Nissan 41060-AX085 Disc Brake Pad Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper handling, installation, and maintenance of the Nissan 41060-AX085 Disc Brake Pad Kit. This product is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part, designed to meet Nissan's stringent quality and performance standards. Adherence to these instructions is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance and vehicle safety.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Improper installation or maintenance of brake components can lead to serious injury or death. Brake system work should only be performed by qualified personnel or a certified mechanic.

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, when working on vehicle brake systems.
• Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands on a level surface before beginning any work. Never rely solely on a jack.
• Refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
• Keep brake fluid away from painted surfaces, as it can damage paint.
• Do not reuse old brake hardware unless explicitly stated in the vehicle service manual.

3. Package Contents

The Nissan 41060-AX085 Disc Brake Pad Kit typically includes the following components:

• Genuine Nissan 41060-AX085 Disc Brake Pads (set for one axle)

Figure 1: Genuine Nissan 41060-AX085 Disc Brake Pads. This image displays two pairs of disc brake pads, each consisting of a backing plate with friction material. These are the primary components included in the kit for one axle of a vehicle.

4. Setup and Installation

This section provides a general overview of disc brake pad replacement. Always consult your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed, model-specific instructions.

Required Tools (Typical):

• Jack and Jack Stands
• Lug Wrench
• Socket Set and Ratchet
• C-clamp or Brake Caliper Piston Compressor
• Wire Brush
• Brake Cleaner
• Torque Wrench
• New Brake Hardware (if not included and recommended)

Installation Steps (General):

1. Prepare Vehicle: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and block the wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel(s) to be serviced.
2. Lift and Secure: Jack up the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
3. Remove Caliper: Locate the brake caliper. Remove the caliper guide pin bolts (usually two). Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it without letting it hang by the brake hose.
4. Remove Old Pads: Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation.
5. Clean and Inspect: Clean the caliper bracket and caliper with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the brake rotor for wear, scoring, or damage. Replace if necessary.
6. Compress Piston: Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston compressor to slowly push the caliper piston(s) back into the caliper bore. This creates space for the new, thicker pads.
7. Install New Pads: Install the new Nissan 41060-AX085 brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are correctly seated and oriented. Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the caliper guide pins and any metal-to-metal contact points on the pads (excluding the friction material).
8. Reinstall Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back over the new pads and rotor. Reinstall the caliper guide pin bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Reinstall Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
10. Lower Vehicle: Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque in a star pattern.
11. Pump Brakes: Before driving, slowly pump the brake pedal several times until a firm pedal feel is achieved. This seats the pads against the rotor and restores proper pedal travel. Check the brake fluid reservoir level and top off if necessary.

5. Operating and Break-in Procedure

After installing new brake pads, a proper break-in (bedding-in) procedure is essential for optimal performance and longevity. This process transfers a thin, even layer of friction material from the pads to the rotors.

Brake Pad Break-in Steps:

1. Find a safe, open area where you can perform several stops without interruption.
2. Accelerate to approximately 30-35 mph (50-55 km/h) and apply moderate braking pressure to slow down to about 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h). Do not come to a complete stop.
3. Repeat this process 5-6 times, allowing a short cool-down period between each stop. Avoid heavy braking during this phase.
4. After the initial series of stops, drive for several minutes without using the brakes to allow them to cool completely.
5. Perform another 2-3 stops from a slightly higher speed (e.g., 40-45 mph or 65-70 km/h) with slightly firmer pressure, again slowing to 5-10 mph without stopping completely.
6. Allow the brakes to cool completely before resuming normal driving.

During the break-in period, avoid sudden, hard stops and prolonged braking (e.g., riding the brakes down a long hill).

6. Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of your brake system are vital for safety and performance.

• Periodic Inspection: Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines at least once a year or every 12,000 miles (20,000 km), or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
• Pad Wear: Check the thickness of the friction material. Replace pads when they reach their minimum wear limit, typically indicated by a wear indicator or when the friction material is approximately 2-3mm thick.
• Brake Fluid: Check brake fluid level regularly. A low level can indicate worn pads or a leak. Consult your vehicle manual for recommended brake fluid type and replacement intervals.
• Noise: Pay attention to any unusual noises (squealing, grinding) from the brakes, which may indicate wear or a problem.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise with brake pads.

Common Issues:

• Brake Squeal/Noise:
  • Cause: Improper installation, lack of anti-squeal shims/lubricant, worn pads, or glazed rotors.
  • Solution: Re-check installation, ensure shims are present and properly lubricated, inspect pads for wear, and rotors for glazing.
• Poor Braking Performance:
  • Cause: Improper break-in, air in the brake lines, contaminated pads, or worn components.
  • Solution: Perform break-in procedure, bleed brake lines, inspect pads for contamination (oil/grease), and check other brake components.
• Vibration/Pulsation:
  • Cause: Warped rotors, uneven pad wear, or loose wheel bearings.
  • Solution: Inspect rotors for runout and replace if warped. Check for even pad wear and inspect wheel bearings.
• Uneven Pad Wear:
  • Cause: Sticking caliper piston, seized caliper guide pins, or improper installation.
  • Solution: Inspect and service calipers, lubricate guide pins, and ensure proper pad installation.

If you experience persistent brake issues, consult a qualified mechanic immediately.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

As a Genuine Nissan Part, this product is covered by Nissan's standard warranty for OEM replacement parts. Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and purchase location. Please retain your proof of purchase.

For specific warranty details or technical support, please contact your authorized Nissan dealer or visit the official Nissan automotive parts website. When contacting support, please have your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the part number (41060-AX085) available.