Crossover rear brake system Nissan Terrano often becomes the object of close attention of owners, especially after covering 50-60 thousand kilometers. Unlike the front wheels, where disc mechanisms are installed, the rear wheels on most trim levels are reliable, but require attention. drum brakes. Many car owners mistakenly believe that drums last forever, but ignoring their maintenance can lead to serious problems with braking performance and road safety.
When operating a car in Russian winter conditions and reagents, the mechanisms are subject to increased corrosion. If you notice a grinding noise, reduced handbrake effectiveness, or uneven wear on the rear tires, you need to get it checked. Timely replacing brake pads and checking the integrity of the drums will avoid costly repairs to calipers and wheel bearings in the future.
Design and features of Nissan Terrano rear brakes
Rear axle Nissan Terrano is based on a time-tested beam to which the brake drums and calipers. The internal part of the mechanism includes the release cylinder, handbrake lever and return springs. This design provides excellent protection from dirt and water, but at the same time creates difficulties during dismantling and adjusting gaps.
A special feature of this system is the presence of a mechanical drive of the parking brake, which acts directly on the shoes inside the drum. This means that wear on the linings affects not only the effectiveness of the brake pedal, but also the performance of the handbrake. If the pads are heavily worn lever travel increases, which requires mandatory tightening of the cable or replacement of parts.
It is important to understand that drums operate in a confined space where brake dust accumulates. If the axle shaft seals are worn out, oil can get onto the linings, resulting in complete loss of braking effect. Regularly checking for oil leaks on the hub side is critical to maintaining braking distance car.
Diagnosis of wear and signs of need for replacement
Understand that rear pads It's time to change, based on several characteristic signs. Unlike front disc brakes, there is no visual inspection without removing the wheel. However, the owner may notice a characteristic metallic grinding sound when pressing the pedal, which indicates complete wear of the friction layer. Vibration of the steering wheel or beating of the pedal when braking at high speeds is also common.
Another signal is uneven braking when the car begins to pull to the side. This may indicate that one of the brake cylinders jammed or the linings are dirty. You should not ignore the change in the behavior of the handbrake: if it holds the car only when the lever is in the extreme position, this is a sure sign of wear and tear on the mechanisms.
- 🔊 A characteristic creaking or metallic grinding sound when reversing or braking.
- 🛑 Increased brake pedal travel and the need to press harder on it to stop.
- ⚖️ Uneven tire wear on the rear axle due to problems with braking force.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to remove the wheel and drum. Pay attention to the thickness of the friction lining: if it is less than 2 mm, replacement is required. Also check the condition of the drum itself for deep grooves and cracks. Brake disc (in this case the drum) has a maximum permissible diameter, exceeding which is unacceptable.
⚠️ Attention: If, when removing the drum, you find traces of oil on the pads, do not reinstall them under any circumstances. First, fix the leaking axle shaft seal, otherwise the new pads will instantly become unusable.
Selection of quality replacement parts
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of parts for Nissan Terrano, but not all of them are suitable for long-term use. The original, of course, is the standard of quality, but often its cost is unreasonably high. Brands are a good alternative TRW, ATE or Galfer, which are produced in the same factories as the original parts, but are cheaper.
When choosing brake pads, pay attention to the composition of the friction mixture. Ceramic linings generate less dust and do not creak, but they are more expensive. Metal compounds are cheaper, but can be harsher on drums and generate more dust. For Nissan Terrano With its weight and nature of use, composite materials with moderate hardness are best suited.
- 🏆 Original Nissan (article D5520-1AA0A) - maximum compatibility and resource.
- 🛠️ TRW GS8160 - excellent balance of price and quality, a popular choice for mechanics.
- 💰 Brembo P 28 006 is a reliable European brand with good heat transfer.
It is also important to check the contents of the kit. The box should contain not only the pads themselves, but also new springs, as well as adjustment levers. Old springs with metal fatigue will not provide proper return of the pads, which will lead to their rapid overheating and jamming. Accessories It’s better to change it completely without trying to save on small things.
- Every 30,000 km
- Every 50,000 km
- Only when creaking
- I don't follow them
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
The process of replacing rear brake pads Nissan Terrano requires patience and special tools. You will need a jack, body stands, a set of sockets, a drum wrench (or a screwdriver to remove the stopper) and, preferably, a drum puller, since they often stick to the hub. Work must be carried out on a level surface with the gear engaged.
First you need to remove the wheel and unscrew the guide pins holding the drum. If the drum cannot be removed by hand, use the holes in it to screw in process bolts that will push it out of the hub. Do not hit the drum with a hammer - this may deform its seat.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
After removing the drum you will see the internal structure. First you need to remove the upper and lower springs, then disconnect the expansion cylinder from the pads. Be careful: the cylinder contains brake fluid, so lay down a rag so as not to stain the body. Remove the handbrake lever by unhooking the cable from its engagement.
