Replacing rear brake pads on a Nissan Note E11: a complete guide with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on Nissan Note E11 — a consumable that requires attention every 30–50 thousand kilometers. Their wear directly affects safety: creaking, vibrations during braking or an increased braking distance are clear signals for replacement. A car service center will charge from 2 to 4 thousand rubles for this work, but if you have the tools and patience, you can do it yourself.

This article contains detailed instructions with nuances for drums And disk brakes (depending on equipment) Note E11), a list of necessary tools, as well as typical mistakes that beginners make. We will analyze the process from preparation to checking the result so that you avoid unnecessary expenses and risks.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Note E11: original vs analogues

Original rear pads for Nissan Note E11 (article 40520-4M000 for drums, 40520-4M025 for disk ones) will cost 3–5 thousand rubles per set. But the market offers worthy analogues from Brembo, Ferodo, TRW And ATE, which are 30–50% cheaper. The main thing is to check compatibility using the VIN code or manufacturer catalogs.

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Friction lining material: semi-metallic (last longer, but noisier) or ceramic (softer, but wear out faster).
• 🔹 Presence of wear sensor (if it is included in your configuration).
• 🔹 Completeness: some manufacturers sell pads without guides or springs - you will have to buy them separately.
• 🔹 Reviews for a specific model: for example, Ferodo Premier often praised for quiet operation, and Brembo - for durability.

A critical nuance for the Note E11: if you have drum brakes, the pads are sold in pairs per side (left/right), and not as a set per axle. Check this when ordering!

Tools and materials: what you need for replacement

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (or inspection hole).
• 🔧 Balloon wrench to remove the wheel.
• 🔧 Head set (10, 12, 14 mm) and ratchet handle.
• 🔧 Pliers (for removing springs on drum brakes).
• 🔧 Hammer (rubber or regular) and flat blade screwdriver.
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.
• 🔧 DOT-4 brake fluid (in case of bleeding the system).
• 🔧 Metal brush for cleaning the guides.

For drum brakes it will be additionally useful circlip puller (if the pads are fixed with rings) and special lubricant for brake mechanisms (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use conventional lubricant (such as Litola) for guide calipers or working cylinders - it destroys the rubber seals. Only specialized compounds!

Tool/material	Purpose	Is it possible to do without it?
Circlip remover	For drum brakes (pad fixation)	You can try with pliers, but there is a high risk of damaging the ring
Rubber hammer	Removing the drum without deformation	You can use a wooden spacer with a regular hammer
Wear gauge	Checking the thickness of the pads and drum/disc	Yes, if critical wear is visually visible
Caliper Lubricant	Processing the guides and the back side of the pads	No, definitely!

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on drum brakes

Drum brakes were installed on Nissan Note E11 in basic configurations. Replacing them is more difficult than disk ones due to the need to work with springs and an adjusting mechanism. Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a metal brush. Process fasteners WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

2. Remove the drum:

   • Unscrew the guide pins (if any).
   • Gently tap the edge of the drum through the wooden spacer with a hammer to force it away from the hub.
   • If the drum cannot be removed, check for the presence of a retaining ring on the axle (you will have to remove it with a puller).

3. Remove old pads:

   • Remove the upper and lower springs with pliers.
   • Disconnect the parking brake cable from the shoe lever.
   • Remove the spacer bar and adjustment mechanism.

Install new pads in reverse order, but before reassembling:

• 🔧 Clean and lubricate work surfaces (except friction linings!).
• 🔧 Check it out working cylinder piston stroke - it must move freely.
• 🔧 Adjust gap between pads and drum using an adjustment mechanism.

The springs are installed without distortion |

Parking brake cable secured|

The spacer bar is level|

The drum sits in place without effort -->

⚠️ Attention: If after replacement the wheel rotates with force, it means the pads are pressed too tightly against the drum. You need to loosen the adjusting mechanism and repeat the adjustment!

Replacing rear pads on disc brakes Nissan Note E11

Disc brakes are found on Note E11 in configurations with engines 1.6 l and above. Replacing them is easier, but there are some nuances:

1. Raise the car and remove the wheel. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt.

2. Unscrew the caliper:

   • Remove the two caliper mounting bolts (usually a 14mm head).
   • Hang the caliper with a wire from the spring - do not leave it hanging from the brake hose!

3. Remove old pads and clean the guides. Check status anthers And caliper piston — if there is corrosion or damage, the caliper needs to be repaired.

4. Install new pads:

   • Apply a thin layer of lubricant to back side of the pads (not on the friction layer!).
   • Press down the caliper piston using a clamp (unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir first so as not to create excess pressure).
   • Attach the caliper back and tighten the bolts to a torque of 25–30 Nm.

