How to Replace the Front Brake Pad on a Nissan Quest

The front brake pads on a Nissan Quest help the vehicle stop. They are one of the-if not the-most critical system on your vehicle. Brake pads are typically comprised of either a ceramic or metallic material. Hydraulic pressure pushes the pad against a rotor that turns with the Nissan's wheel. When the pad clamps down on the rotor, the wheel will slow down and stop the vehicle. When the brake pads on your Nissan Quest are 1/8 inch thick, you will need to replace them.

Instructions

1

Place the socket end of the tire wrench over the end of the lug nuts on the front driver's side. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen. Turn the wrench 1/8 to 1/4 degrees. Do not give the wrench more than a 1/4 turn.

2

Jack the Quest off the ground using the factory jack points. These will be an extension of the frame. For this job, use the front jack point located near the radiator.

3

Place the jack stands under the pinch welds of the Quest, located under the driver and passenger side front doors, and lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

4

Loosen and remove the wheel lug nuts and the wheel.

5

Loosen the caliper mounting bolts (both top and bottom) and remove the caliper. It will still be attached to the brake system via a rubber brake hose. Secure the caliper to the coil springs on the suspension above the rotor with zip ties.

6

Pop the brake pads out of the retaining clips. Then, place the face of the old brake pad over the caliper piston. Put the c-clamp over the brake pad, and place the clamp over the caliper assembly so that you can use the brake pad face to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. Make sure as you are forcing the piston back that the piston boot does not twist or rip. It should fold "accordion style" into the caliper.

7

Insert the new pads. Make sure you have the proper orientation, as the pads will only fit in the Nissan Quest's caliper in one direction.

8

Reassemble the brake caliper. Installation/assembly is the reverse of removal/disassembly. Be sure that when you put the caliper mounting bolts back on, that you place a dab of thread locker on the threads of the bolts.