Replacing rear brake pads on a Nissan Qashqai: instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on Nissan Qashqai (especially models J10 And J11) wear out more slowly than the front ones, but their timely replacement is critical for safety. If you notice squeaking when braking, increased pedal travel or vibration, it’s time to check the condition of the rear mechanisms. Unlike the front discs, the rear brakes are Qashqai often equipped with a drum mechanism (on budget versions) or disc with a hand brake, which adds complexity to replacement.

This article will help you figure out how to change the rear pads yourself, without resorting to the services of a service station. We'll go over the process in detail for both drum/disc systems, list the tools needed, and point out common mistakes that can lead to uneven brake wear or seizing. We will pay special attention adjusting the hand brake after replacement is a key point that many people miss.

When to change rear pads on a Nissan Qashqai: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear pads every 30–40 thousand km, but the actual period depends on driving style and operating conditions. Here are the signals that it's time to act:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking - often indicates wear of the friction material to the metal base.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance or a “wobbly” pedal - the pads do not provide sufficient friction.
• 🔥 Rear wheel overheating after a trip - this may indicate that the mechanism is jammed.
• 🛠️ Visual wear: friction layer thickness less 2–3 mm (for disc) or deep grooves on the drum.

On Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) with electronic handbrake (EPB) replacing the pads requires additional manipulations with the system through a diagnostic scanner or Nissan Consult. If your machine is equipped EPB, you won’t be able to do without special equipment - you’ll need adaptation reset after installing new pads.

⚠️ Attention: On models with EPB Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed - the piston may fly out under pressure, which will lead to a leak of brake fluid and the need to bleed the system.

Tools and materials for replacement

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. For Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) with drum brakes and J11 with disk ones you will need different sets of tools. Here is a universal list:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Jack and stops	Lifting and securing the car	Use only on a flat surface
Balloon wrench	Removing wheels	Size 19 mm or 21 mm (depending on model)
Socket heads 12 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm	Unscrewing guides, calipers, drums	For EPB head may be needed T50
Hammer and wooden spacer	Removing a stuck drum	Apply blows only through the spacer!
Guide lubricant (TRW PFG110 or analogues)	Prevents corrosion and jamming	Do not use graphite lubricant!

For disc brakes you will need additional sliding pliers to recess the caliper piston and special key for adjusting the handbrake (if it is mechanical). If on your Qashqai pads with a wear sensor are installed, prepare a new sensor - it often breaks when removed.

Step-by-step replacement of rear pads on disc brakes (J11)

Let's look at the process using an example Nissan Qashqai J11 with mechanical hand brake. If you have EPB, skip the steps related to adjusting the cable and refer to the section on the electronic handbrake.

1. Wheel removal and preparation. Jack up the car, remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt. Use WD-40 for processing threaded connections.

2. Removing the caliper. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 mm), then carefully hang the caliper on the wire without disconnecting the brake hose. Do not allow the hose to kink as this may damage its internal structure.

3. Recessing the piston. Using sliding pliers or a special tool (threaded rod) Screw the piston back into the cylinder. On Qashqai The piston often rotates clockwise.

4. Replacing pads. Remove the old pads, clean the guides of rust and apply new lubricant. Install the new pads, making sure the retaining springs are in place.

After assembly, press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in working position. Then check the travel of the handbrake - it should block the wheels for 3-4 clicks of the lever. If adjustment is required, use a wrench to tighten the cable (accessed through the hatch under the machine).

Features of replacement on drum brakes (J10)

Drum brakes on Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) are considered more reliable in terms of wear, but their replacement requires more effort. The main difficulty is removing the drum, which often sticks to the hub.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Removing the drum. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and try to remove the drum by hand. If that doesn’t work, tap it evenly with a hammer through a wooden spacer in a circle. Avoid hitting one spot!

2. Cleaning the mechanism. After removing the drum, clean the inner surface of dust and rust. Please note the condition working cylinder - if it leaks, it needs to be replaced.