Important: After replacing, press the brake pedal several times so that the pistons bring the pads close to the disc. For the first 100–200 km, avoid sharp braking - the pads need to get used to.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to squeaking, uneven brake wear, or even brake failure. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake disc/drum. If there are deep grooves or cracks on the working surface, the pads will wear out quickly. The disc needs to be sharpened or replaced.
• 🚫 Lack of lubrication on the guides. This leads to caliper jamming and uneven wear.
• 🚫 Incorrect installation of springs on drum brakes. If the spring is loosely tensioned, the block will “walk”; if it is overtightened, the brake may jam.
• 🚫 Forgetting to bleed the brakes after replacement (if the hydraulic system was opened).
• 🚫 Using pads from different manufacturers on the same axle. This results in uneven braking.

Another common problem is squeak after replacement. It may occur due to:

• 🔊 Cheap pads with hard friction material.
• 🔊 Lack of anti-squeak plates (if they are provided for in the design).
• 🔊 Grease gets on the working surface of the pad or disc.

What to do if after replacing the brakes are “wobbly”?

If the brake pedal becomes soft or sinks, air has most likely entered the system. It is necessary to bleed the brakes, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (on the Note E11 - the right rear). Use DOT-4 brake fluid and an assistant to press the pedal. If the problem persists, check the tightness of the hoses and cylinders.

When do you need to bleed your brakes and how to do it?

Bleeding the brake system is required in three cases:

1. If you opened the hydraulic circuit (for example, they removed the working cylinder on drum brakes).
2. If the brake fluid old (recommended to change every 2 years).
3. If after replacing the pads the pedal soft or falling through.

For pumping Nissan Note E11 you will need:

• 🔧 Partner (to press the pedal).
• 🔧 Transparent hose and liquid container.
• 🔧 8 or 10 mm wrench (for fittings).
• 🔧 Fresh DOT-4 brake fluid.

Pumping order:

1. Start with right rear wheels, then left rear, right front, left front.
2. Place the hose onto the fitting and lower the other end into a container with liquid.
3. Have a helper press and hold the brake pedal 3-4 times.
4. Unscrew the fitting ½ turn - liquid with air bubbles will come out into the container.
5. Tighten the fitting and repeat the process until clear liquid comes out without bubbles.

⚠️ Attention: Keep an eye on the fluid level in the tank! If it drops below the minimum, air will enter the system again and pumping will have to be started again.

Is it worth changing the pads yourself: pros and cons

Replacing brake pads yourself Nissan Note E11 saves money, but requires time and accuracy. Let's compare the pros and cons:

Benefits	Disadvantages
Saving 2-4 thousand rubles (cost of work in the service).	Risk of error if there is no experience (for example, incorrect installation of springs).
Quality control: you choose the pads and lubricant yourself.	You need tools (jack, sockets, clamp) and a place to work.
Understanding your car's braking system.	Time spent: 2–4 hours for a beginner vs 1 hour in the service.
Possibility to simultaneously check the condition of discs, calipers, hoses.	No warranty (unlike service).

If you have never worked with the brake system, we recommend that you make the first replacement together with an experienced car owner, or at least watch a training video specialized for Nissan Note E11 (for example, on the channel Nissan Club Russia).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads on a Nissan Note E11

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

No! Pads are always changed pair on one axis (both rear wheels). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How often should you check your rear pads?

Every 15–20 thousand km or when signs of wear appear:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking.
• 🔊 Vibration on the brake pedal.
• 🔊 Increased braking distance.
• 🔊 Visually thin pads (friction layer thickness less than 2–3 mm).

On Note E11 With drum brakes, checking is more complicated - you will have to remove the drum.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car pulls to the side?

This is a sign uneven brake operation. The reasons may be different:

• 🔧 The caliper or working cylinder is jammed (on drum brakes).
• 🔧 The pads are installed incorrectly (for example, left and right are mixed up).
• 🔧 The brake disc/drum is worn or deformed.
• 🔧 The brake system is not pumped.

Check all the elements urgently! Driving with such a defect is dangerous.

Do I need to lubricate the pads during installation?

Needs lubrication only the back side of the pads (metal plate) and caliper guides. To do this use special high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R or TRW PFG110).

Do not lubricate under any circumstances:

• 🚫 Friction pad pad.
• 🚫 The working surface of the disk or drum.
• 🚫 Rubber seals.

Which pads are best for aggressive driving?

If you prefer a dynamic driving style, choose pads with semi-metallic composition and high friction coefficient (for example, Brembo P85058N or Ferodo FDB1696). They can withstand high temperatures and become less dull during frequent braking. However, be prepared for:

• 🔊 Higher disc wear.
• 🔊 Increased noise when braking.
• 🔊 Increased dust formation.