Parts for your 2016 Nissan Pulsar-Brake shoes

2016 Nissan Pulsar brake shoes — what’s fitted and how to look after them

According to Nissan’s factory service manuals for the B17 sedan and C12 hatch (Brake System section – BR), and AU/NZ parts catalogues from major suppliers (e.g., Bendix and Repco listings), most 2016 Pulsar variants in Australia and New Zealand run rear drum brakes with brake shoes (notably ST and ST-L grades). The SSS hatch, however, uses rear disc brakes, so it does not have brake shoes at the back. Front brakes on all models are discs with pads.

For owners of 2016 Pulsar models fitted with rear drums, the brake shoes are the curved friction linings that press outwards against the inside of the drum to slow the car and to hold it on hills via the handbrake. They’re durable, cost‑effective, and well suited to everyday commuting, which is why Nissan specified them on most non‑SSS trims.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to have the rear shoes inspected at each 10,000–15,000 km service (or annually). A technician will check lining thickness (replace when down near 1.5–2.0 mm), look for glazing, cracking or contamination from brake fluid, and measure the brake drum to ensure it’s still within the maximum diameter spec in the service manual. If a wheel cylinder is weeping, it should be rebuilt or replaced at the same time.

Good practice during a brake‑shoe service includes replacing the shoe set in axle pairs, renewing hold‑down springs and adjuster hardware, cleaning out dust, and confirming the self‑adjuster operates freely. Handbrake cable travel and balance should be set so the lever takes up firmly without coming too high. Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to keep the hydraulics healthy.

After new shoes are fitted, gentle bedding‑in over the first 200–300 km helps the linings mate to the drums. Expect slightly longer pedal travel and a mild odour at first, this settles quickly. Signs it’s time to book the Pulsar in include:

• Handbrake pulling up too high or not holding well on a slope
• Squeal, scrape, or a grinding noise from the rear
• Rear brakes grabbing, pulsing, or the car drifting when braking

If the vehicle is the SSS hatch with rear discs, there are no rear shoes to service, attention shifts to rear pads and rotors instead.

Popular questions about 2016 Nissan Pulsar brake shoes

Do all 2016 Pulsars have brake shoes?
Not all. Most ST and ST‑L sedans and hatches use rear drum brakes with shoes, while the SSS hatch has rear disc brakes with pads only. All variants use front disc pads.

How long do the rear brake shoes last?
It varies with driving, but many owners see 60,000–120,000 km. Replace earlier if the linings are worn close to spec, the drums are out of limit, or if there’s noise, fade, or poor handbrake hold.

Should drums be machined when replacing shoes?
Only if they’re within the service limit and machining will true the surface. If they’re beyond the maximum diameter or heat‑cracked, replacement is the go. Always replace shoes in axle sets and refresh hardware.