How to Change the Front Brakes on a Nissan Titan
by Shayrgo BaraziUpdated November 07, 2017
Items you will need
Eye protection
Jack
Jack stands
Lug-nut wrench
Ratchet
Sockets
Bungee cord
Hammer (optional)
New rotors
Brake cleaner
New brake pads
C-clamp
Taking the time to replace the brake pads on your Nissan Titan will save you hundreds of dollars. You will also get the satisfaction of repairing your own vehicle. When replacing the brake pads, replace the rotors as well so the new pads have an even surface to push against while braking. Replacing the brake pads and rotors will increase the performance and longevity of the brakes.
Lift the Nissan Titan with the jack and place the vehicle on jack stands.
Remove the wheels with a lug-nut wrench and set them aside.
Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose, as the hose might break and cause fluid to leak.
Remove the brake rotor from the hub. The rotor might require force to be removed; if it does, use a hammer to hit the rotor in the center, where the lug studs are located. Take care not to hit the studs.
Remove the new rotor from its packaging and use brake cleaner to remove the grease from the rotor. Grease is applied to the rotor in the factory to inhibit rust during storage.
Install the new rotor onto the hub.
Install the caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle. The knuckle is the component that the strut and hub is attached to. Then slide the brake pads into the caliper bracket.
Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper. The master cylinder is located at the front right of the engine bay when you are looking at the front of the engine.
Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so that the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.
Tips
A brake caliper compressor might work better than a C-clamp. A brake caliper compressor squeezes the piston into the caliper very easily, much easier than using a C-clamp or adjustable pliers.
Warnings
Wear safety glasses while working on your brakes.
References
- "Automotive Brake Systems;" Jeffrey Rehkopf; 2006
Writer Bio
Shayrgo Barazi is a college graduate with a degree in automotive engineering technology (B.S.c.) from Ferris State University. He is a successful writer and has taken a college level technical writing course. He currently works for Time Wave Media writing automotive DIY articles. He has an intuition for technology and has the capacity to write, too.