Is it Time to Replace Your Brake Pads?
When brake pads wear down, you'll start to hear a screeching or squealing sound while driving. This sound is caused by the metal scraper on the pad assembly that indicates wear. Brake pad sounds can seem scary, but those screeching sounds are usually harmless and only meant to tip you off that it's time to plan a brake pad replacement.
If the sound goes away, it can seem like the indication has disappeared. But don't be fooled. If your screeching brakes have stopped making noise, it can mean your brake pads have worn down even more.
If you start to notice a grinding or rumbling sound, it could indicate that the brake pad is worn down or is gone altogether. Braking without sufficient brake pads can cause damage to your rotors or cause unreliable braking and possible collisions.
Don't let your brake pad replacement wait. Make a plan for an inspection or replacement after the first screech.
What to Inspect During a Brake Pad Replacement
Once the wheels are off for your brake pad replacement, it can be much easier to check other essential parts of the brake system. Inspect these parts during your next routine brake pad replacement to help keep a well-maintained brake system.
- Brake rotors: Check the brake rotors for signs of overheating, as well as grooving, cupping, or cracks.
- Brake calipers: Inspect the brake calipers for signs of leaks and ensure the caliper piston dust boots are intact.
- Brake fluid level: Brake wear can reduce brake fluid levels. Use your owner's manual to locate your reservoir and ensure it's filled to the marked line.
- Brake pads: In removing the brake pad, inspect it to see if the wear is even and if there are any differences in thickness. If there are any differences in thickness — inner to outer, front to back, or top to bottom — there may be an issue with the brake caliper. In this case, it might need additional cleaning or maintenance — or you might need to replace the caliper.
How to Put New Brake Pads On Your INFINITI
Since your brake pads, calipers, and discs can get hot when you drive, make sure your vehicle is off and cold before you start your repair.
Raise your car on jacks and remove the wheel to access the brake parts. To change the brake pad, remove the caliper first. Be extremely careful not to scratch the rotors. Don't let the caliper hang by the brake line — use the nearby suspension elements as a resting place by hanging the caliper using a bungee cord or thin rope.
The brake pad should now be visible. You'll see it's held in place by pins or bolts or, sometimes, a combination of both. Once your old brake pads are free, you can replace them with new pads. Make sure to reset the caliper pistons before putting the caliper back in place.
For rear brakes, you must manually push the caliper piston back using a special tool. As your brake pad wears, the caliper piston compensates for pad wear by coming out of the housing. With the new pad installed, you'll need to put the piston back in its initial position.
While the wheels are off, check these brake parts before reversing your steps to finish the job.
- Calipers and Caliper Pistons: The piston needs to be in its pushed-in position, and the caliper should be returned to the bolted position.
- Brake Pad, Pins, and Bolts: The new brake pad should be pinned or bolted (or both) securely, just like the old brake pad.
- Rotors: Ensure there are no scratches on the rotors.
- Brake Lines: Make sure the caliper removal didn't damage or twist the brake line in any way.
Before your first drive, start the engine and pump the brakes until the resistance on the pedal becomes firm. Firming up your brake pedal will help ensure your brakes are ready for the road again.
It's important to understand that replacing your INFINITI's brake pads is a complicated service. Done incorrectly, brake pad replacement could result in dangerous consequences for you and your INFINITI. It's best to let a professional INFINITI technician at your nearest INFINITI service center handle your brake pad replacement.
Keep Your Brake System Maintained with INFINITI Parts
Are you planning to replace your INFINITI's brake pads? Make sure you have all of the brake parts and accessories you need before your wheels come off by shopping online at INFINITI Parts. Get the brake parts you need to maintain your INFINITI's brake system, or bring your vehicle to your nearest authorized INFINITI service center for professional inspection and installation.