Rear brake pads for <em>Nissan Note</em>: selection and replacement guide

Rear brake pads on Nissan Note - a critical safety element that is often ignored until it starts to “warn” with squeaking or vibrations. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads wear out more slowly, but their condition directly affects the stability of braking, especially on wet roads or during sharp maneuvers. Owners Note (especially models E11 And E12) face typical problems: from premature wear to guide corrosion - and all this can be prevented by knowing the nuances of selection and maintenance.

In this article we will look at how correctly diagnose wear rear pads, what brands and materials optimal for Nissan Note, and also give step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account typical mistakes. Let us separately dwell on the features of drum and disc brakes - it depends on the year of manufacture and equipment of your car. If you have already encountered the fact that the brake pedal has become “wobbly” or hear a metallic grinding sound when reversing, this information will help you save money at the service station and avoid emergency situations.

Signs of wear on the rear brake pads Nissan Note

The first sign that the rear pads need attention is increased braking distance. If before the car stopped clearly, but now it “travels” extra meters, not only the front, but also the rear brakes may be to blame. This is especially noticeable when braking on a descent or with a trailer. Other symptoms:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when you press the pedal lightly, this is a sign that the friction layer has worn down to metal and is scratching the disc/drum.
• 🌀 Vibration in the steering wheel or pedals - indicates uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the brake disc (relevant for disc brakes).
• 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when braking - one of the pads may be more worn or the guide may be jammed.
• 💨 Dust on wheels — if the rear wheel is dusty more than usual, the pads are actively crumbling.

On Nissan Note with drum brakes (more often on budget trim levels), wear manifests itself differently: it may wedge the wheel after parking or hear a dull knock when driving. This is because drum pads wear unevenly and can become sticky due to corrosion on the springs or cylinders.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft” and fails, immediately check the brake fluid level! On Note With ABS, this could indicate air is getting into the system or a faulty master cylinder.

Drum vs disc brakes: which is yours? Nissan Note?

Rear brakes on Nissan Note can be of two types - drums (on basic versions) or disk (on top trim levels or after restyling). The difference is not only in design, but also in the approach to maintenance:

Parameter	Drum brakes	Disc brakes
Pad life	80,000–120,000 km	50,000–80,000 km
Difficulty of replacement	Higher (requires drum removal, adjustment)	Easier (similar to the front ones)
Cost of pads	Cheaper (from 800 rubles per set)	More expensive (from RUB 1,500 per set)
Braking efficiency	Worse on wet roads	More stable in all conditions
Typical problems	Jamming, corrosion of springs	Disc deformation, squeaking

To determine which brakes are on your car, just look under the car or remove the wheel:

• 🔧 If visible metal drum with cooling fins - you have drum brakes.
• 🔄 If visible brake disc and a caliper with disc pads.

On Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) disc brakes are more common, especially on trim levels Tekna or Acenta. On E11 (2006–2012) dominated by drums. Important: on some versions Note with ABS, disc brakes can only be on the front axle, even if there are drums at the rear - this is normal for compact hatchbacks.

How to choose rear pads: brands and materials

When choosing pads for Nissan Note focus on three criteria: friction layer material, ABS compatible And brand. Cheap pads without certification can become dusty, squeak, or quickly wear out the discs. Optimal options:

• 🏆 Premium segment: Akebono (original for the Nissan assembly line), Brembo, TRW — the best choice for an aggressive driving style. Price: 2,500–4,000 rub. per set.
• 💰 Middle segment: Ferodo, Textar, Bosch — balance of price and quality. Suitable for urban use. Price: 1,500–2,500 rub.
• 🛒 Budget segment: Sangsin, Nipparts, Ashika - cheaper, but may require frequent replacement. Price: 800–1,500 rub.

Based on materials:

• 🔥 Semi-metallic (semi-metallic) - durable, but noisy and aggressive towards disks. Suitable for Note with disc brakes.
• 🌿 Organic (organic) - soft, makes little noise, but wears out faster. Optimal for drum brakes.
• 🧲 Ceramic (ceramic) - the quietest and most durable, but expensive. Recommended for Note with ABS.

Check when purchasing article number pads for your model. For Nissan Note E11 (drums) this 40520-4M000 or 40520-ED000, for E12 (discs) — 40520-4M200 or 40520-JM00A. Original pads come under the brand Akebono or Sumitomo.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads

Replacing rear pads with Nissan Note requires care, especially when it comes to drum brakes. To work you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14).
• 🛠 Screwdriver with a flat blade.
• 🔨 Hammer (for drums).
• 🧴 Lubricant for guides (Slipkote or TRW PFG110).
• 🚗 Jack and stops.

