Vehicle operation Nissan Tiida Over time, it inevitably leads to wear and tear of the brake system elements. If you notice that the parking brake (handbrake) no longer holds the car on a slope or you feel increased lever travel, then the problem lies in the wear of the rear pads or their incorrect adjustment. Many owners mistakenly believe that replacing the front disc pads automatically updates the rear mechanism, but for Nissan Tiida with a drum mechanism or disc calipers with a separate cable, these are different procedures.
Ignoring a problem with the hand brake can lead to more serious damage: souring of the cables, deformation of the brake drums, or even complete failure of the vehicle's locking system. In this article we will look in detail at how to replace the parking brake pads yourself, what tools you will need and what nuances you should pay attention to when assembling the unit.
Handbrake mechanism on Nissan Tiida
Rear brake system design Nissan Tiida may vary depending on the year of manufacture and configuration. Most models use a disc mechanism, where the handbrake pads are located inside the caliper, or a drum mechanism built into the rear wheel hub. Understanding the device is critical, since the replacement algorithm depends on it.
In the disc version, the handbrake cable acts on a special lever, which wedges the pads. A cable pulls an expansion bar into the drum mechanism, which moves the pads apart. Wear occurs unevenly: the friction linings are worn out, and the springs are stretched, which requires their complete replacement, and not just tightening the cable.
Often owners are faced with a situation where, after replacing the brake pads, the handbrake does not work. This is due to the fact that the clearances have not been adjusted correctly. The mechanism requires precise adjustment so that the shoes do not touch the drum when moving, but are pressed tightly when the lever is activated.
Preparation of tools and selection of spare parts
Before you begin, you need to prepare a complete set of tools. You will need a jack, car stands, a set of sockets and a ratchet, as well as specific wrenches for disassembling the caliper or drum. Do not skimp on the quality of the tool, as the bolts may become stuck due to reagents.
- 🛠️ Set of socket heads (10, 12, 14, 17 mm)
- 🔧 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers, circlip remover
- 🧼Brake cleaner and caliper guide lubricant
When choosing spare parts, pay attention to original parts Nissan or proven analogues from brands like TRW, ATE or Ferodo. Cheap Chinese pads may have an unstable friction composition that quickly becomes dusty or overheats. The quality of the friction lining directly affects braking efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: Never use all-purpose lubricants for caliper guides, as they can corrode the rubber boots and cause the mechanism to jam.
It is important to check the condition of the handbrake cables. If they have visible braid damage or rust, replacing the pads alone will not solve the problem. The cable should move freely without snagging. Otherwise, even new pads will not work effectively.
- Disc with a mechanism inside the caliper
- Drum in rear hub
- I don't know for sure
- Disc with separate drum
Step-by-step instructions: replacing drum pads
If you have a drum brake version, the process begins by removing the wheel and removing the drum itself. Often it will stick to the hub due to rust or wear, so gentle tapping with a hammer through a wooden spacer may be necessary. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the threads or drum body.
After removing the drum, you will see a mechanism with springs and pads. Remember or take a photo of the location of the springs and release lever, as they may be installed incorrectly during reassembly. First remove the upper tension spring, then the lower one, and then carefully remove the pads themselves.
- 📸 Take a photo of the mechanism before disassembling for guidance during assembly
- 🧹 Clean all dust from old pads and rust from the hub
- 🔩 Check the condition of the brake cylinder for leaks
Install new pads, maintaining the symmetry of the left and right mechanisms. The springs should be tensioned tightly, but not excessively. The release lever must move freely and return to its original position after releasing the cable. If the lever sticks, the mechanism will not work correctly.
☑️ Preparing the drum mechanism
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum cannot be removed by hand, try lightly tapping the outside of the drum with a hammer through a piece of wood. Sometimes loosening the adjusting nut inside the drum helps, if the mechanism allows it. As a last resort, you can use a puller, but be careful not to crack the disc.
Instructions for replacing disc pads
The procedure is different for disc brakes. It is necessary to remove the caliper by unscrewing the guides. After this, carefully move the caliper piston back. Unlike front brakes, here the piston often needs not just to be pressed in, but to be turned clockwise, since it is threaded to compensate for wear.
