How to Change Front Disc Brakes on a 2004 Nissan Titan

2004 Nissan Titans have disc brakes at all four wheels. Disc brakes stop a vehicle better than drum brakes, which still are standard on the rear wheels of many modern pickups. Disc brakes also are favored among at-home mechanics, for two main reasons: their reliability and their ease of change. Disc brakes last for 2 to 5 years depending on the brand and quality of the brakes and on the amount and style of driving you do. The more aggressively you drive, the sooner you'll have to change your brakes. If you hear your brakes grinding or your wheels squealing, it might be time to change your brakes. The whole job can be completed in less than 2 hours.

Instructions

1

Loosen all of the lug nuts on the front tires with the tire iron.

2

Set the floor jack under the front axle of the Titan. Raise the truck until the tires are two inches or more off of the ground. Set the jack stands under the same axle for support. Remove the tires completely.

3

Unbolt the brake caliper mounting bracket (the crescent-shaped bracket on the rotor) from the rotor, using the socket wrench. Tie the bracket to the undercarriage of the Titan with the rope to prevent strain on the brake line.

4

Pull the brake pads out of the mounting bracket with your hands.

5

Set the solid end of the C-clamp against the rear side of the mounting bracket. Place the movable end of the clamp against the cylinder in the center of the bracket. Compress this cylinder, the brake cylinder, until it is flush.

6

Insert the new brake pads into the slots where the old ones were.

7

Untie the mounting bracket and re-bolt it to the rotor. Set the tire back on and finger tighten all of the lug nuts. Lower the Titan and tighten all of the lug nuts with the tire iron.