Crossover owners Nissan Qashqai new generations inevitably face the need to maintain the brake system. A special feature of this model is the use of an electronic parking brake (EPB), which radically changes the procedure for replacing rear brake pads compared to classic mechanical drives.
If you try to simply open the caliper without special preparation, you risk breaking the electric motor or damaging the piston. Electronic drive requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions, otherwise the system will go into error. In this article we will look at how to correctly perform the procedure without visiting a service center.
Preparatory work and system diagnostics
Before you begin physically removing the wheels, you need to make sure that the car is ready for work. Make sure battery has sufficient charge, since the process requires a stable voltage of 12 volts. A voltage drop during the process may cause the brake control module to reset.
You will need a diagnostic scanner or a specialized dealer tool to put the system into service mode. Without this step, moving the piston back manually is almost impossible and extremely dangerous for the mechanism. Check status brake discs and make sure there are no deep burrs or signs of corrosion.
- 🔧 Check the battery charge level (must be above 12.5V)
- 🔧 Make sure the parking brake is off and the green light on the dash is on
- 🔧 Prepare a diagnostic adapter with EPB activation function
⚠️ Attention! If the battery is discharged, the system may refuse to switch modes, and you simply will not be able to remove the wheels to replace the pads.
Some owners try to trick the system by pinching the wear sensor wires, but this is only a temporary solution. The correct approach is a complete diagnosis before starting work. It is important to note that on models with disc brakes At the rear, the procedure is different from drums, but the Qashqai is almost always equipped with discs.
Switching the brake caliper into service mode
This is the most critical stage of the work. By car Nissan Qashqai With an electronic handbrake, the piston does not screw in, but is pulled in by an electric motor. To replace the pads, you need to turn off the power to the motor and release the mechanism. To do this, use a procedure activated via OBDII scanner
Connect the scan tool to the connector under the steering wheel. Select a section from the menu Brake system (Brake System), then go to Special Features (Special Functions) and select Service mode EPB (EPB Service Mode). The system itself will move the pistons back.
- 🔌 Connect the scanner and turn on the ignition (without starting the engine)
- 🔌 Wait for the message “Service mode activated” on the device screen
- 🔌 Make sure you can hear the sound of the motors retracting the pistons
If you don't have professional equipment, you can use workarounds, but they require great care. In some cases, removing the chip from the caliper motor and mechanically screwing in the piston helps, but this risks damaging the plastic gears inside the housing.
⚠️ Attention! Never try to screw in the piston while it is energized or in active mode - you will instantly burn the motor winding.
After successfully switching to service mode, you will hear a characteristic crackling sound, indicating that the mechanism is unlocked. The caliper can now be removed and the pistons can be safely moved away. Remember: returning to normal mode should only occur after installing new pads.
- Every 20,000 km
- Every 40,000 km
- Based on wear and tear
- I don't know for sure
Procedure for removing old pads and calipers
Now that the system is ready, you can begin to physically remove the nodes. Remove the wheel and unscrew the caliper guides. Usually these are bolts on 14 or 17 mm, located on the back side. Be prepared for the fact that they may be strongly stuck to the body.
Carefully move the caliper to the side without damaging the brake hose. Old pads may fall out on their own, but if they are stuck to the guides, use a screwdriver. Inspect the guide pins - they should move easily in the rubber covers. If the fingers are jammed, they need to be replaced or thoroughly cleaned.
- 🔩 Unscrew the lower and upper caliper mounting bolts
- 🔩 Remove the caliper bracket and place it on the suspension without hanging on the hose
- 🔩 Remove the old pads and metal retaining bracket
☑️ Removing the caliper
It is important to clean the seats for new pads. Use a wire brush and special brake lubricant. Apply lubricant only to the back of the pads and guides, avoiding contact with the friction lining. Dirt on the guides is the main cause of squeaks and uneven wear.
Installing new pads and tuning
Installing new pads on Nissan Qashqai requires attention to detail. If the kit does not come with new guides or brackets, use the old ones after cleaning them. Make sure the new pads have the same wear indicators as the old ones.
