Replacing rear brake discs on a Nissan Qashqai J10: a complete guide with photos and videos

Rear brake discs on Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) - a consumable that requires replacement every 80–120 thousand km depending on driving style and quality of pads. Ignoring wear leads to vibrations during braking, increased braking distances and even damage to wheel bearings. In car services they charge from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (excluding spare parts), but if you have the tools and patience, you can do it yourself.

This article contains detailed instructions with photos, which disks to choose (original vs analogues), a list of necessary tools, as well as unique nuances for Qashqai J10, which are not taken into account in standard manuals. For example, why is it necessary to check the condition of the brake cylinders when replacing rear discs and how to avoid jamming of the pistons after assembly.

Signs of wear on the rear brake discs on the Qashqai J10

Rear discs on Qashqai J10 wear out slower than the front ones, but their condition is critical for safety. The main symptoms that it’s time to change:

• 🔊 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates critical wear of the disc or pads (sometimes sand getting between them).
• 🌀 Vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal — a signal about disc deformation (often after overheating or aggressive braking).
• 📏 Reducing disc thickness below 10.8 mm (minimum permissible limit for J10).
• 🔴 Deep grooves or cracks on the work surface - even if the thickness is normal.
• 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when braking - may be a consequence of uneven wear on the discs.

On Qashqai J10 with rear drum brakes (rare, but found on basic trim levels) the symptoms are different: increased pedal travel and decreased braking efficiency. However, most versions are equipped with disc brakes at the rear, so we will talk about them further.

⚠️ Attention: If there are blue spots - this is a consequence of overheating (for example, after a long descent from a mountain with frequent braking). Such discs must be replaced, even if the thickness is normal: the metal loses strength.

Which wheels to choose: original vs analogues

Original rear brake discs for Nissan Qashqai J10 have an article number 40520-4M000 (for versions with engines 1.6 And 2.0). Their average price is 4,500–6,000 rubles per piece. However, many owners choose analogs that are cheaper but not inferior in quality.

Brand	Article	Price (per piece), ₽	Features
Nissan (original)	40520-4M000	4 500–6 000	Guaranteed compatibility, high quality metal
ATE	24.0120-0186.1	3 200–3 800	German quality, perforation for better cooling
Brembo	09.9662.11	3 500–4 200	Suitable for aggressive riding, resistant to deformation
TRW	DF4565	2 800–3 300	Budget option, good price/quality ratio
Bosch	0 986 479 720	3 000–3 600	Low vibration level, covered with an anti-corrosion layer

When choosing analogues, pay attention to:

• 📋 Diameter and thickness: for J10 - 280 mm (diameter) and 12 mm (nominal thickness).
• 🔧 Mounting type: must fit the hub without modifications (5 holes for bolts).
• 🌡️ Presence of perforations or grooves: Improves cooling, but wears out pads faster.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace rear discs yourself Qashqai J10 you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys: 17 mm (for caliper guides), 14 mm (for mounting the caliper), 19 mm (for the hub nut).
• 🔨 Socket wrench with extension for unscrewing the hub nut (high tightening torque!).
• 🛠️ Brake disc puller (if the disk is “stuck” to the hub).
• 🧰 Hammer and wooden spacer for neatly knocking down the disc.
• 🔧 Syringe for pumping out brake fluid (if the caliper piston is not fully recessed).
• 🧴 Copper grease for caliper guides and anti-squeak paste for the back of the pads.
• 🔩 Torque wrench (to tighten the hub nut to a torque 90–110 Nm).

Also prepare:

• 🚗 Jack and stops (be sure to secure the machine on a level surface!).
• 🧤 Gloves and glasses — Brake dust is harmful to health.
• 📸 Smartphone for photographing the disassembly stages (useful during assembly).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use WD-40 or other penetrating lubricants for machining caliper guides! They destroy rubber boots. Only specialized copper or silicone grease.

Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt|Pump out some of the brake fluid from the reservoir|Prepare new pads (if replacement is required)|Check the condition of the brake hose|Loosen the hub nut BEFORE lifting the car-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear discs

The replacement process is the same on the left and right wheels, but start with the less worn side (for example, if the right wheel is thinner, start with the left). This will allow you to use it as a reference during assembly.

Step 1. Wheel removal and preparation

Jack up the car, remove the wheel and clean the caliper and disc from dirt with a wire brush. Loosen the hub nut (it is tightened with a large torque!) BEFORE lifting the car - this way it is easier to avoid stripping the threads.

Step 2. Removing the caliper

Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts using a wrench 14 mm (lower and upper). Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope to the spring - do not allow sagging on the brake hose! Remove the pads (if they are not being replaced, mark their position).

Step 3. Removing the brake disc

Now unscrew the hub nut (19 mm) and remove the disc. If it gets stuck, use a puller or gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer along the edge of the disc. Don't hit the hub!

What to do if the disc cannot be removed?

