Front brakes, need new pads, etc.

Matt Peckham · 07-11-2001, 02:17 PM

Anybody done it? Any of you XSM folks got a page on that? I'm thinking of doing them myself as the shop wants $380 for the rebuild, and I can get a local brake or parts place to spin the rotors.

so is this a simple project? I have rebuilt the brakes on my Rover a few times, but they are all drum brakes.

Matt

Philosopher · 07-11-2001, 02:29 PM

A MAXC buddy and myself replaced my front brake pads about a month ago ...

It's a piece of cake - take out the old, put in the new, we didn't even use C-clamps (didn't have them) so we pushed in the pistons by using vice grips and by hand. We didn't use any 'quieting' spray or fluid or anything and they are still nice and quiet after about 4K miles.

wqbang · 07-11-2001, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Philosopher
A MAXC buddy and myself replaced my front brake pads about a month ago ...

Did you repack your wheelbearings at the same time?

Matt, If you plan on turning the rotors, you should go ahead and repack the wheel bearings at the same time. I suggest turning the rotors every time you replace your brakepads.

ScottG · 07-11-2001, 04:31 PM

I took my pads off a while back and was going to replace them, but none of the local parts stores had the pads and I did'nt feel like paying dealership prices. I have 48,000 miles on them and have never heard a sqeak, but they must be getting pretty worn by now. Does anyone know if the pads are available in parts stores now? Maybe the Frontier pads are the same as the Xterra?

Matt Peckham · 07-11-2001, 05:16 PM

You got 48,000 miles out of an OEM set, that's amazing. I got 57,000 miles, I would invest in the high quality Original Nissan parts.

I can almost guarantee that the aftermarket ones, unless they are as expensive or more, will not last as long.
Besides, 65.00 is too much to pay to stop a $25,000 truck?

Matt

Mosi · 07-12-2001, 08:28 PM

I agree with Matt. Always Always buy OEM brake pads. That's just something you shouldn't mess with in the aftermarket area.

warmonger · 07-13-2001, 05:18 AM

I replaced mine just before TN. It cost me $60 for the pads and $6 a piece for the rotor seals.

OffroadX · 07-13-2001, 10:17 AM

Rotor seals?

I've never replaced anything but the actual pads or shoes other than perhaps the shims when I've done brake jobs before, unless I'm overhauling the calipers in the process. What are the "rotor seals" anyway?

Brent

wqbang · 07-13-2001, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by OffroadX
Rotor seals?

I've never replaced anything but the actual pads or shoes other than perhaps the shims when I've done brake jobs before, unless I'm overhauling the calipers in the process. What are the "rotor seals" anyway?

Brent

On a rear wheel drive vehicle when you pull the rotor you must also pull the bearings. when you reinsert the bearings you also reuse or replace the bearing seals which help keep water and grime out of the bearings. That is why it is a good thing to repack the bearing whenever you turn the rotors in a rear wheel drive vehicle. You don't have to do this on front wheel drive vehicles because the rotors don't house any bearings.

However, the above is based on my experience doing a brake job on my '94 S-10 4x2, not on the 4x4 Xterra.

OffroadX · 07-13-2001, 11:20 AM

Ah, I wasn't thinking about having the rotors turned. Usually the rotors are OK and I just need new pads. Been ages since I've had to turn rotors, last was on my '88 Corolla.

Brent

Philosopher · 07-13-2001, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wqbang

Did you repack your wheelbearings at the same time?

Nope, but I'm sure I need to.

BTW - I got 53K miles out of my front brake pads before they started squeaking. I bought the Nissan pads because no else (Napa, Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, etc.) had anything that would fit - the aftermarket Frontier pads WILL NOT fit the X.

wqbang · 07-13-2001, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OffroadX
Ah, I wasn't thinking about having the rotors turned. Usually the rotors are OK and I just need new pads. Been ages since I've had to turn rotors, last was on my '88 Corolla.

I always turn mine. However, I have access to the Air Force base Auto Hobby Shop. I put the vehicle on the lift, pull the rotors, they machine them for me on the lathe while I replace the pads and clean everything up, and put them back on when they are done. $3 per hour for the lift and all tools in the shop, $6 per rotor for turning, and Air Conditioning to boot! Nice. One of the benefits of my wifes Air Force reserve status.

Philosopher · 07-13-2001, 12:20 PM

That is VERY cool, wq!

wqbang · 07-13-2001, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Philosopher
That is VERY cool, wq!

I think so.

The Hobby shop on tiny Gunter AFB in Montgomery has 3 hydraulic lifts with 7 total bays. They also have a paint booth. Full assortment of drill presses, grinders, the lathe, balancer, tire mounter, AC refrigerant machine, air tools, torches, welders, engine lifts, hoists, flour jacks, transmission jacks, you name it. It rocks!

My good friend Dan was a mechanic in a prior life. He always helps me out on repairs, I learn, and all he charges is lunch. I am in no way a mechanic, but I am learning slowly but surely.

Philosopher · 07-13-2001, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wqbang

I think so.

The Hobby shop on tiny Gunter AFB in Montgomery has 3 hydraulic lifts with 7 total bays. They also have a paint booth. Full assortment of drill presses, grinders, the lathe, balancer, tire mounter, AC refrigerant machine, air tools, torches, welders, engine lifts, hoists, flour jacks, transmission jacks, you name it. It rocks!

WOW, DROOL ... except, what's a 'flour' jack?

My good friend Dan was a mechanic in a prior life. He always helps me out on repairs, I learn, and all he charges is lunch. I am in no way a mechanic, but I am learning slowly but surely.

That's the best way to learn. Take advantage of this as long as you can!

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