Replacing hand brake pads on a Nissan X-Trail T31: instructions with photos and videos

Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) is one of the most popular crossovers on the Russian market, but even such a reliable car wears out the rear brake pads over time, especially if you actively use the handbrake. Unlike front disc brakes, rear drum mechanisms require more attention: they are more difficult to diagnose without removing the wheel, and incorrect adjustment of the handbrake can lead to premature wear or even seizure.

In this article you will find detailed instructions for replacing hand brake pads on X-Trail T31 taking into account the features of different modifications (gasoline/diesel, all-wheel drive/front-wheel drive). We will look at what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, incorrect installation of springs or handbrake cable), and give recommendations on the selection of spare parts - from budget analogues to original ones Nissan 40520-4M000. You will also learn when it is enough to simply adjust the handbrake, and when a complete replacement of the pads is required.

Signs of wear on the handbrake pads on the Nissan X-Trail T31

The first signal that the handbrake pads require attention is increased lever travel. If before the handbrake lifted by 3-4 clicks, but now by 6-8, this is a clear sign of wear on the friction material. Other symptoms:

• 🔴 Creaking or grinding when reversing (especially at low speeds).
• 🔴 Burning smell from the rear wheels after long-term parking on a slope.
• 🔴 Uneven braking: The car pulls to the side when the handbrake is activated.
• 🔴 Rear wheel jamming after washing or in damp weather (a sign of corrosion of the drum or cable).

On X-Trail T31 with 2.0 MR20DE or 2.5 QR25DE In gasoline engines, the pads serve on average 40–60 thousand km, and on diesel 2.0 M9R - up to 80 thousand km thanks to a more gentle operating mode. However, these figures are only relevant when correct adjustment of the handbrake cable every 20 thousand km — without this, wear accelerates by 1.5–2 times.

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the pads the handbrake does not hold even after adjustment, check the condition of the cable. On X-Trail T31 it often sours in the casing, especially in regions with salty roads. In this case, the cable will need to be replaced (part number: Nissan 40610-4M000).

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original pads from Nissan (article 40520-4M000 for the rear axle) cost from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles per set for both wheels. Their main advantage is guaranteed compatibility and long service life, but many owners X-Trail T31 analogues are successfully used:

Brand	Article	Price (per set)	Features
Nissan (original)	40520-4M000	4 800–5 200 ₽	Optimal friction material, minimal drum wear
Akebono	ACT907A	3 200–3 600 ₽	Softer than the original, less squeaks, but wear out faster
Brembo	P 24 060	4 000–4 500 ₽	High coefficient of friction, suitable for aggressive riding
TRW	GDB1465	2 800–3 300 ₽	Budget option, may require grinding in
Bosch	0 986 494 720	3 500–4 000 ₽	Good price/quality ratio, low dust levels

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Ceramic pads (Akebono, Brembo) last longer and generate less dust, but are more expensive.
• 🔹 Semi-metallic (TRW, Bosch) are cheaper, but wear out the drum faster.
• 🔹 Organic (rarely found for X-Trail T31) are soft and quiet, but not suitable for harsh conditions.

⚠️ Attention! On X-Trail T31 with the system ESP (electronic stability control) it is not recommended to install pads with more than 30% metal content. This may cause false alarms from the ABS sensors.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the handbrake brake pads with Nissan X-Trail T31 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And supports (or lift).
• 🔧 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔧 Socket heads at 10, 12, 14 and 17 mm.
• 🔧 Pliers (for removing springs).
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (to adjust the cable).
• 🔧 WD-40 or equivalent (for treating soured bolts).
• 🔧 Metal brush (to clean the drum).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional for precise tightening).

Before starting work:

1. Park the car flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the handbrake cable by unscrewing the adjusting nut under the car (next to the muffler).
3. Remove the negative terminal from the battery to avoid triggering ESP when removing the ABS sensor (if equipped).

Loosen the handbrake cable|Remove the negative terminal of the battery|Jack up the rear and install the supports|Treat the bolts with WD-40 10–15 minutes before removal|Prepare new pads and lubricant for the guides-->

On X-Trail T31 with all-wheel drive (4WD) will additionally need to be removed protective shield rear gearbox, as it interferes with access to the handbrake cable. On front-wheel drive versions (2WD) you can skip this step.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads

The process of replacing pads Nissan X-Trail T31 is the same for all modifications, but there are nuances depending on the type of drive. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Removing the drum

After removing the wheel, you need to remove the drum. On X-Trail T31 it is fixed two guide pins and can “stick” to the hub. If the drum cannot be removed:

• 🔹 Apply WD-40 at the junction of the drum and the hub.
• 🔹 Gently tap the edge of the drum with a rubber mallet.
• 🔹 If it doesn’t help, screw it in two M8 bolts into the technological holes of the drum (they are available on all versions T31) and pull it towards you evenly.

2. Removing old pads

After removing the drum, you will see a mechanism with two shoes, springs and a handbrake lever. Procedure:

1. Remove upper tension spring pliers.
2. Disconnect handbrake cable from the lever on the block (you will need to compress the latch with a screwdriver).
3. Remove bottom spring and a spacer bar.
4. Remove the pads, remembering the location clamps and springs (better take a photo!).

What to do if the handbrake cable is stuck?

