🔧 Pathfinder - Rear Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement

You’ll remove the rear wheels, take off the rear brake calipers and brackets, replace the rotors, then install new rear pads. This restores braking performance and stops grinding/pulsation caused by worn pads or warped rotors.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

Assumption: Common fastener sizes are listed; verify your bolt head sizes before forcing a tool.

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface; support the rear with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Chock the front wheels; your Pathfinder can roll when the rear is lifted.
• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful; use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
• ⚠️ If your Pathfinder uses a drum-in-hat parking brake, keep the parking brake released during rotor removal/installation.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (10–200 ft-lb range)
• Flathead screwdriver
• C-clamp (6")
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Wire brush
• Rubber mallet
• Micrometer or vernier caliper
• Brake cleaner spray
• Catch pan
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear brake pad hardware kit (clips/shims) - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease (silicone) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• DOT 3 brake fluid - Qty: 1 quart

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and release the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of both front tires.
• Loosen rear lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Open the hood and remove the brake fluid reservoir cap (leave it sitting on top) so fluid can rise when you compress pistons.
• Tip: Take a photo of each side first.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Lift the rear using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the rear jacking point.
• Set the rear on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and gently shake the vehicle to confirm it’s stable.
• Remove both rear wheels with a 21mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.

Step 2: Remove the rear caliper (the clamp)

• Turn the steering wheel is not needed for rear work; position yourself for clear access.
• Remove the lower and upper caliper slide bolts using a 14mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Lift the caliper off the pads and hang it from the suspension using a brake caliper hanger hook.
• Tip: Never let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out by hand.
• Remove the stainless pad clips (hardware) from the bracket using a flathead screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket pad “rails” (where the clips sit) using brake cleaner spray and a wire brush.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket (the pad holder)

• Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 19mm socket and 1/2" drive breaker bar.
• Set the bracket aside.
• On reassembly: Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it’s stuck, tap the rotor hat evenly with a rubber mallet to break rust loose.
• If it still won’t come off, make sure the parking brake is fully released and lightly tap again.
• Tip: Rust makes rotors “glue” to hubs.

Step 6: Prep the hub and install the new rotor

• Clean the hub face with a wire brush and brake cleaner spray so the rotor sits flat.
• Spray-clean the new rotor braking surfaces using brake cleaner spray (removes shipping oil).
• Install the new rotor onto the hub.
• To hold it tight while you work, install one lug nut backward by hand (optional) and snug it with a 21mm socket.

Step 7: Service slide pins and reinstall the bracket

• Pull the slide pins out of the bracket by hand (they’re the smooth pins the caliper “floats” on).
• Wipe them clean, then apply a thin coat of brake caliper grease (silicone).
• Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten with a 19mm socket and 1/2" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Install new hardware and pads

• Install new pad clips into the bracket by hand.
• Apply a very light film of brake caliper grease (silicone) where the pad “ears” touch the clips.
• Install the new pads into the bracket.
• Tip: Grease on pads/rotor ruins braking—keep it off.

Step 9: Compress the caliper piston and reinstall the caliper

• Place the old inner pad against the caliper piston.
• Use a C-clamp (6") to slowly press the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing; remove fluid with a clean turkey baster if it nears the top (use your catch pan).
• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the caliper slide bolts using a 14mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench (10–200 ft-lb range).
• Torque to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• With the engine off, pump the brake pedal 10–15 times until it feels firm (this seats the pistons).
• Check the brake fluid level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
• Start the engine and confirm the pedal remains firm.
• Test-drive at low speed first; confirm no pulling, grinding, or vibration.
• Brake bed-in (recommended): make 5–8 moderate stops from 30–40 mph, letting brakes cool 30–60 seconds between stops.
• Recheck for leaks and recheck lug nut torque after 25–50 miles using a torque wrench (10–200 ft-lb range).

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.