How to Replace Brakes on a Nissan Pathfinder

By the time your Nissan Pathfinder truck reaches 60,000 miles, there's a good chance you need to replace the brakes. If you drive it under conditions that make you slam those brakes frequently, you may need to change them sooner. In the case of a Pathfinder, it's possible to change the brakes without completely removing the brake caliper, making the process a bit simpler. The process might differ a bit depending on the year of the truck, so check with your mechanic.

Instructions

Removal

1

Siphon two-thirds of the brake fluid out of the master cylinder reservoir using a siphon pump or clean, unused turkey baster. Leave the cap off the reservoir.

2

Raise the truck's front end and support it on jack stands, then remove both front wheels using the tire iron.

3

Wash off the brake assembly with an aerosol brake cleaner and wait for it to dry, using a drip pan to catch any residue.

4

Compress both pistons in the caliper using a C-clamp. The pistons are accessible through the arcs on the sides of the caliper. Watch the master cylinder's fluid level and make sure it doesn't overflow.

5

Remove the lower mounting bolt for the caliper using a flare-nut wrench--the bolt head should be at the rear of the caliper--and swing the caliper upward.

6

Pull both brake pads out of the caliper mounting bracket, starting with the inner pad. Remove the shims from the backs of the pads.

7

Remove the retainers from the ends of the mounting bracket.

Installation

8

Apply anti-squeal compound to the backing plates of both replacement brake pads--a horizontal line of compound along the middle with about an inch of clearance from the edges is enough. Connect the shims to the pads; they should clip onto the backing plates.

9

Reinstall the pad retainers onto the upper and lower ends of the caliper mounting bracket, then install the replacement pads, starting with the inner pad.

10

Remove the slide pin that contained the lower mounting bolt in the caliper mounting bracket and clean it, then coat the pin with high temperature grease. Install the pin back into the bracket.

11

Swing the brake caliper back down onto the bracket and over the brake pads, then insert and tighten the mounting bolt.

12

Reconnect the wheels to the truck and lower it off the jack stands once you change the pads for both wheels.

13

Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh fluid using the same siphon tool you removed the old fluid with.

14

Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm, thus seating the brake pads.