How to Replace Nissan Xterra Front Brake Pads

The Xterra's brake calipers and pads are very large

The Nissan Xterra uses larger brake calipers and pads than many other vehicles; the calipers themselves each use two pistons. You will likely need to change the brake pads at 60,000 miles; if you hear the brakes grinding, replace them immediately. You must replace both sets of front brake pads at the same time. The replacement process can vary depending on the year of the truck, particularly with mounting bolt torque specifications, so it's a good idea to talk with your mechanic first.
Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Syringe
Floor jack
Jack stands
Lug wrench
Brake cleaner
Drip pan
C-clamp
Flare-nut wrench
Brake pads
Anti-squeal compound
High-temperature grease
Brake fluid
Removal
1

Open the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment and siphon out two-thirds of the fluid using a suction tool you have never used before like a syringe bottle or turkey baster.
2

Raise the car's front end and support it on jack stands. Remove both front wheels while preparing to work on one brake assembly at a time.
3

Wash away the brake dust and other dirt and debris with an aerosol brake cleaner, using a drip pan under the assembly to catch any residue.
4

Compress both pistons in a single caliper using a C-clamp. Make sure the brake fluid doesn't overflow as it is forced back into the master cylinder and reservoir.
5

Unscrew and remove the caliper's lower mounting bolt with a flare nut wrench--the bolt is accessible from the rear of the caliper--and pivot the caliper upward.
6

Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket.
7

Pull the lower slide pin and the upper and lower pad retainers out of the mounting bracket.
Installation
1

Apply anti-squeal compound to the backs of the replacement pads in straight horizontal lines across the middle. Remove the shims from the old pads and place them on the new pads; the compound will be sandwiched in between.
2

Install the pad retainers in the caliper mounting bracket and then install the inner and outer brake pads.
3

Clean the slide pin, lubricate it with high-temperature brake grease and re-install it in the bracket.
4

Pivot the caliper back down over the bracket and install the bolt.
5

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car after changing both sets of brake pads.
6

Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh brake fluid.

Tips & Warnings

Press the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads; the pedal should feel firm.