How to Replace Pathfinder Brake Pads

The braking system on your Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most important safety features on the vehicle. Reliable, consistent braking depends on a well serviced, regularly inspected brake system. Worn brake pads can result in uneven braking, difficulty stopping, noise when braking, and excessive wear on other braking and steering components. Brake pads are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. With a few hand tools, this job can be performed in a driveway or garage.

Instructions

Removal and Installation

1

Park your Nissan Pathfinder on a flat, level surface with the parking brake fully engaged and the wheels securely chocked. Raise the front of the Pathfinder and support it using jack stands placed securely under the front cross member.

2




Wheel/tire assembly.

Remove the lug nuts that attach the wheel/tire assembly to the hub. The lug nuts are five or six large hexagonal nuts located in a circular pattern around the center of the wheel. Use the lug wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise until they can be removed from the threaded studs. Remove the wheel/tire assembly from the Pathfinder by pulling the sides of the wheel/tire directly away from the wheel hub.

3

Use the 8-inch c-clamp to fully compress the brake caliper. Place the fixed jaw of the c-clamp over the back of the brake caliper and tighten the screw pad onto the outer brake pad until the caliper is fully compressed. Be careful not to pinch or kink the brake line on the rear of the caliper. Remove the c-clamp.

4




Brake rotor with caliper removed.

Remove the lower slide bolt from the caliper using the socket wrench. Turn the slide bolt counterclockwise until it is loose and then pull it directly out of the back of the caliper. Pivot the caliper up and slide the brake pads out of the retainers by pulling the pads away from the brake rotor. Pull the retainer clips out of the retainers using pliers. Any shims will come out with the brake pads and should be reinstalled in the same position on the new pads.

5

Grease the corners of the brake pad retainer clips and reinstall them in the slots in the pad retainer. Reinstall the new brake pads by sliding them into the slots in the brake retainers until they are seated against the brake rotor. Swing the caliper down into position. Slide the lower caliper slide bolt into the lower hole on the back of the caliper and turn it clockwise with the socket wrench until it is securely tightened. Align the holes in the wheel/tire assembly with the threaded studs on the hub and reinstall the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts securely. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 on all wheels that are to have brake pads replaced. The process is identical for the rear brakes, except that the vehicle should be supported using jacks stands placed securely under the rear axle with the front wheels chocked.