Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your 2011-2013 INFINITI M37
Get the best stopping power for your M37 by understanding your aftermarket brake pad options.
- First, confirm if your M37 has the standard brakes or the larger Sport package brakes, as the pads are different.
- For most drivers, a quality ceramic aftermarket pad from a brand like Akebono, Bosch, or Centric will provide OEM-level performance with less dust.
- Always replace brake rotors with the pads to ensure safety and optimal performance.
- No major recalls exist for the brake pads on the 2011-2013 M37, making aftermarket parts a reliable choice.
Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
Your M37 will give you clear signs when the brake pads are wearing thin. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more expensive repairs, like replacing the brake rotors, and can compromise your safety.
Common Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads:
- Squealing or Screeching Noises: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad wears down, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, it means the brake pads are completely worn away. The metal backing plate is now grinding against the rotor, causing serious damage.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal feels less firm than usual or sinks towards the floor, it could indicate a problem in the brake system, possibly related to worn pads or air in the brake lines.
- Vibration When Braking: A pulsating or vibrating feeling in the brake pedal or steering wheel often points to warped rotors, which can be caused by worn-out pads creating excessive heat.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your car takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Brake Pads
When replacing your M37's brake pads, you have two main choices: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads from an INFINITI dealer or aftermarket pads from various brands. For the M37, the original pads are often made by Akebono. This means you can get OEM quality without paying dealership prices by choosing a high-quality aftermarket brand.
- OEM Pads: These are the same pads your M37 came with from the factory. They offer a known level of performance and feel, but are usually the most expensive option.
- Aftermarket Pads: Aftermarket brands offer a wide range of options. You can find pads that are direct OEM-equivalents, low-dust ceramic pads for cleaner wheels, or high-performance pads for more aggressive stopping power. Brands like Akebono, Centric, and PowerStop are popular choices for M37 owners.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
With so many brands available, it helps to group them into tiers based on quality and intended use. A key consideration for the M37 is whether you have the standard brakes or the larger 'Sport' package brakes, which use different pads. The Sport brakes often feature Akebono calipers.
🎬 Watch a step-by-step guide for replacing Sport package rear pads.Brand & Quality Tiers
Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent & Premium Brands
These brands meet or exceed the quality of the original factory pads. They are perfect for daily driving and spirited use, offering a great balance of performance, low noise, and durability.
- Akebono: As the likely OEM supplier, Akebono pads are a top choice for restoring original performance. Their Pro-ACT and Performance lines are highly regarded for smooth, quiet stopping and low dust.
- Bosch: A well-respected German brand known for quality engineering. Their ceramic and semi-metallic pads are a reliable choice for M37 owners.
- Brembo: Famous for high-performance braking systems, Brembo also offers excellent replacement pads that often provide improved bite and heat resistance.
- Centric (Posi-Quiet & Premium): Centric offers a great balance of quality and price. Their Posi-Quiet line is known for being very quiet, though some users note they have less initial bite than OEM pads.
Tier 2: Performance & Upgrade Brands
For owners who want more stopping power, better fade resistance for spirited driving, or a specific performance characteristic.
- EBC Brakes: Offers different compounds like Greenstuff for premium street use, Redstuff for lower dust performance, and Yellowstuff for fast street and light track use.
- Hawk Performance: A favorite among enthusiasts. Their HPS (High Performance Street) pads offer increased stopping power over stock. They are known for great performance but can sometimes create more dust and noise than OEM pads.
- PowerStop: Known for their complete brake kits that often include drilled and slotted rotors. Their Z23 Evolution Sport pads use a carbon-fiber ceramic formula for increased performance and low dust.
- StopTech: A division of Centric, StopTech focuses on performance-oriented street pads that offer a step up from standard replacements.
Tier 3: Economy & Value Brands
These brands provide a functional, safe replacement at a lower cost. They are a good choice for budget-conscious repairs 🎬 See how to perform a basic brake job on your M37. on a daily-driven vehicle.
- Dynamic Friction, Pronto, Raybestos, Wagner: These brands are staples in the aftermarket and offer reliable, standard replacement pads that get the job done safely and affordably.
Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
Most M37 owners will be very happy with a quality Ceramic brake pad. They are known for being quiet, producing very little brake dust (which keeps your wheels cleaner), and providing smooth, consistent stopping power for daily driving. Semi-Metallic pads can offer a stronger initial "bite" and better performance in extreme cold or heat, but they tend to be noisier and create more black dust.
How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost for a 2011-2013 M37?
The price for a new set of brake pads can vary significantly based on the brand and performance level. Remember that you will need to buy separate sets for the front and rear wheels.
| Brake Pad Tier | Typical Price Range (Per Axle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Value | $24 - $50 | Basic transportation, budget repairs |
| OEM-Equivalent | $50 - $100 | Most drivers, restoring factory performance |
| Performance / Upgrade | $100 - $323 | Enthusiast drivers seeking improved stopping power |
Note: Prices are estimates and can vary based on retailer and specific product. Labor costs for installation are additional.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
No specific recalls for the 2011-2013 INFINITI M37 directly target the brake pads. However, some related service bulletins and owner complaints exist:
- TSB ITB12-021a: Some owners of 2011-2012 M37 models reported harsh downshifts or engine rev-matching during braking. This was related to the transmission and engine software, not the pads themselves, but was felt during braking. A software update from INFINITI addressed this.
- Brake Judder/Vibration: Like many vehicles, the M37 can experience brake vibration. While often blamed on "warped rotors," this can be caused by uneven pad deposits on the rotor surface, especially after aggressive braking. Using high-quality pads and properly bedding them in can help prevent this.
No major safety recalls were found for the brake pads or calipers on the 2011-2013 M37 models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace my rotors at the same time as my pads?
It is highly recommended. Installing new pads on old, worn rotors can lead to uneven wear, noise, and reduced performance. Most mechanics will recommend replacing pads and rotors together to ensure a smooth, safe brake job.
What's the difference between the standard M37 brakes and the Sport package brakes?
The M37 with the Sport package came with larger, more powerful brakes, often made by Akebono. They use larger calipers (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) and bigger rotors. It is critical to buy the correct pads for your specific model (Sport or non-Sport) as they are not interchangeable.
What does "bedding-in" new brake pads mean?
Bedding-in is a process of a few controlled stops after installation to transfer a thin, even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking. Failing to bed-in your new pads can lead to vibration and reduced performance. Most manufacturers provide specific instructions for this process.
Can I replace just the inner or outer brake pad?
No. Brake pads should always be replaced as a complete set for that axle (both front wheels or both rear wheels). Replacing only one pad or one side will cause dangerously unbalanced braking. Uneven wear between the inner and outer pad can be a sign of a problem with your brake caliper or guide pins.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: D4060-JL00J D4M60-JL00A D4060-1MB0A
Brake pads are available for two different brake systems: the standard system and the larger Akebono sport brake system. Pads are typically made of ceramic or semi-metallic friction material. It is crucial to order the correct pads for your vehicle's specific brake package (Sport or non-Sport).
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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.
- INFINITI M37:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
- Common Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads:
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Brand & Quality Tiers
- Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
- How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost for a 2011-2013 M37?
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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