Replacing front brake pads with Nissan Terrano 3 (body T32, 2014–2020) is a procedure that many owners prefer to perform on their own. Despite its apparent simplicity, there are a number of nuances related to the design of the caliper, the mounting features of the guides and the choice of spare parts. Unlike earlier versions Terrano, the third generation inherited the platform from Renault Duster, which affected the layout of the braking system.

The average life of the front pads on this crossover is 30–50 thousand km, but with an aggressive driving style or frequent trips on mountain roads, wear may occur within 20 thousand km. The main signs of the need for replacement: squeaking when braking, increased pedal travel, vibrations on the steering wheel or metallic clanging - this is a signal that the friction layer has been worn down to a minimum thickness (less than 2 mm). It is important not to allow wear to become critical, as this can damage the brake discs and increase the cost of repairs.

Which pads to choose for Nissan Terrano 3: original vs analogues

Original front pads for Terrano 3 supplied under article number 40520-JM00A (set per axle) and are produced by the company Akebono. Their average price is 3,500–4,500 rubles, but many owners prefer analogues, which are often not inferior in quality, but are 30–50% cheaper. Among the trusted brands:

  • 🔹 TRW (article GDB3435) - soft friction composition, minimal disc wear, price ~2,800 rubles.
  • 🔹 Brembo (article P85020) — sports series with increased heat resistance, ~3,200 rub.
  • 🔹 Ferodo (article FDB4304) - optimal price/quality balance, ~2,500 rub.
  • 🔹 Bosch (article 0986424795) - low dust level, but wear out faster, ~2,300 rub.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition: pads with high metal content (semi-metallic) last longer, but wear out the discs more and make more noise. Ceramic (ceramic) are quieter and generate less dust, but may slow down worse at low temperatures. For Terrano 3 with engines 1.6 (H4M) or 2.0 (M4R) pads with friction coefficient are suitable EE or FF (indicated on the package).

📊 Which pads do you prefer to install?
  • Original (Nissan/Akebono)
  • TRW or Brembo
  • Ferodo or Bosch
  • Budget (for example, LPR, Fenox)
  • Others

Tools and materials: what you need for work

To replace the front pads with Nissan Terrano 3 No specialized equipment is required, but some tools are indispensable. Here's the full list:

Tool/material Purpose Note
Jack and stops Lifting and securing the car Minimum load capacity - 2 tons
Balloon wrench Removing wheels Size 19 mm or 21 mm (depending on the disc)
Socket wrench 14 mm Unscrewing the caliper guides It is better to use a ratchet head
Hexagon 7 mm Fixing the caliper to the bracket An extension cord may be required
Hammer and wooden spacer Knocking out old pads Be careful not to damage the bracket

Additionally you will need:

  • 🧴 Copper grease (For example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste) - for caliper guides.
  • 🧹 Metal brush — cleaning the seats from rust.
  • 🔧 Caliper piston clamps - if you don’t have a special tool, a clamp will do.
  • 📦 New spring clips (clips) - often included with the pads, but it’s better to check.
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Before starting work, take a photo of the location of all caliper parts with your phone - this will help avoid mistakes during reassembly, especially if this is your first time changing the pads.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove old pads

We start with preparing the car: we install Terrano 3 on a flat surface, engage first gear (or P for automatic transmission) and place stops under the rear wheels. Next we proceed according to the algorithm:

  1. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts (but do not remove them completely), then jack up the front of the car and remove the wheel. Important: the jack must rest against special points under the thresholds (see marks on the bottom).

  2. We unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket - lower and upper (socket wrench 14 mm). Do not lose the rubber boots from the bolts!

  3. Carefully pry up the caliper with a screwdriver and move it to the side, hanging it on the strut spring (you can’t leave it hanging on the brake hose!).

  4. We remove the old pads. If they are “stuck”, tap with a hammer through a wooden spacer at the end of the bracket.

Clean the caliper bracket from rust and dirt|Check the integrity of the guide boots|Lubricate the guides with copper paste|Make sure that the caliper piston moves freely|Check the thickness of the brake disc (minimum 22 mm)-->

Pay special attention to the condition brake disc. If it has deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm), cracks or uneven wear, the disc requires replacement or resurfacing. For Terrano 3 minimum permissible disk thickness - 22 mm (denomination - 25 mm). Measure it with a caliper at several points.

What to do if the caliper piston does not press in?

If the piston is not recessed with a clamp, check:

1) Is the brake fluid reservoir open (the pressure must be released).

2) Is there any corrosion on the piston (you will have to clean or change the caliper).

3) For vehicles with ABS, a special tool may be required to press in and turn (on some models the piston is threaded).

Installing new pads and caliper assembly

Before installing new pads, you must press in the caliper piston all the way. This can be done with a clamp or a special tool (for example, Piston Reset Tool). On Terrano 3 With ABS, the piston may rotate when pressed in - use a slotted tool or pliers to secure it.

