Rear brake drums Nissan Note - one of those elements that require attention after 100-150 thousand kilometers. Their wear is manifested by a characteristic squeak, vibrations during braking, or an increased braking distance. Many owners Nissan Note they put off replacement for fear of difficulties, but in practice the procedure is quite doable in a garage environment - if you have the right tools and knowledge.
In this article we will analyze the entire process from A to Z: from fault diagnosis to final adjustment. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that beginners make (for example, forgetting to adjust hand brake after installing new drums), as well as nuances associated with specific generations Note (E11, E12). For clarity, we provide a table of spare parts compatibility and video instructions from auto expert channels.
Signs of wear on the rear drums on a Nissan Note
The first signal that the drums require replacement is extraneous sounds when braking. This may be a metallic grinding sound (if the pads are worn down to the base) or a dull knock (if the drum is deformed). The second obvious sign is beating in the brake pedal or steering wheel when pressed. This occurs due to uneven wear of the working surface of the drum, which can no longer provide smooth braking.
Another indirect symptom - increased brake pedal travel. If you have to press the pedal harder than usual to come to a complete stop, this may indicate both worn out pads and a critical condition of the drums. In advanced cases, deep grooves appear on the inner surface of the drum, which can be detected visually after removing the wheel.
- 🔊 Grinding or squealing When braking, the pads rub against the metal.
- 🌀 Pedal vibration — the drum has lost its round shape.
- 🚗 Car withdrawal to the side - uneven wear of the right/left drum.
- 🔥 Overheating of the rear wheels after a trip - a sign of jamming of the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the grinding noise does not go away, do not rush to blame the workshop. With a 90% probability, the problem lies in a deformed drum that can no longer interact correctly with the new linings.
Which drums to choose for Nissan Note: original vs analogues
Original drums from Nissan (article 40520-4M000 for E11, 40520-4M025 for E12) guarantee perfect fit and durability, but their price often exceeds 5-6 thousand rubles per piece. An alternative is certified analogues from ATE, Brembo or TRW, which are 30-40% cheaper, but not inferior in quality. The main thing is to check compatibility by VIN code or year of manufacture of the car.
When choosing, pay attention to drum diameter (standard for Note - 200 mm) and availability ventilated grooves, which improve heat dissipation. Cheap non-certified drums (for example, from NoName-brands) may have inaccurate geometry, which will lead to vibrations and accelerated wear of the pads.
| Brand | Article | Price (per piece), ₽ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 40520-4M000 |
5 500–6 200 | 2 year warranty, perfect balancing |
| ATE | 24.0127-0164.1 |
3 800–4 300 | Reinforced design, suitable for aggressive riding style |
| Brembo | 09.6967.11 |
4 100–4 700 | Anti-corrosion coating, low noise |
| TRW | GDB1445 |
3 500–4 000 | Light weight, optimized for city driving |
Critical point: the drums from the Nissan Note E11 (2004-2010) are not interchangeable with the E12 (2010-2016) due to different hub mounting sizes. Check the article by VIN code on the website Nissan Parts Europe.
- Nissan (original)
- ATE
- Brembo
- TRW
- Other
Tools and preparation for replacement
To work, you will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. Without them, the process may be delayed or result in damage to parts. For example, drum puller (article Lisle 18500) will greatly facilitate the dismantling of a stuck drum, and torque wrench will help to correctly tighten the hub nuts (torque - 80–100 Nm).
Also prepare:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (14, 17, 19 mm).
- 🔨 Hammer with a rubber tip (for carefully removing the drum).
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (e.g. WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2).
- 📏 Vernier calipers (to check the remaining thickness of the drum).
- 🔥 Heat shrink tubing (to protect the ABS sensor wiring).
⚠️ Attention: If on your Nissan Note system installed ABS, before removing the drum, disconnect the sensor connector on the hub. Otherwise, you risk damaging the wiring or causing an error in the control unit.
Loosen the wheel nuts (do not remove!)
Raise the car on a jack and install supports
Remove the wheel and clean the hub from dirt
Treat threaded connections with penetrating lubricant.
Disconnect the ABS sensor connector (if equipped) -->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear drums
Start with loosening wheel nuts on a still standing car - this will prevent the drum from turning during dismantling. Then jack up the car, install jack stands and remove the wheel. Now you can start the main work:
Removing the drum: Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and carefully knock down the drum with a rubber hammer. If it is stuck, use a puller or tap evenly in a circle. Don't hit the center - this deforms the seat.
Cleaning the hub: Remove rust and dirt from the seating surface with a wire brush. Check the hub bearing for play - if there is any, replace it along with the drum.
Installing a new drum: Place the drum on the hub and secure it with guide pins (tightening torque: 15–20 Nm). Make sure it rotates freely without jamming.