3. Installing new pads. Disconnect the springs and spacer bar, then remove the old pads. Install new ones symmetrically, starting with the top spring. After installation, adjust the gap between the pads and the drum using the eccentric (it is located on the brake shield).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacement the wheel rotates with force, it means the pads are pressed too tightly against the drum. This can lead to overheating and premature wear. Adjust the eccentric or check the springs for deformation.

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum does not budge even after tapping, try the following:

1. Treat the joint between the drum and the hub with penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2).

2. Start the car, engage 1st gear and brake sharply (this will help “rip” the drum out of place).

3. As a last resort, use a puller or contact a service station - forced removal with a hammer can damage the hub.

Nuances for Nissan Qashqai with electronic handbrake (EPB)

Cars with EPB (electronic parking brake) require a special approach. You can't just remove the caliper here - you first need to put the system into maintenance mode. To do this you will need:

1. Connecting diagnostic equipment. Use a scanner (Launch X431, Autel) or laptop with the program Nissan Consult. From the menu, select Service → EPB → Retraction.

2. Recessing the piston. After activating the maintenance mode, the piston can be screwed in manually (usually counterclockwise). Do not use force - if the piston does not move, check whether the mode is turned on in the scanner.

3. Reset adaptation. After installing new pads, follow the procedure EPB Reset in the diagnostic program. Without this, the handbrake may not hold or may activate spontaneously.

If you don't have access to diagnostic equipment, you can try to do without it, but this is risky. As a last resort, disconnect the connector EPB on the caliper (usually yellow), but after replacing the pads, be sure to visit a service station to reset the errors.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• 🔧 Incorrect spring installation on drum brakes - leads to uneven wear or seizure.
• 🛢️ Using the wrong lubricant for guides - graphite or lithol can corrode the anthers.
• 🚘 Forgetting to recess the piston before installing new pads - the caliper will not fit into place.
• 🔩 Tightening the caliper bolts — leads to deformation of the brake disc.

Another common problem is incompatibility of pads with wear sensor. If you install non-original pads without a sensor, and the connector remains connected, an error will appear on the dashboard ABS or ESP. In this case, either buy pads with a sensor, or remove the sensor from the old pad and transfer it to the new one.

After replacement, be sure to check:

• 🔹 Brake fluid level — it could rise when the piston was retracted.
• 🔹 No leaks from the working cylinder or hoses.
• 🔹 Uniform braking - The car should not pull to the side.

Recommendations for choosing pads

There are three categories of pads on the market: original (Nissan), premium analogues (TRW, Brembo, ATE) and budget (Ferodo, Bosch, Sangsin). For Qashqai the optimal choice is the original or TRW (they are often delivered on a conveyor belt). Budget pads can squeak and wear out faster.

Brand	Article (rear)	Average price, rub.	Features
Nissan (original)	D1060-4M00A (J11)	3 500–4 200	Best quality, minimal disc wear
TRW	GDB1445	2 800–3 300	OE quality, low noise
Brembo	P69052	3 000–3 600	High resistance to overheating
Ferodo	FDB1445	1 800–2 200	Budget option, creaking is possible

When purchasing, pay attention to completeness - Some kits do not include guide lube or retaining clips. Also check whether the pads are suitable for your modification: for example, for Qashqai 1.6 And 2.0 Sizes may vary.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (left and right wheel). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How long does it take to replace?

With disc brakes without EPB - about 1.5–2 hours for a beginner. On drum ones - up to 3 hours due to difficulties in removing the drum. C EPB add another 30–60 minutes for diagnostics.

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

Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hoses or noticed a fluid leak. In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times to force the piston into place.

Why doesn't the handbrake hold after replacing the pads?

The reasons may be different:

• 🔧 The handbrake cable is not adjusted (for a manual one).
• 🔧 Reset failed EPB (for electronic).
• 🔧 The pads are installed on the wrong side (the working surface is not in contact with the disc/drum).

Check each item in order.

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

No! If one pad is worn more than the other, this indicates caliper jamming or damage to the guides. Operating a car in this condition is dangerous - the braking force is distributed unevenly, and the disc can overheat and become deformed.