Next we proceed in reverse order:

  1. We install new pads in the bracket, observing the position (some pads have marks IN And OUT).

  2. Apply a thin layer of copper grease to caliper guides And back side of the pads (where they contact the bracket).

  3. We install the caliper in place and tighten the mounting bolts. Tightening torque - 30–35 Nm.

  4. Install the wheel, lower the car and pump the brake pedal 3-5 times until resistance appears.

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After replacing the pads, avoid sharp braking for the first 200–300 km - the friction material needs time to break in to the disc.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Nissan Terrano 3. Here are the most critical of them:

⚠️ Attention: Never use graphite lubricant for caliper guides - it dries out and blocks movement, which leads to uneven wear of the pads. Only copper or special high-temperature grease!
  • 🚫 Incorrect pad installation (right/left or top/bottom are mixed up). Consequences: creaking, vibration, car pulling to the side.
  • 🚫 Tightening the caliper bolts without a torque wrench. Over-tightening leads to deformation of the bracket, under-tightening leads to play and knocking.
  • 🚫 Ignoring brake fluid check. If its level rises higher after pressing the piston MAX, when heated, it can overflow through the tank.
  • 🚫 Forgetting to clean seats. Rust and dirt on the caliper lead to misalignment of the pads and accelerated wear.

Another typical problem is new pads squeak. If it appears immediately after replacement, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔊 The pads are not used in (you need to drive 100–150 km).
  • 🔊 There is no anti-squeak plate (included with some pads).
  • 🔊 Lubricant is applied to the friction surface of the pad (only the reverse side!).

When is it necessary to replace brake discs?

Brake discs on Nissan Terrano 3 (front axle) have a resource 80–120 thousand km, but their condition must be checked every time the pads are replaced. Critical defects that require replacement:

Defect Acceptable rate Consequences of ignoring
Disc thickness < 22 mm (25 mm nominal) Overheating, deformation, cracks
Disc runout > 0.1 mm Vibrations in the steering wheel, uneven pad wear
Deep furrows > 0.5 mm Accelerated pad wear, reduced braking efficiency
Cracks Any end-to-end Disk destruction when heated

Original wheels for Terrano 3 go under the article 40500-JM00A (price ~6,000 rubles per piece). Popular analogues:

  • 🔄 Brembo (09.9602.11) — ~4,500 rub., high quality casting.
  • 🔄 TRW (DF4535) — ~4,200 RUR, perforated options available.
  • 🔄 Bosch (0986479778) — ~3,800 rub., budget option.

When replacing discs, be sure to change the pads - the old ones will not fully adhere to the new surface. It is also recommended to turn the discs on a lathe if their thickness allows (but not less than 23 mm).

Checking the operation of the brake system after replacement

After installing the new pads, it is necessary to conduct a test drive. Here's what to check:

  1. Smooth pedal movement. It should not “fail” or be too rigid. If the pedal is soft, there may be air left in the system (bleeding is required).

  2. No vibration. If the steering wheel or pedal vibrates when braking, this is a sign of runout discs or uneven caliper tightening.

  3. Braking efficiency. At a speed of 40–50 km/h, the braking distance should be stable, without drifting to the side.

  4. Noises. A slight creaking is allowed in the first 100 km, but a metallic clang or grinding sound is a signal of an installation error.

⚠️ Attention: If the light comes on after replacing the pads ABS on the dashboard, check the connection of the wheel speed sensor. On Terrano 3 it is located next to the caliper and can be touched during operation.

If you notice that the car pulls to the side when braking, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔧 Uneven tightening of caliper bolts.
  • 🔧 Contamination or corrosion of the guides (the caliper gets stuck).
  • 🔧 Different degrees of pad wear on the left and right wheels.
  • 🔧 Damage to the brake hose (brake fluid does not flow evenly).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Nissan Terrano 3

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (front or rear). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling to the side and accelerated wear of the discs.

How often should the pad thickness be checked?

It is recommended to inspect the pads every 10–15 thousand km or when changing tires seasonally. Critical wear - when the friction layer is thinner 2–3 mm. On Terrano 3 You can visually assess wear through the inspection window in the caliper (if there is one) or by removing the wheel.

Do I need to lubricate the back of the pads?

Yes, but only special anti-squeak lubricant (For example, Permatex 24110 or LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste). It prevents vibrations and squeaks. Do not use regular copper paste - it is not intended for friction surfaces.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?

Most likely, air has entered the system. Necessary bleed the brakes, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (on Terrano 3 order: right rear → left rear → right front → left front). If the problem persists, check the tightness of the hoses and connections.

Which pads are better - ceramic or semi-metallic?

For Nissan Terrano 3 The optimal choice depends on your driving style:

  • 🚗 Ceramic - less dust, quieter, but may slow down worse in the cold. Suitable for city driving.
  • 🏁 Semi-metallic - dissipate heat better, last longer, but make noise and wear out the discs more. Optimal for active driving or driving with a trailer.

Original pads from Akebono belong to semi-metallic with low copper content.