How to Change Nissan Quest Front Brake Pads

by Jody L. Campbell

Although the Nissan Quest has been around since 1993 and endured three generational designs, replacing the front brake pads has remained virtually unchanged. Since the Quest's front brake pads accommodate 75 percent of the braking capacity on the minivan, replacing the pads more frequently than the rear brakes is not uncommon. Depending on braking habits and quality of replacement pads, a set should last 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

Step 1

Remove one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake syringe and then discard the fluid. Apply the parking brake and place a wheel wedge or wood block behind one of the rear tires.

Step 2

Crack the lug nuts loose on one front wheel using the lug nut wrench. Lift that corner of the Quest with a jack and then place a jack stand underneath the front frame rail. If desired, repeat the procedure for the other front wheel. Finish removing the lug nuts and then wheel(s).

Step 3

Remove the caliper bolts using a Torx T-40 bit and a ratchet. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to remove them and then set them aside. Use a screwdriver to pry the caliper and pad assembly off of the rotor and then use a length of mechanics wire to support the caliper to the coil spring of the strut. This will prevent the caliper from hanging from the brake hose to not incur damage to it.

Step 4

Using a screwdriver, release the outboard brake pad retainer and then with another screwdriver, pry the pad off of the caliper housing. Before removing the inboard pad, use a caliper piston retractor tool or a large C-clamp and compress the caliper piston inward until it bottoms out. The inboard pad will act as an anchor for the retractor or clamp. Pull the inboard pad out of the caliper piston.

Step 5

Inspect the condition of the rotor. Any scores or grooves present on the inboard or outboard surface of the rotor indicate a need to replace it.

Step 6

Remove any dirt or rust present on the inside of the caliper around the brake pad contact area using a wire brush. Spray the same area of the caliper with brake clean and allow it to dry. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the pad to caliper mating surfaces. Be careful not to place too much and prevent getting the compound on the rotors. If necessary, use a rag and some brake-cleaning spray to remove any compound that gets on the rotor.

Step 7

Install the new pads by placing the inboard pad into the caliper piston first and then installing the outboard pad. Be sure the clips are properly seated or the caliper and pad assembly will not fit over the rotor properly. Replace the caliper over the rotor. Clean the caliper bolts with a wire brush and then apply a light coat of compound on the non-threaded area of the bolts before replacing into the caliper guides. Tighten the bolts to 25-foot pounds using a torque wrench and the Torx T-40 bit -- an adapter may be necessary depending on the square-drive size of the torque wrench.

Step 8

Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts flush to the hub as much as you can with the wheel suspended, and then lower the front corner of the Quest. Retighten the lug nuts to 85-foot pounds using the torque wrench and a suitable socket. Repeat the pad replacement procedure for the other front wheel.

Step 9

Pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. This will seat the new pads to the rotor. Check and adjust the brake fluid level of the master cylinder using new brake fluid only. Release the parking brake and then remove the wheel wedge or wood block before test-driving the minivan.

References

Things You'll Need