INFINITI QX50 (2014-2025) Aftermarket Disc Brake Pad Set Guide
Find the right aftermarket brake pads to restore quiet, confident stopping power to your QX50.
- You must verify the correct pads for your QX50's generation: 2014-2017 and 2019-2025 models use different parts.
- Akebono makes the OEM pads, so choosing their aftermarket products can provide factory performance at a lower cost.
- Models from 2019 onwards have an electronic parking brake that requires a special procedure to retract for rear pad replacement.
- For most drivers, ceramic pads offer the best combination of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping power.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
Your QX50 will give you several warning signs that it's time for new brake pads. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors as well.
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab contacts the rotor and makes a high-pitched squeal when you brake.
- Grinding Noises: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding sound, it means the brake pad material is completely gone. This is metal-on-metal contact between the pad's backing plate and the rotor, which causes significant damage. Stop driving as soon as safely possible.
- Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could mean your rotors have been warped by heat from worn pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your QX50 is taking longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be worn out and unable to create enough friction.
Generation Gaps: A Critical Note for QX50 Owners
The INFINITI QX50 has two distinct generations in this period, and their brake parts are NOT interchangeable. Always confirm the parts fit your specific model year before purchasing.
- 1st Generation (2014-2017): These models are based on a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- 2nd Generation (2019-2025): These models are a completely different front-wheel-drive based platform. Note the absence of a 2018 model year in the US.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
Aftermarket brake pads offer a wide range of options in terms of price, performance, and material. For the QX50, the original equipment (OEM) pads are often made by Akebono. This means you can get OEM quality without the dealership price tag.
Brand & Quality Tiers
Here’s a breakdown of available brands to help you choose:
- OEM-Equivalent & Premium Brands: Akebono, Advics, Bosch, Brembo, Centric, Raybestos, Wagner. These brands are known for meeting or exceeding factory specifications. Akebono is a direct OEM supplier for many Infiniti models, making their Pro-ACT line a popular choice for factory-like performance with potentially less dust. Bosch and Raybestos also have a strong reputation for quality and reliability.
- Performance Brands: EBC Brakes, Hawk, Powerstop, StopTech. If you want increased stopping power, especially for spirited driving, these brands are excellent choices. Powerstop's Z23 carbon-fiber ceramic pads are a common upgrade for better bite and low dust. Hawk pads are also highly recommended by enthusiasts for their performance, though they may produce more dust or noise than OEM-style ceramic pads.
- Daily Driver & Economy Brands: Dynamic Friction, Pronto, Beck Arnley, Total Stopping Solutions. These brands provide a reliable, budget-friendly option for daily commuting. They offer safe performance that meets federal standards, though they may not have the longevity or low-dust characteristics of premium brands.
Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
Most QX50 owners will be best served by Ceramic pads. They offer a great balance of quiet operation, low brake dust (which keeps your wheels cleaner), and long life. They are the standard for most modern luxury vehicles. Semi-Metallic pads can offer better performance in extreme temperatures but are often noisier and produce more dust.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
While the QX50 has been generally reliable, a few brake-related items have been noted:
- Premature Wear: Some owners of the first-generation QX50 (2014-2017) have reported faster-than-expected brake wear, sometimes requiring replacement as early as 16,000-20,000 miles. This can be influenced by driving style and conditions. An ex-Infiniti technician noted that on second-generation models, the inner rear pads sometimes wear faster than the outer pads.
- Soft Brake Pedal Feel: A few owners of 2016-2017 models have mentioned a soft or low brake pedal, which in one documented case was resolved by thoroughly bleeding the brake system to remove air from the lines and master cylinder.
- Recalls & TSBs: No major recalls specifically for brake pads were found. A general TSB (ITB00-024K) exists for diagnosing brake noise, noting that some squeal on cold brakes is normal, but persistent noise should be inspected. A recall was issued for some 2021 models for steering knuckles, which involves removing brake components to perform the repair. There are no widespread, systemic issues reported for the brake pads themselves.
Cost of Aftermarket vs. OEM Brake Pads
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Pad Set | $23.90 - $196.84 |
| New OEM Pad Set | $80 - $250 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $150 - $300 |
Prices are estimates and can vary by location, brand, and vehicle specifics. The provided aftermarket range is based on available inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I replace my QX50's brake pads?
Brake pad life varies greatly with driving habits. A typical range is 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, some owners have reported needing replacements sooner. The best approach is to have them inspected annually or if you notice any symptoms of wear.
Do I need to replace my rotors at the same time as the pads?
Not always, but it is highly recommended. Installing new pads on old or warped rotors can cause noise, vibration, and uneven pad wear. Most shops will insist on replacing or resurfacing rotors with a pad change to guarantee their work. Given the reasonable cost of aftermarket rotors, replacing them with the pads is a good investment.
🎬 See a full walkthrough for replacing pads and rotors.Is there anything special about replacing rear brake pads on newer (2019+) QX50s?
Yes. The 2019 and newer QX50 models feature an electronic parking brake (EPB). To replace the rear pads, the EPB motor must be retracted. This can be done with a specialized scan tool or sometimes by manually retracting the piston mechanism after removing the motor. 🎬 Watch how to retract the electronic parking brake motor. This is an extra step compared to the older models and many other vehicles.
What is brake pad "bedding-in"?
Bedding-in, or burnishing, is the process of breaking in new pads and rotors. It involves a series of controlled stops to transfer an even layer of friction material from the pad to the rotor. This process ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking. Many performance brands like Powerstop include specific instructions for this procedure.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: D1060-1NC1B D1060-JL00J D4060-JL00J D1060-6HH0B D4060-6HH0B
Brake pad composition is typically Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) or Ceramic. The 2019+ models feature an electronic parking brake system integrated into the rear calipers.
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 QX50:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Signs of Worn Brake Pads
- Generation Gaps: A Critical Note for QX50 Owners
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Brand & Quality Tiers
- Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Cost of Aftermarket vs. OEM Brake Pads
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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