The braking system is the basis for the safety of any vehicle, and Nissan Qashqai is no exception. Over time, rear brake pads wear out and replacing them becomes inevitable to maintain stopping performance. Ignoring signs of wear can lead to brake rotor failure and costly repairs.
Many crossover owners Nissan They believe that replacing the rear pads is a simple operation similar to replacing the front ones. However, the design of the rear unit has its own characteristics associated with the integrated handbrake mechanism. Incorrect actions when compressing the piston can lead to damage.
In this article we will analyze the replacement process in detail, select the necessary tool and discuss the nuances of choosing consumables. You will learn how to correctly diagnose wear and what to do if the sensor does not indicate a problem, although the pads are already worn out.
Diagnosis of wear and selection of suitable consumables
The first step before starting any work is to accurately diagnose the current condition of the brake system. On Nissan Qashqai (generations J10, J11, J12) wear of the rear pads can be determined both visually and by characteristic signs during operation. If you hear a metallic grinding or squealing sound when you press the brake pedal, this is a sure sign that the friction coating has almost disappeared.
It is important to consider that some trim levels are equipped with an electronic wear sensor. When a critical thickness is reached, it closes the circuit and the indicator on the dashboard lights up. However, mechanical wear may occur unevenly, so visual inspection through the rims or wheel removal is a mandatory preventative step.
When choosing new pads, the owner faces a dilemma: install original parts or analogues. Original pads from Nissan guarantee compliance with factory standards for noise insulation and friction coefficient. However, their cost often exceeds similar items from third-party manufacturers, which may offer improved characteristics.
- π Original pads (Nissan) - ideal for preserving stock performance of the car, but expensive.
- β High-quality analogues (TRW, Brembo, Akebono) - often have better friction properties and a price lower than the original.
- βοΈ Budget options (Sangsin, Ferodo) - suitable for a quiet ride, but can wear out the wheels faster.
Particular attention should be paid to the composition of the friction mixture. Ceramic pads produce less dust and are quieter, but they are more expensive. Organic compounds are softer, which is gentle on the brake disc, but wear out faster during active driving. For Nissan Qashqai With its weight, semi-metallic or ceramic compounds are best suited.
β οΈ Attention: Never install pads with hard metal rivets or burrs on the friction layer. This will instantly ruin the surface of the brake disc, and it will have to be ground or replaced.
If you plan to replace it yourself, make sure that the pads come with all the necessary clips and guides. Often, cheap alternatives are sold without staples, and old staples may be deformed and not provide a proper fit. This will cause the mechanism to jam.
Necessary tools and preparatory work
Before you begin dismantling the wheel, you need to prepare a workplace and all the necessary tools. Working with the brake system requires precision and specialized tools, since a standard set of keys may not be enough for correct installation.
You will need a jack and reliable support stands (stands), since working under the machine with only a jack is strictly prohibited. You also need a wheel wrench, a ratchet with a set of sockets (usually 17, 19 mm) and a torque wrench to tighten the wheel bolts to the correct torque.
The most important tool for rear pads is a specialized caliper piston compression tool. Unlike the front ones, the rear piston is Nissan Qashqai It is not just pressed in, but screwed inward. Using simple clamps or pry bars without rotation will cause the piston to break.
- π§ A special ratchet wrench for rotating the piston (often included with a brake tool).
- π¨ Hammer and chisel (or assembly shovel) - for knocking out old guides if they are stuck.
- 𧴠Brake cleaner (Carb Cleaner) and caliper lubricant (high temperature).
Prepare the area under the car: make sure it is level and firm. If you are working in a garage, check for a pit or lift. Open the hood and unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap - this will create air access and make it easier to retract the piston without increasing the pressure in the system.
- Disc with floating bracket
- Disk with fixed bracket
- Drum (old models)
- I don't know for sure
β οΈ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery if your car has a wear sensor connected to the electronic unit to avoid a short circuit during dismantling.
Don't forget to prepare a container to collect old grease and rags. Brake dust is extremely toxic, so it is better to work with gloves and a mask, without touching your face with your hands. After removing the wheel, thoroughly clean the caliper and bracket of dirt and rust before installing new parts.
Step-by-step instructions for removing and replacing pads
Start the process by loosening the wheel bolts with the car standing, then jack up the car and place it on a stand. Remove the wheel and carefully inspect the caliper. On Nissan Qashqai The rear caliper is usually secured with two guide bolts at the top and bottom. Loosen them with a wrench.
Remove the caliper by unscrewing the guides. Be careful not to let the caliper hang on the brake hose, as this may damage its internal structure. Hang it on a wire or hook from the suspension spring. Now you can easily remove the old pads from the bracket (bracket).
Inspect the brake rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or blue deposits from overheating. If the disc is worn more than 2 mm from the nominal thickness, it must be replaced. Installing new pads on an old, worn disc will reduce braking efficiency and shorten the life of new consumables.
βοΈ Preparation for installing new pads
Now you need to prepare the caliper piston. Using a special tool, insert it into the hole and rotate it clockwise while slowly pushing it inward. This action requires effort, but do it smoothly so as not to strip the threads or damage the boot.
- π© Rotate the piston clockwise only (standard thread for rear calipers).
- π Monitor the level of brake fluid in the reservoir so that it does not overflow.
- 𧽠Make sure that the piston boot is not jammed or damaged during the pressing process.
Install new pads into the bracket. Before doing this, be sure to treat the caliper guides with new grease and replace the rubber boots if they have lost their elasticity. Reinstall the bracket onto the drive and tighten the guide bolts to the recommended torque.
