Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and install the lug nuts to hold the disc in place; if the lug nuts don't contact the disc when screwed on all the way, install washers under them. Remove the brake caliper without disconnecting the brake hose, and suspend the caliper out of the way with a piece of wire, ensuring it doesn't hang by the brake hose. Visually inspect the disc surface for score marks and other damage; light scratches and shallow grooves are normal, but deep scoring requires disc removal and refinishing by an automotive machine shop. Check both sides of the disc, and if pulsating occurs during brake application, suspect disc runout. To check runout, place a dial indicator about 1/2-inch from the outer edge of the disc, set it to zero, and turn the disc; the reading should not exceed the specified allowable runout limit. If it does, the disc should be refinished. When replacing brake pads, it's advisable to resurface the discs to ensure a smooth finish and a perfectly flat surface, eliminating any brake pedal pulsation. If not resurfacing, remove the glaze from the surface with emery cloth or sandpaper using a swirling motion. Ensure the disc is not machined to a thickness under the specified minimum thickness, which is cast into the disc, and check the thickness with a micrometer. Remove the two caliper mounting bracket bolts and detach the mounting bracket. Remove the lug nuts that were installed to hold the disc in place and take the disc off the hub; if it won't come off, thread bolts of the proper size and thread pitch into the two holes and tighten them to force the disc off. If the disc is stuck, install bolts of the proper diameter and thread pitch into the threaded holes between the wheel studs and tighten them. For 2004 and later models, ensure the parking brake is completely disengaged; if the disc is still stuck, remove the adjusting hole plug for the parking brake shoes, insert a flat-bladed screwdriver into the hole, and rotate the top of the adjuster wheel toward the center of the vehicle to loosen the parking brake shoes. Place the disc in position over the threaded studs, install the mounting bracket, and tighten the bolts to the specified torque before installing the brake pads. Install the caliper onto the mounting bracket, tightening the bolts to the specified torque, then install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque, depress the brake pedal a few times to bring the brake pads into contact with the disc, and check the operation of the brakes carefully before driving the vehicle.
Posted by NissanPartsDeal Specialist