For disc brakes:

1. Raise the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the caliper (two 14mm bolts).
2. Remove the old pads and clean the guides from rust.
3. Press down the caliper piston (use a clamp or a special tool).
4. Install new pads, lubricate the guides and reassemble everything in reverse order.

For drum brakes:

Remove the wheel and unscrew the drum (WD-40 and a hammer may be required)

Disconnect the springs and spacer bar (the photo before disassembly will be useful!)

Remove the old pads and clean the brake shield from dirt

Install new pads, lubricate contact points

Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum (see instructions below) -->

The hardest part is gap adjustment after installing new pads. On Nissan Note this is done through adjustment window in the brake shield (you need to rotate the gear wheel with a screwdriver until it stops, then release it 5–7 clicks back). If the gap is too large, the brakes will “grab” with a delay; if it’s too small, the wheel will jam.

⚠️ Attention: On models with ABS after replacing the pads necessarily carry out the procedure bleeding the brakes (even if the hydraulic system was not opened). This is due to the fact that the ABS sensors on Note may operate falsely due to a changed gap between the pad and the disc/drum.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes, which later become costly. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Unlubricated guides — leads to caliper jamming and uneven wear. Always use high temperature grease (not Litol!).
• 🛑 Non-recessed caliper piston — the new pads will not fit into place. On Note With ABS, the piston is screwed in (and not just compressed!).
• 🔄 Confused right/left pads — on drum brakes they are asymmetrical. Mark them with a marker before removing them.
• 🚫 Ignoring wear sensor - if it was on the old pads, transfer it to the new ones (or install a new one).

Another common problem is corrosion of threads on caliper guides. If the bolts do not come off, do not try to remove them by force: treat WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes. On Nissan Note With a mileage of >100,000 km, the guides often “stick” - in this case, the entire caliper may need to be replaced.

What to do if after replacing the pads the brakes are “wobbly”?

If the pedal fails, check:

1. Brake fluid level (add only DOT-4).

2. Tightness of hoses (at Note often crack at bend points).

3. Bleed the brakes (starting from the rear right wheel).

If the problem persists, the brake master cylinder or ABS module is at fault.

When to change brake discs and drums?

Pads are a consumable item, but brake discs and drums also have a resource. On Nissan Note their replacement is required if the following symptoms occur:

• 📏 Disc thickness less than the minimum (for Note it is usually 10–11 mm; exact data is on the end of the disk).
• 🌀 Deep grooves or cracks (more than 0.5 mm).
• 🔄 Disc runout (feels like vibration on the steering wheel when braking).
• 🛑 Drum deformation (the pads wear out like a wedge).

On disc brakes Note discs last 100,000–150,000 km, drums - up to 200,000 km. However, aggressive driving or overheating (for example, after a long descent from a mountain) can reduce this period by 2 times. When replacing drives, always install new pads — the old ones will not rub against the new surface, and braking efficiency will drop.

For Nissan Note original rear discs go under art. 40500-4M000 (E11) or 40500-JM00A (E12). Drums - 40502-4M000. Alternatives: Brembo, Zimmermann, TRW.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear brake pads Nissan Note

Is it possible to put front pads on rear brakes?

No! Front and rear pads on Note have different shapes, friction material composition and contact area. The front ones are designed for heavy loads, and the rear ones are designed for stability at low speeds. Using unsuitable pads will result in uneven braking and rapid disc wear.

How much do original pads cost and where can I buy them?

Original rear pads Akebono for Nissan Note E12 (disk) cost ~3,500 rubles. per set (art. ACT961A). For E11 (drum) - ~2,200 rub. (art. 40520-4M000). You can buy from official dealers or trusted online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc). Beware of fakes - the original always has a hologram and a certificate.

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

Bleeding is only necessary if you opened the hydraulic system (for example, unscrewed the brake hose). However, on Note with ABS, it is recommended to “run” the system after any pad replacement: start the engine, press the brake pedal several times and drive 5–10 km with smooth stops. This will help the ABS sensors adapt to the new pads.

Why do new pads squeak?

Creaking in the first 200–300 km is normal (they get used to grinding in). If the sound does not disappear:

• Check to see if any lubricant has gotten onto the friction layer.
• Make sure the pads are installed correctly (right/left are not reversed).
• May help on disc brakes anti-squeak plate (if it is not included, buy it separately).

Is it possible to drive if the friction layer has worn down to metal?

Absolutely not! The metal base of the pad scratches the disc/drum, causing permanent damage. In addition, the braking distance increases by 2–3 times, and when braking sharply, the car can skid. If you notice a metallic sheen on the pads, replace them immediately and check the condition of the discs.