β οΈ Attention: Do not mix up the top and bottom pads if they have different shapes or sizes. Usually new pads have markings indicating their position relative to the caliper.
Return the caliper to its place by carefully sliding it over the new pads. Tighten the guide bolts. Before putting on the wheel, make sure that the piston is completely inside and does not protrude beyond the body. This is critical for the wheel to rotate freely.
What to do if the piston does not screw in?
If the piston cannot be screwed in, check whether it is blocked by the handbrake mechanism. On some models, it is necessary to first loosen the handbrake cable or use an adapter that simulates releasing the handbrake.
Repeat the procedure on the second wheel. After installing both wheels, lower the vehicle to the ground. Now you need to βbleedβ the brake pedal to return the pistons to their working position. Press the pedal all the way down firmly several times until it becomes firm.
Design features and operation of the hand brake mechanism
Rear brakes Nissan Qashqai have a built-in handbrake mechanism that operates the pads via a cable. When replacing pads, it is important not to damage this mechanism. If you simply screw in the piston without releasing the mechanism, it may jam when you try to tighten the handbrake.
On some versions Qashqai with an electronic handbrake (EPB) the procedure is radically different. In this case, it is necessary to put the caliper into maintenance mode via the on-board computer or diagnostic scanner. In this mode, the servo moves back, allowing you to replace the pads without the risk of damaging the motor.
If you have a mechanical handbrake, make sure the cable moves freely in the sheath. Sticking cables are a common problem that leads to overheating of rear pads and discs. If rust or corrosion is detected, it is better to replace the cable immediately while it is removed or accessible.
Checking the operation of the handbrake after assembly is mandatory. Raise the car and check whether the wheels rotate freely when the handbrake is lowered. Then tighten the handbrake 3-5 clicks and make sure the wheels are locked. If the wheel continues to rotate, the cable needs to be tightened.
Before installing the wheels, apply a thin layer of copper grease to the hub where the disc meets the wheel rim. This will prevent the disc from sticking and will make it easier to remove the wheel next time.
Also pay attention to the condition of the caliper guide boots. If they are torn, dirt and water will get in, causing the piston to seize. Replacing boots is an inexpensive procedure that will extend the life of your caliper by years.
Post-installation inspection and test drive
After completing all mechanical work, do not rush to drive onto a busy highway. First check the brake fluid level. Due to the pressing of the pistons, the level in the reservoir could rise, and it is worth draining it a little so that during the next braking it does not overflow.
Start the engine and check if the dashboard lights come on. If you have a wear indicator, it should stop signaling. If the lamp is on, the sensor may have been damaged during replacement or not connected correctly.
The first trip should be relaxed. Avoid sudden braking in the first 100-200 kilometers. This time is necessary for grinding in new pads to the discs. The friction material should be evenly distributed over the surface of the disc.
- π The first 50 km: brake smoothly, without emergency stops.
- π Next 100 km: you can increase the load, but avoid βhotβ braking.
- β After 200 km: check the condition of the brakes and, if necessary, tighten the handbrake cable.
Pay attention to extraneous sounds. A slight squeak in the first kilometers is normal, but constant squealing or grinding indicates improper installation, dirt or defective parts. In this case, you need to return to diagnosis.
Proper breaking in of new pads ensures maximum braking performance and extends the life of both system components.
If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal becomes soft or sinks, this may indicate air has entered the system. In this case, the brakes will need to be bled. However, when simply replacing the pads, air usually does not enter unless the reservoir is completely empty.
| Indicator | Normal value | Critical value | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pad thickness | 10-12 mm | Less than 2-3 mm | Immediate replacement |
| Disc thickness | 18-20 mm (depending on model) | Less than the minimum mark on the disk | Replacing the drive |
| Guide play | Missing | There is a gap of more than 0.1 mm | Replacing guides and anthers |
| Brake fluid level | Between MIN and MAX | Below MIN | Topping up and finding leaks |
Regularly checking your brake system is key to your safety. Even if you replaced the pads yourself, do not neglect scheduled visits to the service station for a comprehensive diagnosis of the suspension and brakes. Professionals can spot hidden defects that are easy for a beginner to miss.
β οΈ Attention: Timely replacement of rear pads on a Nissan Qashqai prevents the destruction of the brake disc, which saves up to 50% of the cost of repairing the brake system in the future. Ignoring wear leads to the fact that the metal base of the pad begins to cut the disc, making it unsuitable for use.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to change the rear pads on a Nissan Qashqai in pairs?
Yes, rear pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle. Replacing only one pad will lead to uneven braking, the car pulling to the side during hard braking and an imbalance in the load on the brake mechanism.
How to understand that you need to change the brake disc along with the pads?
If the disc has deep grooves, cracks, or its thickness is less than the permissible minimum (indicated on the disc itself), it must be replaced. Replacement is also required if the disc has strong thermal deposits (blue color) that cannot be removed by grooving.
Is it possible to use old guide grease when replacing pads?
No, the old grease must be completely removed and replaced with new high-temperature grease. Old lubricant often becomes contaminated with brake dust and loses its properties, which leads to caliper jamming and uneven pad wear.
Why does the wear light come on after installing new pads?
This may be due to the fact that the wear sensor was not replaced or was damaged during removal. It is also possible that the sensor wiring is shorted or not connected. In some cases, it is necessary to reset the error through a diagnostic scanner.
How long does it take to replace rear pads?
For an experienced technician, replacing the rear pads with Nissan Qashqai takes about 40-60 minutes per wheel. For a beginner who needs to study the instructions and find a tool, the time can increase to 1.5-2 hours on both wheels.