Replacing rear brake pads on a Nissan Terrano: detailed instructions with nuances

Rear brake pads on Nissan Terrano is a critical safety element that requires regular monitoring and timely replacement. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects braking efficiency, especially in emergency situations or driving downhill. Owners Terrano (especially models R51 And R52) are often faced with the question: when and how to properly change the rear pads to avoid damage to the brake discs or drums?

In this article we will analyze the entire replacement process - from wear diagnostics to the final brake check - taking into account design features Nissan Terrano. You will learn what tools are needed, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, incorrect installation of springs or re-tightening of guides), and why it is necessary to carry out running in the brake system. We will also compare drum and disc brakes Terrano, since the work algorithm for them is different.

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

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear pads every 20–30 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions. For example, with frequent off-road trips or with a trailer, wear accelerates by 1.5–2 times. Here are the key symptoms indicating the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking - a signal about critical thinning of the friction layer (residual thickness less than 2–3 mm).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance or a “wobbly” brake pedal is a sign of ineffective operation of the rear axle.
• 🔧 Vibration or beat in the area of the rear wheels - may indicate deformation of the pads or discs (drums).
• 🚨 Wear indicator on the dashboard (if pads with a sensor are installed).

On Nissan Terrano with drum brakes (for example, on versions with engine K9K 1.5 dCi) pad wear is often accompanied by extraneous noises when reversing. This is due to the design features of the self-regulating mechanism. Disc brakes (on models with MR20DD 2.0) they “signal” about problems with a metallic grinding sound - this means that the friction layer has been worn down to the base.

⚠️ Attention: If cracks, chips or traces of oil are found on the pads, they need to be replaced regardless of thickness. Oil on the friction layer leads to an immediate loss of braking properties!

Which pads to choose for Nissan Terrano: original vs analogues

Original rear pads for Terrano supplies Nissan under the articles:

• 📌 40520-4M000 — for drum brakes (set for both wheels).
• 📌 40506-JD00A — for disc brakes (set of 4 pads).

The cost of the original is from 3,500 to 6,000 rub. per set. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands that are not inferior in quality, but are 30–50% cheaper. The table below shows the best options for different versions Terrano:

Brake type	Brand	Article	Approximate price, rub.	Features
Drums	TRW	GDB1446	2 800	Reinforced friction layer, low noise level
Drums	Brembo	P63038	3 200	Optimized for harsh operating conditions
Disk	ATE	13.0460-7206.2	3 500	Minimal dust, high friction coefficient
Disk	Ferodo	FDB1886	3 100	Suitable for aggressive driving style

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic pads (semi-metallic) - durable, but noisy and dusty. Suitable for off-road use.
• 🔹 Ceramic (ceramic) - quiet and generate little dust, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic (organic) - soft, silent, but wear out quickly.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano with the system ESP or ABS It is not recommended to install pads with a metal content of more than 65% — this may cause false alarms of the sensors!

Tools and materials for replacing rear pads

To replace the rear pads yourself Nissan Terrano you will need the following set of tools:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (or a lift) - be sure to secure the car on a level surface!
• 🔨 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔩 Set of sockets and socket wrenches (10–17 mm).
• 🛠️ Pliers (for removing springs on drum brakes).
• 🔧 Special puller for brake drums (if the pads are drum pads).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner for treating rusty fasteners.
• 🧤 Brake Lubricant (For example, Permatex 24110) for guides.
• 📏 Vernier caliper to measure the remaining thickness of the pads.

Additionally prepare:

• 🧻 Rags And wire brush for cleaning brake mechanisms.
• 🔋 Multimeter (if you need to check the wear sensor).
• 🛢️ DOT-4 brake fluid (in case of bleeding the system).

Remove the car from the handbrake|Loosen the wheel nuts until it lifts|Jack up and secure the car on supports|Clean the brake mechanism from dirt|Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir-->

For drum brakes you will need additional adjustment tool to adjust the gap between the pads and the drum. On Terrano with disc brakes may be required caliper piston compressor (For example, Lisle 25800), since the piston must be recessed before installing new pads.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing rear pads on a Nissan Terrano

The replacement algorithm depends on the type of brake system. Below are universal instructions taking into account the features Terrano. Let's start with disc brakes (the most common option on models after 2014).