Insert the new pads into the bracket and return the caliper to its place. Tighten the guide bolts to the recommended tightening torque. Do not overtighten them to avoid stripping the threads in the aluminum caliper housing. Now is the time to return the system to working condition.
- 🛠 Install new pads into the bracket and secure the spring clips
- 🛠 Return the caliper to the disc and tighten the mounting bolts
- 🛠 Connect a diagnostic scanner to exit the service mode
Connect the scanner again and select the function Exiting service mode (Exit Service Mode). The system will perform self-learning: the motor will press the pads against the disc and then release them a little. You will hear a series of clicks and sounds of the motor running. After this, check the brake pedal - it should become firm.
What to do if it does not exit the service mode?
If the system does not exit the mode, try resetting the errors through the scanner, disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery for 5 minutes and repeating the procedure. Sometimes pressing the brake pedal repeatedly with the ignition off helps.
⚠️ Attention! Before starting to drive, be sure to press the brake pedal several times so that the pistons are in the working position. Otherwise, you may not stop at the first traffic light!
Technical nuances and selection of spare parts
Selecting brake pads for Nissan Qashqai is huge, but not everyone is suitable for a system with an electronic handbrake. Cheap analogues often have a different friction mixture composition, which leads to overheating and boiling of the brake fluid. Original or quality brands (TRW, Brembo, ATE) are the best choice.
Pay attention to the presence of a wear sensor. It may be different on the front and rear wheels. The rear axle often uses a universal sensor that fits both wheels, but it is better to check by reference to the part number. The service life of the pads is usually 30-40 thousand kilometers in the urban cycle.
| Brand | Material type | Service life (km) | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | Semi-metallic | 35 000 | High |
| TRW | Ceramic | 45 000 | Average |
| Brembo | Composite | 40 000 | Average |
| Kashima | Organic | 25 000 | Low |
When choosing, pay attention to the packaging. The original is often sold in a box with a hologram and clearly marked batch. Counterfeits can be recognized by poor quality packaging, lack of protective covers on the guides, and too low a price. Braking quality directly depends on the material of the linings.
Before purchasing new pads, be sure to measure the thickness of the brake disc. If it is worn below the permissible minimum, replacing the pads alone will lead to rapid failure of the new parts.
Common replacement mistakes
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with an electronic handbrake. The most common problem is incorrect mode switching. If you did not put the system into service mode, but simply unscrewed the caliper, you will be unable to screw the piston back in.
Another mistake is ignoring cleaning the guides. Dirt and old grease cause the caliper to not return to its original position after pressing the pedal. This causes the pads to overheat, burn and create an unpleasant burning smell in the cabin.
- ❌ An attempt to screw in the piston without removing the chip from the engine
- ❌ Lack of diagnostics after replacement (error on the dashboard)
- ❌Using unsuitable guide lubricant
Sometimes after replacement, the "Check Brake System" light on the dashboard lights up. This means the system has not been calibrated or the wear sensor has not been reset. In this case, you will need to reconnect the scanner to reset errors and train the system.
Correct calibration of the electronic handbrake after replacing the pads is the key to safe braking and the absence of errors on the instrument panel.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to replace rear pads without a scanner?
Theoretically, you can remove the chip from the motor and screw in the piston manually, but this risks damaging the gears of the gearbox. It is better to use a diagnostic adapter to switch to service mode.
Do I need to change the wear sensor when replacing the pads?
If the sensor is triggered (the lamp on the panel lights up), it must be replaced. If the lamp did not light up and the pads were simply worn out, the sensor can be left, but it is better to check its integrity.
What to do if you hear a creaking noise after replacement?
The creaking can be caused by poor lubrication of the guides or the absence of anti-creaking plates. Check the cleanliness of the seats and the presence of all components.
How often do you need to change brake pads on a Qashqai?
Depending on driving style and operating conditions, the pads last from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers. Regular diagnostics when changing the oil will help you not to miss the point of wear.
Is it possible to drive a car if the handbrake error light is on?
You can drive, but braking performance may be reduced. The system may not turn on automatically when stopped. It is recommended to resolve the error via a scanner as soon as possible.