If the cable does not detach from the shoe lever, do not try to cut it! Treat the connection with a penetrating lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly LM-40) and leave for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully loosen the lever with pliers. If the cable still does not give in, it will have to be replaced entirely (part number for X-Trail T31: 40610-4M000).

3. Installing new pads

Before installing new pads:

• 🔹 Clean seats on the brake mechanism shield from dirt and rust.
• 🔹 Apply copper grease on the contact points of the pads (but not on the friction surface!).
• 🔹 Check the status working cylinder - if it is leaking, replace it (Nissan 40520-4M001).

Installation occurs in reverse order:

1. Attach the new pads to the shield, starting with bottom spring.
2. Connect the handbrake cable to the lever (it should move freely, without jamming).
3. Install spacer bar and the top spring.
4. Check that the pads do not touch the drum when rotating.

4. Handbrake adjustment

After installing the pads, you must adjust cable tension:

1. Raise the handbrake lever to 3–4 clicks.
2. Tighten the adjusting nut under the car (next to the muffler) until the rear wheels lock.
3. Lower the lever and check that the wheels rotate freely.
4. Repeat the adjustment 2-3 times for fine tuning.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing handbrake brake pads with X-Trail T31. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Incorrect spring installation - leads to uneven wear of the pads. Always take photos of the starting position!
• 🚫 Tightened handbrake cable - the pads will jam, which will accelerate their wear and overheat the drum.
• 🚫 Ignoring drum status. If it has deep grooves (more than 1 mm), it needs to be sharpened or replaced (Nissan 40500-4M000).
• 🚫 Lack of lubrication on the guides - the pads will creak and wear out faster.
• 🚫 Unchecked slave cylinder. If it leaks, brake fluid will get onto the pads and they will become ineffective.

Another common problem is Mismatch between pads and drum. On X-Trail T31 after 2010, drums with increased diameter (230 mm instead of 220 mm). Please check this point when purchasing spare parts! Article number of pads for "old" drums - Nissan 40520-4M000, for "new" - Nissan 40520-4M001.

⚠️ Attention! If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads, this is a sign of air getting into the system. Bleed the rear brakes, starting with the right wheel (according to the pattern: right rear → left rear → right front → left front).

When is a drum replacement required?

Drum on Nissan X-Trail T31 designed for 150–200 thousand km, but its resource depends on the driving style and the quality of the pads. Replacement is required if:

• 🔹 Furrow depth exceeds 1.5 mm (measured with a caliper).
• 🔹 Inner diameter drum exceeds 231 mm (for models before 2010) or 241 mm (for models after 2010).
• 🔹 On the surface there is cracks or chips.
• 🔹 Drum "fell over" (became not round), which leads to beating when braking.

Cost of a new drum for X-Trail T31:

• 🔹 Original (Nissan 40500-4M000) — 8 000–10 000 ₽.
• 🔹 Analogues (Brembo, Ate, TRW) — 4 000–6 000 ₽.

Alternative to replacement - drum groove on a lathe. It will cost 1 500–2 500 ₽ for both drums, but remember: grooving is possible only if the thickness of the drum wall after processing remains at least 3 mm.

Video instructions and useful links

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with a step-by-step replacement of the handbrake pads with Nissan X-Trail T31:

Video 1: Replacing rear pads on X-Trail T31 (petrol 2.5) - detailed analysis with explanation of the nuances.

Video 2: Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads - how to properly tension the cable.

It is also useful to study:

• 📄 Official repair manual Nissan X-Trail T31 (section 5.3 - braking system).
• 📄 Discussion on the X-Trail Club forum — owners’ experience with photo reports.
• 📄 Spare parts catalog for X-Trail T31 with articles and analogues.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing parking brake pads

Is it possible to replace the handbrake pads on the X-Trail T31 without removing the drum?

No, that's impossible. The drum must be removed to gain access to the brake pads and the handbrake mechanism. Attempts to “do without removal” will lead to incorrect installation of the springs and rapid wear of the new pads.

How often should the handbrake be adjusted after replacing the brake pads?

The first adjustment is made immediately after replacement. Then check the cable tension every 20,000 km or when signs of weakening appear (increased lever travel). On diesel versions X-Trail T31 adjustments are required less frequently due to less load on the handbrake.

What should I do if the handbrake does not hold after replacing the pads?

There may be several reasons:

1. The cable is not adjusted correctly (you need to tighten the nut under the car).
2. The cable is stuck in the sheath (needs replacement or cleaning).
3. The pads have not gotten used to it (give them 100–200 km).
4. The drum is worn or damaged (needs replacement or grooving).

Start by adjusting the cable. If this does not help, check the movement of the cable in the sheath - it should move freely.

What lubricant should I use for guide pads?

For X-Trail T31 recommended:

• 🔹 Copper grease (Liqui Moly Kupfer-Paste) - for high temperatures.
• 🔹 Ceramic lubricant (CRC Ceramic Brake Lubricant) - does not attract dirt.
• 🔹 Brake lubricant (Molykote G-3500).

Do not use graphite lubricant or WD-40 - they cannot withstand heat and are washed out.

Can I use pads from other Nissan models?

Theoretically on X-Trail T31 suitable pads from Nissan Qashqai J10 (article 40520-4M000), since they have the same braking system. However, there are nuances:

• On Qashqai Pads with a different friction material composition can be installed.
• In some trim levels Qashqai drums of a different diameter are used.

It's best to stick to the pads recommended for X-Trail T31, or check compatibility by VIN code.