Removing the rear drum on a Nissan Note: instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake drum on Nissan Note first and second generation (E11/E12) requires attention when replacing pads, bearings or the drum itself. Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, many car owners are faced with typical problems: sticking of the drum to the hub, damage to the guide threads, or incorrect installation of new parts. This article will help you avoid mistakes and do the job efficiently, taking into account the design features Note.

We will analyze the process step by step: from preparing tools to assembling the mechanism. We will pay special attention nuances specific to this model - for example, fixing the drum on the hub (which often differs from classical solutions) and checking the condition of the brake cylinder. If this is your first time taking on such work, we recommend reading the entire article before starting - this will save time and nerves.

Preparation: tools and working conditions

Before removing the rear drum Nissan Note, make sure you have everything you need. You will have to work on a lift, overpass or using a jack - the latter option is less convenient, but acceptable with a careful approach. Never begin dismantling on a flat surface without securely securing the vehicle! This risks causing the machine to fall off its supports.

List of required tools:

• 🔧 Socket set and ratchet wrench (dimensions: 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm)
• 🔨 Hammer (preferably rubber or with a plastic tip)
• 🔩 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the protective cap)
• 🔧 Socket wrench for guide pins (if the drum is stuck)
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liqui Moly or analogues)
• 🔍 Flashlight or portable lamp (lighting at the rear of the hub is often insufficient)

Additionally you may need:

• 📏 Vernier calipers (to check drum wear)
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for tightening nuts to the correct torque)
• 🧤 Gloves (drum and pads are covered with toxic dust)

⚠️ Attention: If on your Nissan Note system installed ESP or ABS, before removing the drum turn off the ignition and remove the terminal from the battery. Even accidentally pressing the brake pedal with the drum removed can allow air to enter the system and require bleeding of the brakes.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the rear drum

The dismantling process can be divided into 5 key stages. Follow them in strict order to avoid damage to parts.

1. Preparing the car

Install Nissan Note on a flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and place it on reliable supports (for example, tripods or goats). Don't work on one jack! Remove the wheel and clean the hub from dirt with a wire brush.

If the drum has not been removed for a long time, treat the joint with the hub with penetrating lubricant. Let it run for 10-15 minutes - this will make dismantling easier.

2. Removing the protective cap and retaining ring

In the center of the drum is a plastic or metal cap that covers the hub nut. Pry it with a screwdriver and remove it. Under the cap you will see a retaining ring or cotter pin (depending on the year of manufacture Note). Carefully remove it with pliers.

On some modifications Nissan Note (for example, with ABS) is used instead of a cotter pin nut with left-hand thread. Remember this so as not to strip the thread when unscrewing!

3. Removing the drum

Now you need to unscrew the central hub nut. Use the head on 30 mm or 32 mm (depending on the model) and an extension for the lever. The nut is tightened with a high torque, so it may be necessary extension lever or even pipe to increase effort.

After removing the nut, the drum should easily come off the hub. However, in practice it is often sticks due to corrosion or deformation. In this case:

• 🔨 Gently tap the drum with a rubber hammer in a circle (do not hit it in one place!).
• 🔧 Screw two bolts into the threaded holes on the drum (if any) and tighten them evenly until the drum moves.
• 🧴 Apply lubricant to the joint and wait 10-15 minutes, then try again.

⚠️ Attention: If the drum does not budge, do not use excessive force - this can lead to cracks in the cast iron. It is better to use a special puller or contact a service center.

Hub nut loosened (but not completely removed)|

The terminal has been removed from the battery (if there is ABS)|

Drum joint treated with penetrating lubricant|

Supports for the car have been prepared (not just a jack) -->

4. Checking the condition of parts

After removing the drum, inspect:

• 🔍 Brake pads — the residual thickness must be at least 1.5–2 mm.
• 🔧 Working cylinder — there should be no brake fluid leaks on it.
• 🛠️ Wheel bearing - play or noise during rotation indicates the need for replacement.
• 📏 Drum inner diameter - maximum permissible wear for Nissan Note amounts to 201.5 mm.

If there are deep grooves or cracks on the working surface of the drum, it must be replaced. Small irregularities can be eliminated by grooving, but this is a temporary solution.

Parameter	Norm for Nissan Note (E11/E12)	Note
Maximum drum inner diameter	201.5 mm	If exceeded, replacement is required.
Minimum pad thickness	1.5 mm	Measured excluding metal base
Hub nut tightening torque	180–200 Nm	Use a torque wrench!
Permissible bearing play	0 mm	Any play is a sign of a malfunction

5. Installing a new drum

Before installing a new drum, clean the hub seat from rust and dirt. Apply a thin layer copper grease to the center of the hub (but not to the working surface of the drum!). Install the drum and tighten the hub nut to torque 180–200 Nm.

After assembly, press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in working position. Carry out a test drive at low speed, checking for runout and abnormal noise.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with rear drums. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Damage to the threads of the guide pins

When trying to remove a stuck drum, many begin to screw bolts into holes that do not match the threads. This leads to thread failure and the need to restore the thread. Always use bolts with the correct thread pitch! For Nissan Note this is usually M8×1,25.

2. Ignoring the condition of the brake cylinder

If there are traces of leaks on the cylinder, it must be replaced or repaired. Otherwise, after installing a new drum, the brakes may “stick” or work ineffectively. Check the integrity of the anthers and the mobility of the pistons.

3. Improper tightening of the hub nut

Weak tightening will lead to wheel play, and excessive tightening will damage the bearing. Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's recommendations (180–200 Nm for Note).