Adjusting the brake pads: After installing the drum, press the brake pedal several times so that the pads automatically move to the new working surface.
Critical point: If after replacing the drums the brake pedal becomes “soft”, you need to bleed the brake system. This is due to the fact that when removing the drum, air could enter the circuit.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is “stuck” to the hub, do not try to knock it down by force - this is fraught with cracks. Instead:
1. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant and wait 10–15 minutes.
2. Gently tap the circle of the drum through the wooden spacer.
3. Use a puller or two M8 bolts, screwing them into the threaded holes of the drum (if any).
4. As a last resort, heat the drum with a hair dryer - the metal will expand and come off easier.
Adjusting the hand brake after replacing the drums
Replacing drums with Nissan Note almost always requires follow-up parking brake adjustment. If this is not done, the handbrake will either not hold the car on a slope, or vice versa - the wheels will jam while driving. Adjustment is made through access under the machine:
Raise the handbrake lever 2–3 clicks.
Loosen the locknut on the adjusting cable (located under the bottom, near the rear beam).
Tighten the adjusting nut until the rear wheels lock.
Release the handbrake lever and check that the wheels rotate freely. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.
Optimal cable tension is when, with 3-4 clicks of the lever, the wheels are reliably locked, but without excessive force. If after adjustment the handbrake still does not hold, check the condition of the cables - they could have stretched or rusted.
After adjusting the handbrake, drive 50–100 meters and check its operation again. New drums and pads “grind in” to each other and additional tightening may be required.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing drums. The most common one is Improper tightening of the hub nut. If you overtighten it (more than 100 Nm), the bearing will quickly fail. If you don't tighten it enough, the drum will wobble, which will lead to uneven wear. Always use a torque wrench!
Another common problem is ignoring the condition of the brake pads. If you install new drums on worn pads, their service life will be reduced by 2-3 times. The pads must have a residual thickness of at least 3–4 mm. Also don't forget to clean pad guides from old grease and rust - this will prevent the mechanism from jamming.
- ⚠️ Incorrect tightening torque → bearing destruction.
- 🔧 Using a percussion instrument → cracks in the drum.
- 🚫 Lack of lubrication on the guides → creaking and uneven wear.
- 🔥 Neglecting to pump the brakes → "soft" pedal.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the drums there is extraneous noise when driving, stop immediately and check the clearance between the pads and the drum. Most likely, the pads are not retracted due to a jammed piston in the working cylinder.
Cost of service replacement vs self-repair
In official services Nissan for replacing rear drums they charge from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles per side (plus the cost of spare parts). Unofficial service stations offer prices 1.5–2 times lower, but the quality of work may vary. Self-repair will only cost the price of drums (from 3,500 ₽ per pair) and, if necessary, new pads (from 1,500 ₽).
The savings when replacing yourself are obvious, but keep in mind hidden costs:
- 🛠️ Purchase of a specialized tool (puller, torque wrench).
- ⏳ Time consumption (2–4 hours for a beginner vs 1 hour in the service).
- 🚗 Risk of errors that will lead to repeated repairs.
| Type of work | Service cost, ₽ | On your own, ₽ |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing drums (pair) | 6 000–10 000 | 3,500–7,000 (spare parts) |
| Replacing pads | 1 500–2 500 | 1 500–2 000 |
| Handbrake adjustment | 500–1 000 | Free |
| Bleeding the brakes | 1 000–1 500 | Free (if you have an assistant) |
Replacing drums on a Nissan Note yourself is advisable if you have experience working with the brake system and the necessary tools. Otherwise, the risk of errors outweighs the savings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing drums on a Nissan Note
Is it possible to drive if the drum is cracked?
No! A crack in the drum is a direct safety hazard. During intense braking, it can crack, which will lead to a complete loss of brakes on one wheel. Replace the drum immediately.
How often should rear drums be replaced?
Service life depends on driving style and quality of spare parts. On average - every 100–150 thousand km. But if you often drive with a loaded car or on mountain roads, wear will accelerate to 80 thousand km.
Is it possible to sharpen the drums instead of replacing them?
Theoretically, yes, but only if their thickness after grooving remains within the tolerance (the minimum thickness is indicated on the drum itself). In practice, grooving is rarely justified - the cost of the work is comparable to the price of new drums.
Why does the car pull to the side after replacing the drums?
This is due to uneven pad adjustment or different wear on new drums. Check:
- The gap between the pads and the drums (must be the same on both sides).
- The condition of the handbrake cables (they could have stretched unevenly).
- Pressure in the brake cylinders (perhaps one of them is jammed).
Do brake cylinders and drums need to be replaced?
Required if:
- Traces of brake fluid leaks are visible on the cylinders.
- The pistons move with force or do not return to their original position.
- There is corrosion or mechanical damage inside the cylinder.
In other cases, it is enough to clean the cylinders and check their performance.