Replace the brake pads on the Nissan 240SX when the brake pad wear indicators make contact with the brake rotors (causing an audible squeal) or when there is a noticeable decline in brake pedal response. The brake pad surface material wears out due to rubbing against the rotors during braking. When the pads have reached a critical level of wear, the brake pad wear indicators will be exposed. Change the brake pads as soon as possible once the wear indicators are exposed to limit the damage done to the rotors.
Park the Nissan in an area that will allow you to work on both sides of the vehicle. Apply the emergency (or parking) brake and place tire blocks behind the tires opposite the end of the vehicle you will be working on first.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with a 21 mm socket. Use a breaker bar or pneumatic wrench to loosen the lugs.
Lift the vehicle with a jack and place one or more jack stands beneath the frame of the Nissan, near the wheel.
Remove the lug nuts and take the tires off the wheel bolts.
Remove the two caliper bolts on the wheel-well side of the brake caliper. Use a 15 mm wrench or socket and ratchet.
Pull the caliper straight up and away from the rotor. Place the caliper on top of the rotor.
Slide the two brake pads from the caliper bridge. The slots on the bridge allow the pads to slide toward and away from the rotor.
Place the vise-grip pliers over the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper.
Slide the new brake pads into the the slots of the caliper bridge, on either side of the rotor.
Place the caliper over the brake pads and the caliper bridge. Replace the two caliper bolts and tighten them with the 15 mm socket and ratchet.
Place the tire back onto the wheel bolts of the Nissan and screw on the lug nuts by hand. Repeat the process for the other brakes.
Lift the 240SX and remove the jack stand(s). Lower the vehicle to the ground and use the 21 mm socket and breaker bar to tighten the lug nuts.
