How to Change the Brake Pads on a 1998 Nissan 200SX

When the brake pedal in the Nissan 200SX is depressed, the brake fluid is forced through the brake lines causing the caliper piston inside the brake assembly to squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. The friction between the brake pads and the rotor are what causes the vehicle to slow and eventually stop. Worn brake pads are less effective in stopping the Nissan because they lack the surface area of the brake pad material to withstand the heat and stress of braking. What's more, the wear indicators on the worn brake pads will begin to score the rotors. Replace the pads at the earliest indication of significant wear.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench (or 21mm socket and breaker bar)
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Brake pads
• Vise-grip pliers

Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar or the tire iron included in the Nissan's tire maintenance kit (stowed with the spare tire in the trunk).

2. Lift the vehicle by placing the jack beneath the frame of the 200SX. Place jack stands under the car and rest the vehicle on the stand. Leave at least 2 inches between the tire and the ground.

3. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel/tire from the wheel bolts.

4. Remove the two caliper slide bolts on the back of the caliper with a 15mm socket and ratchet. The caliper is the metal component that brackets the rotor and fits within the caliper bridge.

5. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly and rest it on the steering arm above the rotor.

6. Slide the brake pads from the sides of the rotor. The two pads sit inside of slots in the caliper bridge. Pull the pads straight away from the rotor on the front and back side of the disc.

7. Clamp the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper with vise-grip pliers. Squeeze the pliers slowly to force the piston into the side of the caliper.

8. Place the new brake pads into the slots on either side of the rotor.

9. Return the caliper to the rotor and caliper bridge. Screw in the two caliper bolts with the 15mm socket and ratchet.

10. Replace the wheel/tire onto the wheel bolts of the 200SX and screw on the lugs by hand.

11. Lift the Nissan with the jack and remove the jack stands from beneath the vehicle. Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the socket and breaker bar or lug wrench.

12. Press the brake pedal repeatedly until the pedal offers a normal level of resistance. The brake pedal will initially feel unresponsive because the brake fluid has to return to the caliper (removed by forcing the piston open). Once the piston is returned to the proper position, the fluid will cause a stiffer brake pedal feel.

References

• Nissan Sentra & 200Sx Automotive Repair Manual, 1995-2004; Haynes; 2004
• Edmunds.com: How to Change Your Brake Pads