A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on the 2011-2015 Nissan Murano
Stop the squeal and choose the right aftermarket brake pads for your Murano with confidence.
- Your Murano likely came with ceramic pads; choosing a quality aftermarket ceramic pad from a brand like Akebono or Bosch is a reliable choice for quiet, low-dust performance.
- A voluntary service campaign exists for the ABS actuator on 2011-2014 models; ensure this has been checked by a dealer as it can cause a soft pedal feel.
- Always inspect brake rotors for wear and warping when changing pads. Replacing rotors at the same time is often the best practice for optimal performance.
- Brake pad replacement is a feasible DIY job for those with mechanical experience, but professional installation is recommended for safety if you are unsure.
Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Murano will give you clear signs when its brake pads are wearing thin. Ignoring these can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing new brake rotors. Listen and feel for these common symptoms:
🎬 Watch: A visual guide to identifying bad brake pad symptoms.- Squealing or Screeching: This high-pitched noise is often the first sign. It's caused by a small metal wear indicator built into the brake pad telling you it's time for a replacement.
- Grinding Noise: A loud, metallic grinding or growling sound means the brake pad material has completely worn away. This is a serious issue, as it's now metal-on-metal contact, which quickly damages the brake rotors.
- Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could mean the rotors have been warped by heat from worn pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your Murano takes longer to stop than it used to, the pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
Known Issues: ABS Actuator Service Campaign
Nissan issued a voluntary service campaign (ID: P0A08) for 2010-2014 Murano models. A reaction between the original DOT 3 brake fluid and the ABS actuator could cause a gel to form, potentially leading to a soft or long brake pedal during ABS activation. The fix involves a dealer flushing the system and replacing the fluid with DOT 4 brake fluid, and inspecting or replacing the ABS actuator if needed. While this isn't a pad issue, it's a critical safety check for your brake system.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your Murano
When you shop for aftermarket pads, you'll find many brands and types. The original pads on your Murano are likely ceramic, which offer a good balance of quiet operation, low dust, and solid performance. For most owners, sticking with a quality ceramic pad is the best choice. Here’s how to understand your options:
Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands ($70 - $181)
These brands are often original equipment (OE) suppliers to Nissan and other automakers. They provide performance and quality that is equal to or better than the stock pads your Murano came with.
- Akebono: Widely considered an OEM supplier for Nissan, Akebono pads are a top choice for a factory-like fit, feel, and quiet performance. They are known for their low-dust ceramic formulations.
- Brembo: Famous for high-performance braking, Brembo offers premium replacement pads that often exceed OE specifications for stopping power and durability.
- Hawk Performance: A favorite among enthusiasts, Hawk pads offer increased stopping power, though some formulations may produce more dust or noise than typical OEM pads.
- Advics: Another top-tier OE supplier, Advics pads are engineered for quiet, smooth, and reliable braking performance that matches the original parts.
Daily-Driver & Quality Mid-Range Brands ($40 - $90)
These brands offer excellent performance and value for everyday driving. They are a reliable choice for Murano owners looking for a solid replacement without the premium price tag.
- Bosch: Bosch offers lines like the QuietCast, which are well-regarded for being quiet, low-dust, and often including all necessary hardware in the box.
- Wagner: Known for their ThermoQuiet line, Wagner pads are a long-standing, reliable choice in the aftermarket, praised for reducing noise.
- Raybestos: This brand provides dependable, quality pads that meet or exceed factory standards, making them a safe and affordable option.
- Centric / StopTech: Centric offers a wide range of pads, including their Posi-Quiet line which is a popular choice for daily driving. StopTech is their performance-oriented division.
Economy Brands ($24 - $50)
These are the most budget-friendly options. While they will stop your vehicle safely, they may not last as long, be as quiet, or have the same low-dust characteristics as more expensive pads.
- Dynamic Friction
- Pronto
- Total Stopping Solutions
Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
Your Murano came with ceramic pads for a reason: they are quiet, produce less dust to keep your wheels clean, and are gentle on rotors. Semi-metallic pads can offer more bite in extreme temperatures but are often noisier and create more black dust. For the vast majority of Murano drivers, a quality ceramic pad is the ideal choice.
Estimated Costs for Brake Pad Replacement (2011-2015 Murano)
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Brake Pad Set (Front or Rear) | $24 - $181 |
| OEM Brake Pad Set (Front or Rear) | $65 - $112 |
| Shop Labor (Per Axle) | $96 - $141 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Per Axle) | $308 - $434 |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific brand of parts chosen, and whether rotors also need replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my rotors with my brake pads? 🎬 See this walkthrough on replacing both front pads and rotors.
Not always, but it's highly recommended to inspect them. If your old pads were worn down to the metal, you almost certainly need new rotors. If the rotors are below the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, are heavily grooved, or feel warped (causing vibration), they must be replaced. Putting new pads on bad rotors will cause noise, poor performance, and wear out the new pads very quickly.
Should I replace front and rear brakes at the same time?
Front brake pads on the Murano typically wear out faster than the rears because they handle more of the braking force. You only need to replace the pads on the axle that is worn. However, you must always replace pads in pairs (both left and right sides of an axle) 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for replacing your rear brake pads. to ensure even braking.
What is 'bedding in' new brake pads?
Bedding-in is a process of several controlled stops after installation. It transfers a thin, even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This process ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking right from the start. Most manufacturers provide specific instructions, but it generally involves a series of moderate stops from around 40 mph with cooling periods in between.
Can I replace my Murano's brake pads myself?
Yes, for someone with basic mechanical skills and the right tools, replacing brake pads is a manageable DIY job. You will need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a socket set (specifically 14mm and 17mm for caliper bolts), a C-clamp or piston compressor tool, and brake grease. However, braking systems are critical to safety. If you are not 100% confident, it is always best to have the work done by a qualified mechanic.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: D1060-1AA0A D1M6M-1AA0K D4060-JA00J
The 2011-2015 Nissan Murano is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. Most models came from the factory with ceramic brake pads. The front caliper slide pins typically use a 17mm bolt, while the rear uses a 14mm bolt.
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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.
- Nissan Murano:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
- Known Issues: ABS Actuator Service Campaign
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your Murano
- Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands ($70 - $181)
- Daily-Driver & Quality Mid-Range Brands ($40 - $90)
- Economy Brands ($24 - $50)
- Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
- Estimated Costs for Brake Pad Replacement (2011-2015 Murano)
- Frequently Asked Questions
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