4. Installing the drum without cleaning the hub

Remains of rust or dirt on the seat will lead to distortion of the drum and beating when braking. Thoroughly clean the surface with a wire brush and wipe with a degreaser.

When is it necessary to replace the drum, and when is grooving sufficient?

Many car owners are wondering: is it possible to get by with re-grooving the drum instead of buying a new one? The answer depends on the degree of wear and damage.

A groove is permissible if:

• 📏 Inner diameter does not exceed 201.5 mm (for Nissan Note).
• 🔍 There are no deep furrows or cracks on the working surface.
• 💰 The budget is limited, and you are ready to repeat the procedure through 10–15 thousand km.

Replacement is required if:

• 🚨 The diameter exceeds the permissible limit.
• 🔧 There are chips or through cracks on the drum.
• 🔥 The surface is deformed from overheating (blue metallic tint).

It is better to entrust the grooving to professionals on a lathe. Self-processing with a file or emery will not give a uniform result and may worsen the runout.

What happens if you drive with a worn drum?

Continued operation of a vehicle with an extremely worn drum leads to:

• 🔥 Brake overheating — due to the reduced contact area between the pads and the drum, heat dissipation deteriorates, which can lead to boiling of the brake fluid.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance — braking efficiency drops by 30–50%.
• 💥 Drum destruction — with severe wear, cast iron may crack during intense braking.
• 🔧 Damage to the brake cylinder — the pistons extend too far, which leads to fluid leaks.

If you notice vibrations when braking or an increase in pedal travel - do not delay diagnosis!

Choosing a new drum: original vs analogues

When purchasing a new drum for Nissan Note you will be faced with a choice: an original part or an analogue from a third-party manufacturer. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

Original drums (Nissan):

• ✅ Guaranteed compliance of sizes and materials.
• ✅ Optimal heat transfer and wear resistance.
• ❌ High price (from 8,000 rub. per piece).
• ❌ Long wait when ordering (if out of stock).

Analogs from trusted brands:

Brand	Article	Average price (per piece)	Features
ATE	24.0122-0160.2	4,500–5,500 rub.	High quality cast iron, suitable for intense riding
Brembo	08.7197.11	5,000–6,000 rub.	Improved heat dissipation, long service life
TRW	GDB1400	RUB 3,800–4,500	Budget option with good reviews
Febi	22412	3,500–4,200 rub.	Suitable for a relaxed driving style

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 📋 Certification - the part must comply with the standard ECE R90.
• 🏭 Material — high-quality drums are made from gray cast iron with additives for strength.
• 📦 Complete set - The kit should contain new guide pins and snap rings (if applicable).

Avoid cheap, uncertified spare parts - they often have uneven wall thickness, which leads to runout and premature wear.

Rear brake maintenance: preventing breakdowns

To extend the life of the rear drums by Nissan Note, follow these guidelines:

1. Regular check

Inspect the reels every 10,000 km or when replacing pads. Pay attention to:

• 🔍 Pad thickness - if it is less 2 mm, replacement is required.
• 💧 Brake fluid leaks - a sign of a cylinder malfunction.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds - Creaking or knocking noise when braking.

2. Correct operation

• 🚗 Avoid long braking at high speed - this leads to overheating of the drums.
• 🚦 Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal while driving - this increases wear on the pads and drum.
• 💦 In wet weather, periodically dry the brakes by lightly pressing the pedal while driving.

3. High-quality consumables

Use brake pads and drums from trusted manufacturers (ATE, Brembo, TRW). Cheap analogues often have an uneven composition of the friction material, which accelerates drum wear.

4. Lubrication of guides

Whenever disassembling the brake mechanism, apply to the pad guides. high temperature grease (For example, Slipkote 220-R DBC). This will prevent jamming and squeaking.

💡

If you frequently drive on mountain roads or with a trailer, check your rear brakes every 5,000 km — intense loads accelerate the wear of drums by 2–3 times.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the rear drum on a Nissan Note without removing the hub?

Yes, in most cases the drum can be removed from the hub without dismantling it. However, if the drum is very stuck or the bearing needs to be replaced, the hub will have to be removed. To do this, you will need a puller and a torque wrench for proper tightening.

How can you tell if the drum is worn out without removing it?

Main features:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking (especially at low speeds).
• 🚗 Vibration on the brake pedal or steering wheel.
• 📉 Increased braking distance.
• 💨 Overheating rear wheels after heavy braking.

For an accurate diagnosis, measure the inner diameter of the drum through the inspection hole in the shield (if there is one).

What should I do if the brakes do not work after replacing the drum?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Air entering the system - Brakes need bleeding.
• 🔩 Incorrect pad installation — check their position and gaps.
• 💧 Brake fluid leak - Inspect the cylinder and hoses.
• 🔄 Piston jamming in cylinder — disassemble and clean the mechanism.

If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics. ABS (if installed).

How much does it cost to replace a rear drum on a Nissan Note at a service center?

The cost of work in the service depends on the region and complexity:

• 🔧 Replacing one drum - from 1,500 to 3,000 rub.
• 🔧 Replacing drum + pads - from 3,000 to 5,000 rub.
• 🔧 Comprehensive service (drums, pads, cylinders) - from 8,000 rub.

Prices do not include the cost of spare parts. At official dealerships Nissan prices may be 30–50% higher.

Is it possible to drive if a piece of the drum breaks off?

Absolutely not! The broken fragment may:

• 🚗 Lock the wheel while driving.
• 💥 Damage the brake cylinder or shield.
• 🔥 Lead to fire due to metal friction.

If you find a crack or chip, replace the drum immediately. As a last resort, you can carefully drive to the service station at low speed, avoiding braking.