Replacing brake pads on a Nissan Note: instructions with photos and advice from experts

Brake system Nissan Note - a critical unit on the condition of which your safety depends. The pads wear out gradually, and many drivers put off replacing them until squeaks appear or the braking distance increases. However experts recommend checking the thickness of the friction layer every 15–20 thousand km, even if there are no external signs of wear. In this article we will look at how to replace pads with Nissan Note (including models with ABS And EBD), what tools are needed, and what to look for when choosing spare parts.

Feature Note — compact brake mechanisms that require careful disassembly. For example, rear drum brakes (if equipped) will require a special spring puller, and front discs will require proper recessing of the caliper piston. We will describe both options in detail so that you can cope without the help of a service station. Also in the article you will find a compatibility table for pads for different generations Note (E11, E12) and tips for bleeding brakes after replacement.

When to change pads on a Nissan Note: signs of wear

Manufacturer indicates scheduled replacement interval - every 30–40 thousand km, but the actual period depends on the driving style and the quality of spare parts. For example, with aggressive braking in the city, the pads can wear out after 20 thousand km, and with quiet driving on the highway, they can last up to 50 thousand km. Here are the key symptoms that it’s time to change them:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking, this is the work of the wear indicator (a metal plate that rubs against the disc). On Nissan Note it is triggered when the friction layer remains thick 2–3 mm.
• 🛑 Increased braking distance - if the car slows down “softly”, this is a sign of either worn out pads or oil getting on the working surfaces.
• 🔥 Vibration or beat on the steering wheel - often indicates deformation of the brake disc due to overheating (for example, if you drive for a long time on worn out pads).
• 🚨 ABS lamp on the dash — may light up if the sensor detects uneven braking due to different thicknesses of the pads on the wheels of the same axle.

On a Nissan Note with rear drum brakes, pad wear often goes unnoticed as they do not squeak. Check them visually every 10 thousand km - through the inspection window in the drum or after removing the wheel.

⚠️ 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 30–40%.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Note: original vs analogues

Original pads from Nissan (see table below for article numbers) guarantee compatibility with the system ABS/EBD, but cost 2–3 times more than analogues. An alternative is certified spare parts from Brembo, TRW, Ferodo or ATE, which are often installed on a conveyor. When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Friction layer material:
  • Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and do not work well in the cold.
  • Ceramic - quiet and generate little dust, but more expensive and may slow down worse under high loads.
  • Organic - soft, silent, but wear out quickly (suitable for quiet driving).
• 📏 Lining thickness - for Note optimal 10–12 mm for new pads.
• 🔄 Presence of wear sensor - on the front pads Note (since 2013) an electronic indicator is often installed.

Generation	Brake type	Original article	Recommended analogues	Notes
E11 (2004–2012)	Front disc	40520-4M000	Brembo P24060, TRW GDB1436	Without wear indicator
E12 (2012–2020)	Front disc	40520-4M025	ATE 13.0460-7206.2, Ferodo FDB1836	With wear indicator
E11/E12	Rear drums	40530-4M000	TRW GDB1437, Nipparts J3211025	Set of 4 pads
E12 (since 2016)	Rear disc	40520-4M030	Brembo P24061, Textar 2462501	Only for versions with ESP

For Nissan Note with the system Start/Stop (models after 2017) choose pads marked «Low Metallic»** — they wear out disks less with frequent engine starts. Also note friction coefficient: suitable for city driving 0.35–0.40, for sporty style - 0.45–0.50.

Tools and preparation for replacing pads

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Basic set: jack, wheel wrench, wheel chocks, 14 and 17 mm socket heads, caliper guide wrench (Hex 7mm for E12).
• 🔨 Specialized tool:
  • Caliper piston puller (or flat clamp).
  • Circlip pliers (for rear drums).
  • Metal brush and WD-40 for cleaning the guides.
• 🛢️ Consumables: brake fluid DOT-4, copper guide grease, brake cleaner (Brembo Cleaner or analogues).

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Park the car on a level surface, put the car in gear and place chocks under the rear wheels.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting on the jack (it's safer).
3. Raise the car and remove the wheel. For reliability, use a stand under the threshold - the jack may fall off!
4. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt. Do not use compressed air - dust from the pads contains asbestos and is harmful to the lungs.

Loosen the wheel bolts|Raise the car and install jack stands|Remove the wheel and clean the caliper|Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir|Prepare new pads and tools-->

⚠️ Attention: If you change the pads to Nissan Note with ABS, do not press the brake pedal after removing the caliper - this may push the piston out and damage the system. Also avoid getting grease on the friction linings - this will reduce braking efficiency by 50-70%.

Replacing front brake pads on a Nissan Note: step-by-step instructions

Front pads on Note They are easier to change than the rear ones, but require care when working with the caliper. Follow the algorithm:

1. Removing the caliper:
   • Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (Hex 7mm for E12 or by 14 mm for E11).
   • Hang the caliper on a wire to the strut spring - don't leave it hanging on the hose!
2. Removing old pads:
   • Remove the retaining springs (if equipped) and pull out the pads. Please note Wear indicator location — Install the new block in the same way.
   • Clean the seats from rust and dirt with a metal brush.
3. Recessing the piston:
   • Insert a screwdriver between the piston and the caliper and gently push it in. On models with EBD the piston must be rotated clockwise (use a special wrench).
   • Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - when the piston is pushed in, it will rise. If necessary, remove excess with a syringe.
4. Installing new pads:
   • Apply a thin layer of copper grease on the back side of the pads (not on the friction layer!).
   • Reinstall the pads in reverse order, making sure they move freely in the grooves.
5. Assembly:
   • Attach the caliper and tighten the bolts to torque 25–30 Nm.
   • Press the brake pedal 3-4 times until the piston is in working position.

