Nissan Rogue 2017 Brake Pads

Alright, let's talk about brake pads on the 2017 Nissan Rogue. It's a common service item, and understanding what's involved can save you money and keep your Rogue stopping safely. This article assumes you have some experience working on cars – you know your way around a wrench and can follow safety procedures. We'll cover the types of pads, signs you need a replacement, the replacement process (generally), and some tips and tricks to make the job smoother.

Understanding Brake Pads

Brake pads are friction materials that press against the brake rotors to slow down or stop your vehicle. When you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder actuates the brake calipers. The calipers, in turn, squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. This friction converts kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into thermal energy (heat), slowing the vehicle. Because of the high friction and heat they endure, brake pads wear down over time and need to be replaced.

Types of Brake Pads for the 2017 Rogue

Several types of brake pads are available for your 2017 Rogue, each with its own characteristics and trade-offs:

Organic (Non-Asbestos Organic - NAO): These are typically the cheapest option and provide good initial bite (stopping power at low speeds). They are made from organic materials like fibers, rubber, and resins. However, they tend to wear out faster, produce more brake dust, and can fade more easily under heavy braking conditions (like frequent stops on a downhill road or towing). Not ideal for aggressive drivers or those who frequently tow.
Semi-Metallic: These pads contain a mix of metal fibers (like steel, iron, or copper) and organic materials. They offer a good balance of stopping power, durability, and cost. They handle heat better than organic pads and last longer, but they can be noisier and produce more dust. They can also be harder on rotors. A common choice for daily drivers.
Ceramic: Made from ceramic fibers, fillers, and bonding agents, these pads are known for their quiet operation, low dust production, and long lifespan. They also provide consistent braking performance across a wide range of temperatures. Ceramic pads are generally more expensive than organic or semi-metallic pads. They offer great performance and reduced rotor wear, and are a good upgrade for many vehicles.

Choosing the right type depends on your driving style, budget, and priorities. For most 2017 Rogue owners, semi-metallic or ceramic pads are a solid choice.

Signs Your 2017 Rogue Needs New Brake Pads

Knowing when to replace your brake pads is crucial for safety. Here are some telltale signs:

Squealing or Screeching Noises: Many brake pads have a wear indicator, a small piece of metal that rubs against the rotor when the pad material wears down to a certain point, creating a squealing noise. This is your car's way of telling you to check your brakes immediately.
Grinding Noises: If you hear a grinding noise, it's likely that the brake pads are worn down completely, and the metal backing plate is rubbing directly against the rotor. This is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to the rotors, potentially requiring their replacement as well. Stop driving the car and get it inspected.
Reduced Braking Performance: If you notice that it takes longer to stop, or the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, your brake pads may be worn. This can also be caused by other issues in the braking system, such as air in the lines or a failing master cylinder, but worn pads should be investigated first.
Vibration or Pulsation in the Brake Pedal: This could indicate warped rotors or unevenly worn brake pads. Warped rotors are generally caused by excessive heat and rapid cooling (e.g., braking hard repeatedly on a downhill grade).
Visually Inspecting the Pads: The easiest way to know for sure is to visually inspect the brake pads. You can usually see the pads through the wheel spokes. Look for a minimum of 1/4 inch (6mm) of pad material remaining. If you're unsure, it's best to have a professional mechanic inspect them.

Replacing the Brake Pads on a 2017 Nissan Rogue (General Procedure)

Disclaimer: This is a general overview. Specific procedures may vary slightly depending on your Rogue's trim level and options. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Safety first! Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

New brake pads (for both front or rear axles)
Brake cleaner
C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool
Socket set and wrench set
Torque wrench
Jack and jack stands
Wheel chocks
Gloves
Eye protection
Brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 – check your owner's manual)
Grease (for caliper slides)

Step-by-Step Guide

Safety First: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels (if working on the front brakes) or the front wheels (if working on the rear brakes).
Loosen Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on.
Jack Up and Secure: Jack up the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands placed under the frame. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
Inspect the Brake Caliper: Examine the brake caliper, brake lines, and rotor for any signs of damage or leaks.
Remove the Caliper Bolts: Locate the bolts that hold the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are typically located on the back of the caliper. Remove these bolts (usually two). Note: Sometimes, you only need to remove the lower bolt and pivot the caliper up.
Remove the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake lines. If the caliper is difficult to remove, gently wiggle it back and forth. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire hook to prevent it from hanging by the brake line. Avoid putting any stress on the brake line.
Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be accessible. They may be held in place by clips or springs. Remove them carefully.
Compress the Caliper Piston: Use a C-clamp or a brake caliper compression tool to push the caliper piston back into its bore. This is necessary to create enough space for the new, thicker brake pads. Important: Open the brake fluid reservoir cap before compressing the piston. This prevents pressure buildup in the system. Watch the brake fluid level in the reservoir; it may overflow as you compress the piston.
Clean and Lubricate: Clean the caliper bracket with brake cleaner. Apply a small amount of grease to the caliper slide pins (the pins that the caliper floats on). This ensures smooth caliper movement.
Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they are properly seated and secured by any clips or springs.
Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back over the rotor and onto the bracket.
Reinstall Caliper Bolts: Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them to the torque specifications listed in your vehicle's repair manual. Using a torque wrench is crucial for proper and safe installation.
Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
Lower the Vehicle: Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
Torque Lug Nuts: Torque the lug nuts to the proper specification using a torque wrench.
Pump the Brakes: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to restore pressure to the brake system and ensure the pads are properly seated against the rotors.
Bed-in the Brakes: Follow the brake pad manufacturer's instructions for bedding in the new brakes. This usually involves a series of moderate stops from different speeds to transfer friction material from the pads to the rotors.

Tips and Tricks

Take pictures: Before you disassemble anything, take pictures of how everything is put together. This will be helpful if you get stuck.
Work on one side at a time: This way, you can use the other side as a reference if you get confused about how something goes back together.
Use penetrating oil: If the caliper bolts are stuck, spray them with penetrating oil and let it soak for a few minutes before trying to remove them.
Don't over-tighten the caliper bolts: Over-tightening can damage the threads or break the bolt.
Dispose of old brake pads properly: Brake pads may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. Check with your local regulations for proper disposal.
Consider replacing the rotors: If your rotors are worn or damaged, consider replacing them at the same time you replace the brake pads. This will ensure optimal braking performance. Rotors usually need replacement after every other brake pad replacement, depending on the type of rotors installed in the car.
Bleed the brakes: If the brake pedal feels spongy after replacing the brake pads, you may need to bleed the brakes to remove air from the brake lines. This involves opening a bleeder screw on each caliper and pumping the brake pedal to force air out of the system. You'll need a helper to do this effectively.

When to Seek Professional Help

While replacing brake pads is a relatively straightforward DIY task, there are times when it's best to seek professional help:

If you're not comfortable working on your car's brakes.
If you encounter any difficulties during the replacement process.
If you suspect there are other problems with your braking system, such as a leaking brake line or a faulty master cylinder.
If you're unsure about torque specifications or other technical details.

Your brakes are a critical safety system, so it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you're not confident in your abilities, take your 2017 Nissan Rogue to a qualified mechanic for brake service.