Nissan Pick-ups and Pathfinder 1970-1988

Brake Pads




The pads should be removed so that the thickness of the remaining friction material can be measured. If the pads are less than 2mm (0.08 in.) thick, they must be replaced. This measurement may disagree with your state inspection laws.

Always replace all pads on both wheels at the same time. The factory kit includes four pads, slips, pins, and springs; all parts should be used.


See Figures 1, 2 and 3

  1. Remove the hub cap and loosen the lug nuts.
  3. Raise the rear of the truck and safely support it with jackstands.
  5. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
  7. Attach a clear vinyl tube onto the bleeder plug on the brake cylinder, and insert the other end into a jar half filled with brake fluid. Bleed off a small amount of brake fluid.
  9. Remove the caliper guide pin on the lower side.
  11. Swivel the caliper up and away from the torque plate. Tie the caliper to a suspension member so its out of the way. Do not disconnect the brake line.
  13. Lift the 2 brake pads out of the torque plate.
  15. Remove the inner and outer shims and cover. Remove the pad retainer if it is not still attached to the pad.
  17. Check the pad thickness and replace the pads, if necessary.

This minimum thickness measurement may disagree with your state inspection laws.

To install:
  1. Install the inner and outer shims into the torque plate.
  3. Install the pad retainer.
  5. Install the pads into the torque plate.

When installing new brake pads, make sure your hands are clean. Do not allow any grease or oil to touch the contact face of the pads or the brakes will not stop the truck properly.

  1. Use a C-clamp or hammer handle and press the caliper piston back into the housing.

Never press the piston into the caliper when the pads are out on both sides of the truck.

  1. Untie the caliper and swivel it back into position over the torque plate so that the dust boot is not pinched. Install the guide pin and tighten it to 23-30 ft. lbs. (31-41 Nm).
  3. Check the condition of the cylinder side bushing boot. Pull on it to relieve any air from the cylinder side pin mounting area. Check that the hole plug on the main pin side is there. Push on the center of the plug to relieve any air from the inner portion of the main pin.
  5. Install the wheel and lower the truck. Bleed the brakes and road test the vehicle.

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Fig. Fig. 1: Remove the guide pin

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Fig. Fig. 2: Swivel the caliper upward to remove the brake pads

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Fig. Fig. 3: Exploded view of the rear disc brake assembly