A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Calipers on the 2003-2008 Nissan Murano
If your Murano's brakes feel off, a sticking or failing caliper could be the culprit.
- Seized or sticking calipers are a common failure item on 2003-2008 Muranos, causing pulling, uneven pad wear, and heat.
- There are no specific recalls for calipers on this model, but it's a known issue due to age and corrosion.
- Quality remanufactured calipers from brands like Cardone or Centric are a cost-effective solution for daily driving.
- When replacing rear calipers, the entire bracket may need to be removed first to access all bolts.
Is Your Murano's Brake Caliper Failing?
A faulty brake caliper is a serious safety issue. The most common problem for the 2003-2008 Nissan Murano is a seized or sticking caliper. This can happen in two ways: the caliper piston can get stuck, or the slide pins can corrode and fail to move freely. When this happens, the brake pad may be constantly pressed against the rotor, or it may not apply pressure evenly. Look for these common symptoms:
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a seized brake caliper- Vehicle Pulling: Your Murano pulls to one side when you brake, or sometimes even when you're just driving.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: The pedal feels softer than usual or goes closer to the floor. This could indicate a fluid leak or air in the system.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: When changing your pads, you notice one pad is significantly more worn than the other. This is a classic sign of a sticking caliper.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: You see clear or yellowish fluid on the inside of your wheel or on the ground.
- Grinding or Squealing Noises: While often caused by worn pads or rotors, a stuck caliper can cause persistent noise and rapid pad wear.
- Overheating and Smell: A dragging brake can generate a lot of heat, sometimes causing a burning smell after driving and a discolored, hot brake rotor.
No Recalls, But a Common Problem
While Nissan has issued recalls for brake-related components on other Murano model years, there are no specific recalls for failing brake calipers on the 2003-2008 generation. However, seized calipers are a widely recognized wear-and-tear issue for these vehicles as they age.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
You don't need to buy an expensive OEM caliper from the dealer. Aftermarket brands offer quality new and remanufactured options that meet or exceed original specifications. When shopping, you'll see terms like "loaded" and "unloaded."
- Unloaded Calipers: This is just the caliper itself. You will reuse your existing mounting bracket and buy brake pads separately.
- Loaded Calipers: These come complete with a new mounting bracket, new hardware, and a set of brake pads already installed. They offer a complete and faster repair.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Murano
Based on owner feedback and brand reputation, here’s a general guide to the available brands:
- Standard Replacement (Good): Brands like Cardone, Centric, Raybestos, and Dynamic Friction are popular choices for daily drivers. They offer a good balance of quality and price. Most of these are remanufactured, which involves taking an original OEM caliper, cleaning it, and rebuilding it with new seals and hardware. While quality control is generally good, there's always a small chance of getting a faulty part from any remanufacturer.
- Coated & Upgrade (Better): Some brands offer calipers with a special coating (like zinc plating or powder coating) to help prevent rust and corrosion. Powerstop often falls into this category, sometimes offering calipers in performance colors like red, and they are typically sold as new, not remanufactured. These are a great choice if you live in an area with road salt or want an aesthetic upgrade.
Installation Tip for Rear Calipers
When replacing a rear caliper on the 2003-2008 Murano, you may not be able to remove the lower slider pin bolt because it hits the suspension arm. Mechanics get around this by removing the two larger 19mm bolts that hold the entire caliper bracket to the knuckle first, then separating the caliper from the bracket once it's off the vehicle.
Brake Caliper Replacement Cost for 2003-2008 Nissan Murano
The cost to replace a brake caliper can vary depending on the part you choose and local labor rates. Doing the job yourself can save significant money.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Caliper (Unloaded) | $47 - $170 |
| Shop Labor Cost (per caliper) | $125 - $250 |
| Total Estimated Cost (per caliper) | $172 - $420 |
Note: This estimate does not include the cost of new brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid, which are often replaced at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one brake caliper?
Yes. Unlike brake pads and rotors which should always be replaced in pairs (both front or both rear), you can replace a single caliper that has failed. However, if one caliper has seized due to age and corrosion, the one on the other side may not be far behind.
Should I get a new or remanufactured caliper?
For a daily driver like the Murano, a quality remanufactured caliper from a reputable brand like Cardone, Centric, or Raybestos is perfectly acceptable and cost-effective. These are rebuilt OEM cores with new seals and pistons. New aftermarket calipers, like those from Powerstop, are also an excellent choice and eliminate any concern about the history of the core part.
What is a "core charge"?
Remanufactured calipers have a core charge. This is a deposit you pay when you buy the part. You get this deposit back when you return your old, worn-out caliper to the seller. This is because the manufacturers need old parts to rebuild. New calipers do not have a core charge.
Do I need to replace the brake hose at the same time?
It's not required, but it is highly recommended. The flexible rubber brake hoses can degrade from the inside, break down, and act like a one-way valve, trapping pressure and causing the caliper to stick. Given the age of a 2003-2008 Murano, replacing the hose is cheap insurance against having to do the job twice.
🎬 Learn how to tell if the caliper or hose is seizedWhat else should I do during the replacement?
When you replace a caliper, you must bleed the brake system to remove any air that entered when the hose was disconnected. It's also the perfect time to inspect your brake pads and rotors for wear and replace them if necessary. Always use fresh, new brake fluid from a sealed container.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 2003-2008 Nissan Murano uses floating-type, single-piston calipers on the rear and dual-piston calipers on the front. Calipers are made of cast iron. Replacement requires bleeding the brake system with DOT 3 brake fluid.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Murano:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Murano's Brake Caliper Failing?
- No Recalls, But a Common Problem
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your Murano
- Installation Tip for Rear Calipers
- Brake Caliper Replacement Cost for 2003-2008 Nissan Murano
- Frequently Asked Questions
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