A Guide to Aftermarket Brake Pads for the 2011-2013 INFINITI M56
Find the right balance of stopping power, noise, and dust for your powerful M56 sedan.
- Akebono Pro-ACT ceramic pads are a highly recommended aftermarket choice for an OEM-like feel with less dust and noise.
- There are no brake-related recalls for the 2011-2013 M56; recalls concern the driveshaft and fuel system.
- Replacing brake pads is a DIY-friendly job for this vehicle, with forum guides available.
- For best results, always replace brake rotors at the same time as the pads to ensure smooth, quiet braking.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
Your M56 will give you clear warnings when it's time for new brake pads. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs. The most common sign is a high-pitched squealing or scraping sound when you apply the brakes. This is caused by a small metal tab called a wear indicator, which is designed to contact the rotor when the pad material is low. Other symptoms include a grinding noise, which may indicate the pads are completely worn down, or a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal, often called brake judder.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
When shopping for new brake pads, you have many options beyond the original equipment (OEM) parts. Aftermarket pads often provide better performance, less dust, or a lower price. For the M56, pads generally fall into a few categories.
OEM-Equivalent & Daily Driver Pads
These pads aim to match or improve upon the stock pads' performance for everyday driving. They focus on quiet operation, low dust, and good initial stopping power without needing to be warmed up.
- Akebono Pro-ACT: Akebono is a known OEM supplier for Infiniti, and their aftermarket pads are highly recommended by M56 owners. The Pro-ACT ceramic pads are praised for having a similar feel to OEM, great stopping power, and producing significantly less brake dust and noise. While they may wear slightly faster than some OEM pads, many drivers find the trade-off for clean wheels and quiet operation to be worth it.
- Centric Posi-Quiet: These are another popular ceramic option, often seen as a great value. They are known for being very quiet and producing little dust. However, some drivers feel they lack the strong initial "bite" of Akebono or OEM pads, making them better suited for relaxed daily driving rather than aggressive use.
Performance Street Pads
For drivers who want more aggressive stopping power and improved fade resistance during spirited driving. These pads may create more dust and noise than ceramic daily driver options.
- Hawk HPS 5.0: These pads are designed for high-performance street use. Owners report a strong initial bite and excellent stopping force. As a ferro-carbon compound, they are not a low-dust ceramic pad and will produce more dust than an Akebono or Centric ceramic pad.
- PowerStop Z23/Z26: PowerStop pads, often sold in kits with drilled and slotted rotors, are a popular upgrade. The Z26 pads, in particular, are known for strong braking performance and low dust. Some users feel they bite harder than stock pads, which can take some getting used to.
Aftermarket Brand Comparison
| Brand Tier | Popular Brands | Primary Benefit | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM-Equivalent | Akebono, Centric | Quiet, low dust, good initial bite. | Centric may have less bite than Akebono. |
| Performance Street | Hawk, PowerStop | Increased stopping power and fade resistance. | Can produce more dust and noise. |
| Budget-Friendly | Dynamic Friction, Pronto, Raybestos | Lower initial cost. | May not offer the same longevity or performance. |
Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
There are no active recalls from the NHTSA for the brake pads on the 2011-2013 INFINITI M56. Recalls for this vehicle concern the driveshaft and fuel system, not the brakes.
INFINITI has issued a general technical bulletin (ITB00-024K) regarding brake noise. It notes that a squeak during the first few stops of the day, especially in high humidity, can be a normal condition. However, a loud, continuous squeal means the brake pad wear indicators are hitting the rotor, and the pads must be replaced immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are ceramic or semi-metallic pads better for my M56?
It depends on your priorities. Ceramic pads, like the Akebono Pro-ACT, are great for daily driving as they offer quiet operation and very low dust. Semi-metallic or high-performance ferro-carbon pads, like the Hawk HPS 5.0, offer superior bite and fade resistance for aggressive driving but at the cost of more dust and potential noise.
Do I need to replace my rotors when I replace my pads?
It is highly recommended. Installing new pads on old, worn, or warped rotors can cause noise, vibration, and uneven pad wear. For best performance and safety, replacing the pads and rotors at the same time is the standard practice. Many owners choose to replace rotors because it is often easier than finding a shop to resurface the old ones.
What is "bedding-in" new brake pads?
Bedding-in is a process of a few controlled, hard stops to transfer an even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This process ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking performance and improves the life of the pads and rotors. Most manufacturers provide a specific procedure to follow after installation.
Why do the OEM pads on my M56 create so much dust?
The original pads are a Non-asbestos Organic (NAO) compound designed for quiet performance. While effective, some owners find this material produces a noticeable amount of brake dust. This is a primary reason many M56 owners switch to aftermarket ceramic pads like Akebono Pro-ACT, which are known for being much cleaner.
Technical Specifications
The 2011-2013 INFINITI M56 uses a dual-piston front caliper and a two-piston rear caliper. The OEM pad material is a Non-asbestos Organic (NAO) compound. Some models may be equipped with larger Akebono sport brakes from the factory.
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.
- INFINITI M56: