How hard is it to change your front rotors and brake pads?

Question

I've got a 02 xterra that's needs both and am not a big DIYer but I'd like to be

Answer 1

If you'd like a quick primer, go to your public library and dive into a Chilton or Motors Manual that concerns your specific car. If you get lucky any auto-parts store will have Haynes, or Chilton manuals specific to a number of years of all Nissan Cars. I do not think the manual will be specific to an Extera.

As for tools, a few shallow well half inch drive metric sockets, 12 mm. - 17mm. , a 1/2 drive ratchet wrench, and a large C- clamp or a Jorgensen - carpenters slider C clamp, jack stands, a hydraulic floor jack (safer than a bottle jack) is all you need.
#1. Slightly loosen all the wheels.
#2. get the vehicle up on jack stands
#3. Remove front wheels.
#4. Remove brake caliper. 2 cap-screws are on the back side of the caliper bracket.
#5. Two cap screws need to be removed to release the caliper bracket from the wheel spindle.
#6. Rotors may need a tap on the back side to break them loose because of rust and corrosion.
#7. Using an old brake pad in front of the piston inside the caliper, position your clamping device behind the brake caliper and screw the clamp which forces the caliper piston back inside the bore.
#8. When replacing the rotors, paint on a small amount of Permatex Never Seize on the entire surface of the rotor where the lug holes meet the hub. The rotors will never stick again. If you plan on keeping your vehicle more than 3 yrs. Do not buy cheap off - shore brake rotors. They are often machined to minimum thickness, the cast iron is of poor quality, they rust and corrode quickly and they warp easily. Go for AC Delco, Wagner or EBC brake rotors. autopartswarehouse. com has Beck Arnley ceramic brake pads which include brake shims. Be careful what you choose for brake pads as most do not include the anti-rattle shims which add to the cost of your job.
#9.If your selection of ceramic pads does not include the shims there's another way to stop brake squeel. Buy a plastic bottle of CRC Brake Quiet at NAPA, Car quest, or Auto Zone. On the steel side of the front pads first, spread a .090 thickness of this high temp silicone covering 100% of the steel side. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
Slide the rotors back on and bolt up the caliper bracket.
Re-assemble the pads inside the caliper or sit them inside the caliper bracket and bolt the caliper in place.

Not a bad job after all. You just saved your self hundreds of dollars.

Answer 2

It is easy. I would recommend getting the manual from the auto parts store.

There is little you can do to hurt the car in this area so dig in and figure it out.

You will need a C-clap to open the brake clippers and a basic tool set.

Answer 3

its surprisingly easy, easier than you might think,
but before you tackle the job, get either the manual or someone that knows what they are doing already to give you a hand,
i recomend getting a haynes or clymer manual any way, jus to give you confidence for future jobs
good luck