2000 Nissan Xterra Brake Job Instructions

A full brake job on your Nissan Xterra should include changing the brake pads and inspecting the condition of the brake disc, or rotor, itself on your front brakes. This procedure is similar to that of other vehicles, but it is important to make sure you get the exact size and type of brake pads for your model. You will likely need a brake job on your Xterra at 80,000 miles, maybe sooner.

Instructions

Inspection

1

Open up the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment and siphon out two thirds of the fluid using a turkey baster or similar tool. Follow proper procedures for disposing of the brake fluid. Laws for disposal may vary by locality.

2

Loosen the wheels' lug nuts using the tire iron. Raise the Xterra's front end using the floor jack (consult the owner's manual for proper lifting points) and lower the SUV onto the jack stands. Remove the front wheels.

3

Wash off the entire brake disc assembly using brake cleaner spray and a drip pan. Make sure you know how to dispose of this residue in your area.

4

Press the brake caliper's piston into the piston bore using a C-clamp; tighten the clamp a little bit at a time and check the reservoir's fluid level, making sure it doesn't overflow.

5

Unbolt and remove the brake caliper from the disc using your wrench and hang it from the suspension using a strong wire, making sure you don't stretch the brake hose.

6

Inspect the surface of the brake disc, looking for deep grooves that would indicate the need to replace the rotor. You can disregard shallow grooves or light scratches.

7

Connect a dial indicator to the disc about a half inch from the outer edge, set the indicator to zero and then turn the disc. The indicator should not exceed .07 millimeters (.0028 inches).

8

Unbolt and remove the caliper mounting bracket and slide the brake disc off the studs to replace it if it fails either of the two tests above.

Pad Change

9

Pull and remove the brake pads out of the caliper mounting bracket with the bracket connected to the brake disc.

10

Remove the slide pins and the pad retainers from the ends of the caliper bracket and clean them off. Remove the shims from the old pads.

11

Apply an anti-squeal compound to the back of the replacement brake pads and connect the shims to the new pads.

12

Install the pad retainers into the bracket and then install the replacement brake pads.

13

Coat the slide pin with high-temperature grease and install it within the bracket.

14

Reconnect the brake caliper to the mounting bracket and tighten the bolts to between 16 and 23 ft-lbs.

15

After changing the brake pads on both wheels, put the wheels back on the lug nut bolts and tighten the lug nuts by hand in a star pattern. Jack up the Xterra above the jack stands, remove the stands and lower the SUV to the ground. Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern with the tire iron.

16

Fill the reservoir to the maximum line with fresh brake fluid.

17

Press the brake pedal multiple times until it feels firm.