1. Removing the old set of pads

Raise the car, remove the wheel and clean the caliper of dirt. Next:

1. Unscrew lower caliper mounting bolt (usually 14 mm).
2. Lift the caliper up to gain access to the pads.
3. Remove the old pads and inspect the brake disc for the presence of grooves or cracks. Allowable disc thickness: not less than 10 mm (denomination - 12 mm).

2. Installing new pads

Before installing new pads:

• 🔧 Sink the caliper piston using compressor (rotate it clockwise if the piston is threaded).
• 🧴 Apply a thin layer brake lube on the caliper guides and the back side of the pads (but not on the friction layer!).
• 🔄 Install the pads in reverse order, making sure that clamps (the staples) fell into place.

3. Replacing pads in drum brakes

On Terrano With drum brakes the process is more complicated:

1. Remove the brake drum (you may need a puller or a hammer with a wooden spacer).
2. Disconnect the springs and spacer bar using pliers.
3. Remove the old pads and clean the support shield from dirt.
4. Install new pads, observing the location friction linings (they should be directed towards the drum).
5. Adjust the gap using eccentric mechanism (on Terrano it is located on the support panel).

How to adjust the clearance in drum brakes?

To adjust the gap, turn the eccentric (with a 10 mm wrench) until the drum rotates with slight resistance. After installing the drum, check that the wheel rotates freely, but without play. If the gap is too large, the brakes will “grab” with a delay; if it’s too small, the drum will get hot.

After replacement press the brake pedal several timesso that the pads fall into place. On drum brakes, also check operation hand brake - it must fix the car on a slope 20–25%.

Common mistakes when replacing rear pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake failure. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Failure to follow the assembly order - for example, they forget to install anti-squeak plates (lead to vibrations).
• 🚫 Reupholstering the caliper guides — the pads will jam, which will cause overheating.
• 🚫 Using the wrong lubricant (For example, Litol-24 instead of specialized brake lubricant) - leads to souring of the mechanisms.
• 🚫 Incorrect handbrake adjustment - on Terrano This is fraught with uneven wear of the pads.
• 🚫 Ignoring the condition of the brake hoses - cracks or swelling on them can lead to fluid leakage.

On a Nissan Terrano with ESP, improper pad installation (for example, misaligned wear sensors) can cause the ABS light on the dashboard to stay on. In this case, errors must be reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft”, this is a sign air entering the system. Brakes need bleeding!

Running in and checking the brakes after replacement

New pads required running-in — period of running-in of the friction layer to the disk (drum). On Nissan Terrano this process takes 200–300 km. During this time, avoid:

• 🚗 Sharp braking (especially at high speeds).
• 🚧 Holding the brake pedal for a long time (for example, at traffic lights).
• 🏔️ Extreme loads (towing, off-road).

To check the effectiveness of the brakes:

1. Accelerate to 40–50 km/h and brake smoothly. The braking distance should be stable, without jerking.
2. Check braking uniformity - The car should not pull to the side.
3. Make sure hand brake keeps the car on a slope.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

No! Pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (left and right wheel). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding or the car pulling to the side.

How long does it take to replace rear pads on a Terrano?

On disc brakes - 1–1.5 hours (taking into account preparation). On drums - do 2.5 hours, since it is necessary to adjust the gaps and check the hand brake.

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

Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hoses or if there is air in the system (for example, when replacing a caliper). If you just changed the pads, bleeding is not necessary.

How often should the rear pads be checked on a Terrano with drum brakes?

Every 15,000 km or once a year, since wear in drum mechanisms is less noticeable than in disk ones. Pay attention to dust from friction material on the inside of the wheel - its absence may indicate critical wear.

Is it possible to drive if the rear pads squeak?

Short term - yes, but no more than 500 km. A squeak means that the friction layer has been worn down to metal, and further driving will lead to damage to the brake disc (drum), which is many times more expensive to repair.