes “wobbly”
Forgot to unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir before pressing in the piston	Damage to the master cylinder seals	Always unscrew the cap before working on the calipers

Another common problem is incompatibility of pads with brake discs. For example, if you installed "soft" pads (Ferodo, TRW) on drilled or ventilated rims, they will wear out in 2 times faster. For such discs, “hard” pads are better suited (Brembo, ATE).

If after replacing the pads with Qashqai J11 Vibration appears on the steering wheel when braking, this may indicate:

• 🔄 Uneven wheel tightening — check the tightening torque of the bolts (100–120 Nm).
• 📏 Brake disc deformation - measure the runout with a caliper (tolerance - no more than 0.05 mm).
• 🧱 Dirt getting between the pad and the deepport - Disassemble and clean the caliper.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Nissan Qashqai J11

Is it possible to replace only the front pads if the rear ones are still normal?

Yes, it is possible, but not recommended. The pads on one axle must wear evenly, otherwise the car may pull to the side when braking. If your budget is limited, replace at least a couple (for example, only the front ones), but plan to replace the rear ones in the next 10-15 thousand km.

How much does it cost to replace pads on a Qashqai J11 at a service center?

The cost of service depends on the region and type of pads:

• 🔧 Front pads: 1 500–2 500 ₽ for the axle.
• 🔧 Rear pads (without EPB): 2 000–3 000 ₽ for the axle.
• 🔧 Rear pads (with EPB): 3 500–5 000 ₽ per axle (due to the need for diagnostic equipment).

Taking into account the cost of spare parts, the total amount can reach 15–20 thousand ₽ for a complete replacement (all 4 wheels).

How often do you need to change brake fluid when replacing pads?

Brake fluid to Qashqai J11 it is recommended to change every 2 years or 40,000 km, regardless of replacing the pads. However, if you notice that the fluid has darkened or there is sediment in it, replace it immediately. When replacing pads, it is not necessary to change the fluid, but check its level and add if necessary.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?

A soft brake pedal after replacing the pads is a sign of air getting into the system. You will need bleeding the brakes. To do this:

1. Place the transparent hose onto the bleeder fitting (on the caliper).
2. Have an assistant press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
3. Unscrew the fitting, release air and liquid, then tighten it.
4. Repeat until bubble-free liquid comes out of the hose.

Start bleeding from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (usually the right rear).

Is it possible to drive if only one pad on the axle wears out?

No, absolutely not. If one pad is worn out and the other is normal, this indicates caliper jamming or deformation of guides. Driving in this condition leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the brake disc (may lead or crack).
• 🚗 Uneven braking and skidding.
• 💰 Additional costs for caliper repair or disc replacement.

Contact service immediately for diagnostics!