QuestionI have a '98, 4 cylinders Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck. The brakes need changing now. I want to change them myself, please give me the best amateur instructions on how I can change my front blake pads. I bought this truck in 2003 and changed the pads and drums.I don't want to damage my rotary and drums again.My truck is in good running condition.
AnswerBoima,
Jack the front of the truck up and take off the front wheels.
Use a 14 mm socket to remove the bolts that hold the calipers on. Loosen both bolts before taking either of them off. Wiggle and lift the caliper off the rotor.
Do not let the caliper hang from the hose as it will hurt the hose. Use a hanger that you cut down to hold it up.
Get a brake pad compressor from the parts store and compress the caliper piston until in is fully compressed. Leave it on until the pressure dissipates. Be sure to use an old pad against the piston as the compressor has to have tomething to press against.
Take the old pads off and install new ones in the same way the old ones were installed. Be sure that the one with the noise clip is installed in the same place as all four pads will fit in any spot. But, if the clip is in the wrong place you cannot get the caliper back in place.
Remove the caliper compression tool and the old pad that you used to press against the piston.
Install it back on the rotor making sure that the rubber plungers on both bolt locations are lined up so you can install the bolts. Thread both bolts and then tighten them.
Repeat the process for the other side.
Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 80 pound feet of torque and be sure to alternate from one lugnut to the other side of the sheel in a star pattern as not to warp the rotors.
Before you drive the truck be sure to press on the brake pedal about half way down several times to get the pistons to move out and contact the new pads. Do not press the pedal all the way to the floor or you can dameage the master cylinder seals.
You should be fine to drive the truck now.