After replacing, check the brakes while driving: accelerate to 40 km/h and brake sharply. If the car pulls to the side, the pads may be installed unevenly or the system may need bleeding.

What to do if the caliper piston does not retract?

If the piston does not move, it may be due to corrosion or a stuck O-ring. Try this:

1. Remove the piston boot and clean it of dirt.

2. Apply a few drops of brake fluid between the piston and caliper.

3. Use a clamp with a wooden spacer to apply even pressure on the piston.

If this does not help, the caliper requires repair or replacement.

Replacing rear pads: drum vs disc brakes

On Nissan Note rear brakes may be drums (until 2016) or disk (later versions). Let's consider both options.

Drum brakes (E11, early E12)

To replace the pads in the drum:

1. Remove the drum by unscrewing the guide pins (by 8 mm). If it does not come off, screw two bolts into the threaded holes on the end and tighten evenly.
2. Loosen the upper and lower tension springs with pliers. Don't bite them - use a puller!
3. Remove the lock washers and pull out the pads. Clean the mechanism from dust and check the condition of the cylinders (there should be no liquid leaks on them).
4. Install new pads, lubricating the contact points with the support disk with graphite lubricant. Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order.
5. Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum by turning the adjusting bolt (accessible through the hole in the brake guard).

Disc brakes (E12 after 2016)

The process is similar to replacing the front pads, but there are some nuances:

• The caliper piston rotates counterclockwise (use the key to Nissan with grooves).
• On some versions there is built-in parking brake — before retracting the piston, loosen the handbrake cable (nut under the car, next to the lever).
• After replacing the pads be sure to adjust the handbrake, otherwise he will hold weakly.

Bleeding the brakes and running in new pads

After replacing the pads, the brake system requires pumping, if:

• You pressed the caliper piston too far and the fluid leaked out of the reservoir.
• Air has entered the system (for example, when a hose is disconnected).
• The brake pedal became “soft” after assembly.

Bleeding order (for Nissan Note with ABS):

1. Place the transparent hose onto the bleeder fitting and lower the other end into a container with liquid.
2. Have an assistant press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
3. Unscrew the fitting half a turn - liquid with bubbles should come out. Tighten the fitting and repeat the process.
4. Start with right rear wheel, then left rear, right front and left front.
5. Add fluid to the reservoir to the level MAX and check the tightness of the connections.

Running in new pads:

• First 200 km Avoid sharp braking - the friction layer should “grind in” to the disc.
• Make several smooth decelerations from speed 60–80 km/h until a complete stop (at intervals of 1–2 km).
• Do not use cruise control or braking assistant during this period.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal vibrates when pressed, this may indicate a deformed brake rotor. Check its thickness with a micrometer - the permissible difference between the edges is no more 0.015 mm.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Nissan Note. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Unlubricated caliper guides - leads to jamming and uneven wear of the pads. Always clean the guides and apply high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 🚗 Incorrect installation of springs on drum brakes - the pads may jam or move away from the drum. Use the diagram from the manual or take a photo of the starting position.
• 🔥 Overheating of brakes after replacement — new pads require running-in. Avoid long descents with constant braking at first 500 km.
• 🛑 Ignoring wear sensor — if you don’t connect it to a new block, an error will appear on the device ABS.

Another typical problem is new pads squeak. It may occur due to:

• Grease gets on the friction layer (wipe the pads with brake cleaner).
• Incorrect running-in (do a series of smooth braking).
• Low-quality lining material (especially cheap analogues).

1. Even tightening of caliper bolts.

2. Condition of the brake hoses (they should not bend).

3. Tire pressure - even a difference of 0.2 bar can affect braking.-->

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the pads on only one axle (for example, only the front ones)?

No, the pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (both front or both rear). If you replace only one side, the car will pull to the side when braking due to the difference in efficiency. An exception is if the pad is mechanically damaged (for example, the friction layer has broken off).

How much do original pads cost for a Nissan Note?

Prices for original spare parts (2026):

• Front pads (40520-4M025) - from 3,500 to 4,200 rub. per set.
• Rear drums (40530-4M000) - from 2,800 to 3,500 rub.
• Rear disc (40520-4M030) - from 4,000 rub.

Analogues from Brembo or TRW will cost 1.5–2 times cheaper.

Do brake discs and pads need to be replaced?

Discs are changed if:

• Their thickness is less than permissible (for Note minimum thickness of the front disc - 18 mm, rear - 8 mm).
• There are deep grooves or cracks on the surface.
• The disk “led” (beating more 0.1 mm when checking with an indicator).

If the disc is normal, it is enough to sharpen it on a machine (cost ~1,500 rubles per pair).

How often should you check your brake fluid?

Brake fluid to Nissan Note it is recommended to change every 2 years or 40,000 km (whichever comes first). It is hygroscopic and accumulates moisture over time, which lowers the boiling point. To check, use a tester (for example, Brake Fluid Tester) - if the indicator is lower 175°C, the fluid must be replaced.

Is it possible to drive if the brake pads squeak?

It is possible for a short time (1–2 days), but risky:

• A squeak may indicate complete wear of the friction layer - the metal of the pad rubs against the disc, damaging it.
• The braking distance increases by 30–50%.
• On models with ABS The system may cause false alarms.

If the squeak appears suddenly, check the pads visually. If the thickness of the lining is less 2 mm, replacement cannot be delayed.