How to Change a Brake Rotor on a 2001 Nissan Xterra

A 2001 Nissan Xterra is a mid-size SUV with off-road capability. The brake rotors on the Nissan Xterra are located behind all 4 wheels. The rotors are secured to the axle by four retaining nuts on each rotor. The rotors are resting on 4 support bolts connected to the rotor. Changing the brake rotors is not a complicated job to complete and takes about an hour to replace all 4 rotors.

Things You'll Need

• Tire tool
• Jack
• Ratchet set
• New rotors

Instructions

1. Apply the parking brake. Remove the wheel nuts from the front right wheel using the tire tool. Jack up the front right side and remove the wheel from the frame.

2. Remove the brake caliper securing nut using the ratchet set. Pull the caliper off of the rotor. Remove the four securing nuts in the middle of the rotor using the ratchet set. Pull the rotor off of the axle.

3. Slide the new rotor onto the axle. Replace and tighten the securing nuts to the middle of the rotor. Replace the caliper to the rotor. Replace the securing nut to the caliper and tighten the securing nut.

4. Replace the wheel to the frame. Replace the wheel nuts to the wheel. Lower the Xterra to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid serious burns, do not replace the rotors shortly after you have driven your Xterra. The rotors will be extremely hot.

References

• Nissan Pick-ups: Frontier pick-ups (1998 thru 2004), Xterra (2000 thru 2004), Pathfinder (1996 thru 2004) (Haynes Repair Manual); Ken Freund; 2007
• Nissan Frontier & Xterra, '05-'08 (Automotive Repair Manual); John H Haynes; 2008