Access to the handbrake pads is opened after removing the main piston. The pads are attached to a special plate and secured with springs. Remove old elements, clean the seats from dirt and rust. The new pads should fit freely, without distortion.
Pay special attention to lubricating the guides and contact pads. Use special high temperature grease. After installing the pads, reassemble the caliper and be sure to bleed the brake system if you accidentally touch the brake hose or release the piston completely.
⚠️ Attention: When pressing the caliper piston, monitor the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If it overflows, you can fill the engine or body with liquid, since it is very aggressive to the paintwork.
Adjusting clearances and checking operation
The most critical stage is adjusting the gaps. Drum brakes use a sprocket or cam that changes the distance between the shoes and the drum. Rotate the adjuster until the shoes lightly touch the drum, then release a couple of clicks to allow free play.
For disc systems, adjustment occurs automatically, but sometimes manual tightening of the cable under the vehicle is required. The handbrake lever should have 3-5 clicks when fully pulled. Fewer clicks will cause the brakes to overheat, while more clicks will result in ineffective brake locking.
- 🔊 Check for any unusual sounds when the wheel rotates
- 🚗 Take a test drive on a flat surface
- 📐 Measure the number of clicks of the handbrake lever
Before starting the adjustment, be sure to clean the threads of the handbrake cable from old grease and dirt, otherwise the adjusting nut may jam or unscrew while driving.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the cables. Even if the pads are new, a soured cable will not transfer force to the mechanism. Another problem is incorrect installation of the return springs, which leads to their rapid breakage or the pads jamming in the open position.
Also, many people forget about cleaning the seats. Dust from old pads and rust can prevent new parts from locking into place, causing the wheel to run out or wear unevenly. Thorough cleaning of the hub and guides is the key to long service life of the new system.
Don't forget to check the brake cylinder as well. If it is leaking fluid, replacing the pads will not solve the problem and the brakes will quickly fail again. In this case, a cylinder replacement or a repair kit is required.
Compatibility table and recommended spare parts
For ease of selection of spare parts, below is a table with recommended articles. Please remember that part numbers may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the vehicle and the region of delivery.
| Component | Original article | Analogue (Brand) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking brake pads | Nissan 44060-AX600 | TRW GS8200 | Suitable for most Tiida C11 |
| Spring kit | Nissan 44060-AX601 | Febi 33456 | It is recommended to change along with the pads |
| Handbrake cable (front) | Nissan 44120-AX600 | Stellox 51-04520 | If there are jams |
| Handbrake cable (rear) | Nissan 44130-AX600 | Mapco 19650 | Left and right may be different |
| Guide lubricant | Nissan K220-77777 | Permatex Ultra Disc | High temperature |
A high-quality replacement of handbrake pads is impossible without thoroughly cleaning the mechanism and checking the condition of the cables, otherwise the problem will return after a couple of thousand kilometers.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace handbrake pads?
For an experienced technician, replacement takes about 40-60 minutes per bridge. A beginner may need 1.5-2 hours, especially if he has to deal with stuck drums or difficulties with adjustment.
Is it possible to replace the pads on only one side?
No, this is absolutely not recommended. Replacement should be done in pairs on both wheels of the same axle to ensure uniform braking and avoid the car skidding when the handbrake is activated.
What to do if the handbrake does not hold after replacement?
Most likely, the adjustment of the gaps is incorrect or the cable is overtightened/understretched. Check the number of lever clicks. If the problem is not solved, the cable may be soured or the drum mechanism requires deeper repairs.
Do I need to change brake discs when replacing handbrake pads?
If the handbrake pads are inside the drum, then the drum itself needs to be replaced if it has deep grooves or cracks. For disc brakes, replacing the pads does not necessarily require replacing the discs if their wear is within acceptable limits.
Regular checking and timely replacement of hand brake pads is the key to your safety and the safety of your car. Don’t put off repairs until later if you notice a deterioration in the parking brake’s performance. Competent approach to service Nissan Tiida guarantees long and reliable operation of your car.