Top Four Signs Your Brakes Need Service

Top Four Signs Your Brakes Need Service

You can't overstate the importance of your braking system. That's why it's vital to remember that if you experience any of the signs below, you should have your brakes inspected and serviced regularly by our factory-trained technicians at your local Nissan dealer.

  • Your brake warning light is on
  • Squealing or grinding noises when you apply the brakes
  • Your vehicle pulls to the side when braking
  • It takes a longer time to stop the vehicle than normal
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NISSAN BRAKES

Do You Know the Parts of Your Brakes?

Because brakes are so important, it's a good idea to understand the different moving parts that make up your brake system. When you press your brake pedal, the brake pads create friction; in turn, the brake rotor disperses heat throughout the vehicle to keep the brakes themselves from overheating. Both are essential to the proper functioning of your braking system and might need replacing at different times.

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Do You Know the Parts of Your Brakes?

BRAKE FAQS

Still Have Questions?

Not to worry. Your highly trained Nissan service experts have answered some of the most common questions they hear throughout the day.

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How do I know when I need new brake pads?
ANSWER: Brake pads are equipped with wear indicators that produce a squeaking noise when the brakes are almost worn out. The noise may be present with or without the brake pedal applied, but when noise is heard from the wear indicator, the brake pads should be replaced as soon as possible. Wear indicators are set to create noise when there is around 2 mm of brake pad friction material thickness remaining. In the case of assessing pad wear through inspection, pads should be replaced at or before 2 mm thickness is reached. Your Dealer will perform an MPI (Multi-Point Inspection
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) on the vehicle during routine maintenance visits so you are aware of how much brake pad material is remaining.
How do I know when I need new brake rotors?
ANSWER:

Brake rotors are marked with a “minimum thickness” on the casting (usually 2 mm to 3 mm less than the new rotor thickness). Rotors should be replaced before they reach this minimum thickness and should not be “turned” (machine refinished) below this. For more information, or to have your brakes thoroughly inspected by a Nissan expert, please contact your local Dealer to schedule an appointment.

Must I always turn or replace my rotors when changing my pads?
ANSWER: Because every Nissan vehicle is unique, we'd recommend scheduling an appointment with your local Dealer to have your brakes thoroughly inspected by one of our factory-trained experts.
Why does my brake pedal pulse?
ANSWER: Brake-pedal pulsation and other conditions such as steering-wheel shaking while braking are caused by thickness variation in the brake rotor. When a thicker spot of the rotor rotates through the caliper, it pushes back against brake fluid, which can be felt at the brake pedal. The brake fluid and pedal then relax again as the thick spot exits the caliper. This process produces pedal pulsation and “brake torque variation,” which can shake the steering wheel and seats. Brake pulsation is not caused by warping of the disc. However, distortion of the disc due to excessive temperatures or improper installation and torqueing of the wheels can lead to brake rotor thickness variation over time. Brake-pedal pulsation is corrected by turning and/or replacing the brake rotors to eliminate the thickness variation.