Installing new pads is done in reverse order. Pay special attention to installation adjusting mechanism: The gear must be rotated so that the shoes fit into the drum with minimal clearance. Reassemble all the springs and check that the handbrake lever moves freely. Before installing the drum, make sure that it does not interfere with the new linings.
Common mistakes when replacing
One of the most common mistakes is incorrect installation of the expansion cylinder. If its pistons are not compressed all the way, the drum simply will not fit onto the pads. It is also important not to forget to lubricate the guides and contact points of the pads with a special high-temperature lubricant, but under no circumstances get the lubricant on the friction layer.
Adjusting clearances and hand brake
After installing new parts, it is critical to correctly adjust the gap between the pads and the drum. On Nissan Terrano this is done through a hole in the rear brake cover. By rotating the adjusting worm with a screwdriver, you move the pads apart. Adjust until the drum rotates with slight friction, then loosen slightly until it rotates freely without snagging.
The handbrake also requires adjustment. If after replacing the pads the lever rises too high, the cable must be tightened. This is done under the bottom of the car, where the adjusting nut on the cable is located. The lever should click 3-5 clicks when fully tightened. Do not tighten the cable too much, otherwise the rear wheels will constantly brake.
- 🔧 Use a special slotted screwdriver to rotate the gap adjuster.
- 📏 Check the movement of the handbrake lever: 3-5 clicks is an ideal indicator.
- 🔄 After adjustment, be sure to check the rotation of the wheel in both directions.
If adjustment through the hatch does not help or the mechanism is worn out, the release lever or cable may need to be completely replaced. Cable jamming often occurs due to moisture and dirt getting inside the sheath. In such cases, it is better to immediately replace the cable with a new one to avoid problems with the handbrake in the future. Cable lubrication is a temporary measure that rarely helps for a long time.
| Parameter | Value for Nissan Terrano | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Brake drum diameter | 230 mm | Maximum wear 232 mm |
| Brake pad thickness (new) | 4.5 mm | Minimum 1.5 mm |
| Drum guide tightening torque | 8-10 Nm | Use a torque wrench |
| Handbrake lever travel | 3-5 clicks | When the lever is fully loaded |
Correct adjustment of the gaps after replacing the pads ensures that there is no spontaneous braking and that the handbrake operates normally.
Possible problems and their solutions
Sometimes after replacing the pads, owners encounter new problems. The most common complaint is squealing brakes. This may be caused by a lack of lubrication at the metal-to-metal contact points (not the pads!). Use high temperature copper or ceramic grease on the mounting points of the brackets and arms. Also check that the pads in the guides are not warped.
Another problem is the spontaneous tightening of the hand brake after the wheels cool down. This is a sign that the pistons of the working cylinder are jammed or the cable does not move freely. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the mechanism, clean the guides and check the condition of the pistons. Corrosion inside the cylinder is often the cause of jamming.
⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal becomes soft or sinks after replacing the pads, stop immediately. This may mean that the hose was damaged during assembly or that air was not removed from the brake system.
In rare cases, the drum may become deformed due to overheating or improper tightening of the hub nut. If the drum has runout when rotating, it must be turned on a lathe or replaced. Grooving is possible only if the wall thickness after processing remains within acceptable values. Exceeding the maximum diameter of the drum makes it unsuitable for use and requires mandatory replacement.
Before starting work, be sure to clean the brake mechanism of old dust with compressed air. Use a respirator as brake dust is harmful to the lungs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from Nissan Terrano owners
Is it possible to change only the front pads if the rear ones are still in good condition?
Yes, this is acceptable. The front pads wear out much faster (about 2-3 times), since they bear the main load during braking. Rear drum mechanisms can last up to 80-100 thousand kilometers with careful driving.
Do I need to change the brake fluid when replacing the rear pads?
Not necessary if you did not remove the slave cylinder and did not break the tightness of the system. However, if the fluid was changed more than 2 years ago, it is recommended to do this as planned, as it absorbs moisture and loses its properties.
Why doesn't the handbrake hold after replacing the pads?
Most likely, the gaps through the hatch in the drum were not adjusted correctly, or the handbrake cable was too stretched. First adjust the pad clearance, then tighten the cable under the car.
Is it possible to install disc brakes at the rear instead of drum brakes?
Technically this is possible using kits from other models (for example, Nissan Qashqai), but this requires replacing the hubs, calipers and brake hoses. For normal use Nissan Terrano Drum brakes are quite reliable and do not require modifications.
How often should you check the condition of your rear brakes?
It is recommended to inspect the rear brakes every 20-30 thousand kilometers, especially if you often drive off-road or in city driving with frequent stops.