How-to: "FRONT BRAKES" - NEW - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

Bueller44 · #1 04-23-2008, 02:05 AM

Hi everyone,
Found out on the weekend that I only had 10% left on my front pads. Turns out, the inside pads were really worn. The outside pads still had lots of life left due to the fact that the pistons put pressure on the inside only.
It was going to be $110 for parts and another $180 for labour at the stealership so I decided to tackle it on my own.
I purchased some Raybestos front brake pads from Lordco. Got a good deal - $80 for the set. These are supposed to be great pads, they are ceramic and they are highly recommended.
Anyhow, I did the first side to learn how to do it and then I took pics of the second side.

Start by safely raising one corner of the truck using jack stands. Remove the tire.
This is what you will be looking at.

Basically you will only be touching 2 bolts. I am pointing each of them out with a screw driver below
Top bolt - this will only be loosened

Bottom Bolt - remove completely

You will need a 14mm socket or wrench to remove/loosen this. You may need also need another wrench for the nut on the oher side of the caliper. I didn't have the right size so I used a small crescent wrench.

Remove lower bolt

And loosen the top bolt.
This will allow you to rotate the the assembly up and over. This is way easier and safer than removing the top bolt and trying to suspend the assembly.

Now you can gain access to the old pads.
Remove the small wire that is inserted into each pad at the bottom.
The pads are easy to remove - the outside one get pulled firmly towards you

The inside one must be pulled in towards the truck - firmly

remove the upper and lower brackets (I believe these are rattle brackets to stop the pads from rattling)

Here are a couple of pictures comparing the old pads to the new.

Now it is time to put your new pads on.
My pads came with new clips, so I installed these first. They need to be firmly pressed on.

Then you put the new pads in the opposite direction that you removed them. Pretty easy.
Inside pad installed

Outside pad installed

Both pads installed and the new wire thingy inserted into the lower part of eah pad.

The next step is to compress the pistons for the pads. There are 2 for each side. I recommend that you compress one piston at a time. Essentially you are pushing brake fluid back and I think it is better to not force to much back at once.
I used one of the old brake pads and a C clamp. I turned it 1/2 turn at a time until the piston is flush with the rubber seal.
Then repeat for the other piston. This allows the assambly to fit over the new thicker pads.

Now, rotate the assembly back down over the new pads. Insert the bottom bolt back into the assembly first. Then tighten the top bolt again.
The assembly will jiggle a little bit, this is normal until the pistons are pushing up against the pad again.

Put your tire back on - lower the truck - repeat for the other side.

Next, you need to start your truck and pump the brakes 3 or 4 times to get the fluid pushing the pistons back against the pads. then go for a little test drive and see how nice these new brakes are - all for $80 + tax!!

Enjoy