If the disk does not budge even after using a puller, treat the joint with the hub with penetrating lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly Rostloser) and wait 10–15 minutes. Then try again, tapping the edge of the disc with a hammer at different points. As a last resort, you can use a grinder to carefully cut the disc (only if it is already due for replacement!).

Step 4: Install a new drive

Clean the hub from rust and dirt, apply a thin layer copper grease to the adjacent surface. Install the new disc and tighten the hub nut previously (you will do the final tightening after assembly).

Step 5. Assembling the caliper

Before installing the caliper push the piston down using a special tool or an adjustable wrench. Without this, the new pads will not fit into place! Install the pads (if they are new, apply anti-squeak paste on the back side) and secure the caliper.

Step 6: Tightening and checking

Tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench to 90–110 Nm. Install the wheel, lower the car and press the brake pedal several timesso that the pistons are aligned. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add if necessary.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear discs with Qashqai J10. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect hub nut tightening torque — leads to vibrations or thread breakage. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant for caliper guides - WD-40 or lithol destroys the rubber seals.
• 🚗 Forgetting to recess the caliper piston — the new pads will not fit into place, and the brake hose may break due to pressure.
• 🔩 Does not clean the hub from rust — the new disk quickly deforms due to an uneven fit.
• 📉 Brake cylinders are not checked - if they jam, the new discs will wear unevenly.

Another common problem is squeak after replacement. Reasons:

• 🔊 Not applied anti-squeak paste on the pads.
• 🧴 Cheap pads with high metal content were used.
• 🚗 Low quality disc or pads (especially Chinese “no-name” brands).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the discs the brake pedal becomes “soft” or fails, stop driving immediately! This is a sign of air getting into the system. Brakes need bleeding.

When to change pads along with discs?

On Qashqai J10 The rear pads last longer than the front ones, but their condition directly affects the life of the discs. Change pads along with discs necessarily, if:

• 📏 Thickness of friction material of pads < 2 mm.
• 🔊 The pads make noise metal creaking (the wear indicator is activated).
• 🧱 The pads have cracks, chips or are soaked in oil.
• 🔄 Discs change second time, and the pads are still original.

If the pads are in good condition, but you still want to change them (for example, for even wear), choose models that are compatible with the new discs. For Qashqai J10 fit:

• Nissan (40520-4M000 for pads).
• ATE (13.0460-7166.2).
• Ferodo (FDB1646).

When installing new pads necessarily:

• 🧴Apply anti-squeak paste on the back side (but not on the work surface!).
• 🔧 Check it out mobility of caliper guides - they should move freely, without jamming.

Bleeding the brakes after replacing discs

Bleeding the brake system is not always necessary, but in some cases it is required:

• 🔧 If, when retracting the caliper piston, brake fluid spilled out of the reservoir.
• 🚗 If the brake pedal has become “soft” or fails.
• 🔄 If you have replaced brake hoses or cylinders.

To bleed the rear brakes Qashqai J10 you will need an assistant. Procedure:

1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap and add fluid to the maximum.
2. Place a transparent hose onto the rear caliper bleeder fitting and place the other end in a bottle of liquid.
3. Ask an assistant to press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
4. Unscrew the fitting ½ turn - liquid with air bubbles will begin to come out. Tighten the fitting when the flow weakens.
5. Repeat until no more bubbles come out. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the tank!

Bleed the brakes in the following order: right rear → left rear → right front → left front.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai J10 with ABS Pumping must be done taking into account the characteristics of the system. If after bleeding the ABS lamp is on, errors must be reset by the scanner (for example, Launch X431).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear discs on a Qashqai J10

Is it possible to drive if the disc is thinner than the minimum value (10.8 mm), but still does not creak?

No! The minimum thickness is indicated for a reason: a thin disk overheats, becomes deformed and may crack under hard braking. The risk of an accident increases significantly, especially at high speeds.

Do I need to change the discs in pairs (both rear ones at the same time)?

Recommended, but not required if the second drive is in good condition. However, different disc thicknesses may result in uneven braking and pull the car to the side. If your budget allows, change both.

How to check that a new disc is original?

Original wheels Nissan have:

• Logo Nissan or NTN (supplier) on the inside.
• Article 40520-4M000 stamped on the disk.
• Smooth packaging with a hologram and barcode.

Counterfeits are often lighter in weight and have rough edges.

What to do if after replacing the disks the car brakes jerkily?

The reasons may be:

• New disc didn't get used to it to the pads (you need to drive 200–300 km in gentle mode).
• Disk deformed (defective or incorrect installation).
• Caliper wedges (check the guides and piston).

If the problem persists, check the disk runout with an indicator (tolerance for J10 is no more than 0.05 mm).

Can I use wheels from other Nissan models?

Theoretically, discs from Nissan X-Trail T31 (article 40520-4M000 the same), but you need to check:

• Coincidence diameter and thickness.
• Quantity and location bolt holes.
• Type ventilation (for J10 - only ventilated discs).

Discs from Juke or Note won't fit - they have different sizes.