Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima
Stop noise and improve braking with the right aftermarket brake pads for your Maxima.
- For quiet, low-dust operation similar to or better than stock, Akebono and Bosch ceramic pads are highly recommended by owners.
- If you engage in spirited driving, consider performance pads from brands like EBC, Hawk, or Powerstop for improved stopping power, but expect a potential increase in dust and noise.
- Always inspect your brake rotors when changing pads and replace them if they are warped, grooved, or below the minimum thickness specification.
- Several recalls exist for the ABS system on 2016-2017 models; ensure your vehicle has had the required inspections and repairs performed by a Nissan dealer.
Is it Time to Replace Your Maxima's Brake Pads?
Your Maxima will give you clear signs when its brake pads are wearing thin. Ignoring these signs can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors. Be aware of these common symptoms.
Key Failure Symptoms
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal wear indicator. When the pad material wears down, this indicator scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise to alert you 🎬 See how to diagnose brake noise and replace front pads. it's time for a replacement.
- Grinding Noise: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding, it means the brake pad material is completely gone. This is a critical situation where the metal backing plate of the pad is grinding against the rotor, causing severe damage. Stop driving the vehicle immediately.
- Vibration or Pulsing in Brake Pedal: This can be a sign of warped brake rotors, but it can also happen when pad material has transferred unevenly to the rotor surface.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your car taking longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be worn out and unable to create enough friction.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Brake Pads
When replacing your brake pads, you have two main choices: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads from a Nissan dealer, or aftermarket pads from various other brands. OEM pads are designed to match the performance of your car as it came from the factory, often prioritizing quiet operation. Aftermarket pads offer a wider range of options, allowing you to choose pads that are cheaper, offer better performance, or create less dust.
- OEM Pads: Guaranteed to fit and perform like the originals. However, some owners report that stock Nissan pads can be noisy or create a lot of dust.
- Aftermarket Pads: Offer variety. You can choose from different materials like ceramic or semi-metallic to suit your driving style. Brands like Akebono are known for being quiet and low-dust, while brands like Hawk or EBC offer aggressive performance for spirited driving.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brand Tier
With so many brands available, it helps to think of them in tiers based on quality, performance, and price.
Economy / Daily Driver Pads
These pads are designed to be affordable replacements for normal commuting. They offer similar performance to stock pads and are a great value-focused choice.
- Brands: Dynamic Friction, Centric, Pronto, Raybestos
- Best for: Daily commuting and drivers looking for a cost-effective solution.
OEM-Equivalent / Premium Pads
These pads aim to meet or exceed the quality of the original factory pads. They often provide improvements like reduced noise and less brake dust. Akebono is a highly regarded brand in this category and is considered a top choice by many Maxima owners for its quiet, clean performance.
- Brands: Akebono, Bosch, Advics, Wagner Brakes
- Best for: Owners who want a quiet, clean, and smooth stop, very similar or better than the factory pads.
Performance / Sport Pads
For the Maxima owner who enjoys spirited driving, performance pads offer a significant upgrade in stopping power, heat resistance, and brake feel. The trade-off can sometimes be more noise and dust compared to ceramic pads.
- Brands: Hawk, EBC Brakes, Powerstop, StopTech, Brembo
- Best for: Enthusiast drivers who prioritize braking performance and don't mind potential increases in dust or noise.
Pro Tip: Rotors and Hardware are Important Too
When replacing your brake pads, it's crucial to inspect your brake rotors. If they are grooved, warped, or worn below the minimum thickness, they should be replaced as well. Most aftermarket pad sets come with new hardware clips, which should always be used to ensure the new pads move freely and don't bind.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
For the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima, several brake-related recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued. While not directly related to the wear of brake pads, they concern the overall braking system.
- NHTSA Recall 18V-601 (Campaign R1807): Affects certain 2016-2017 Maxima models. The ABS actuator pump could leak brake fluid onto a circuit board, potentially causing an electrical short and increasing fire risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator if necessary.
- NHTSA Recall 16V-244: On some 2016 Maxima vehicles, the ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring, which could lead to a loss of brake fluid pressure and increased stopping distance.
- NHTSA Recall 15V-732: A small number of 2016 Maximas were recalled because front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been properly tightened, which could cause the caliper to detach.
No TSBs were found specifically for premature brake pad wear, but owners on forums have occasionally reported issues with brake noise, which dealers sometimes attribute to brake dust.
Cost of Replacing Nissan Maxima Brake Pads
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Brake Pad Set (Front or Rear) | $23.90 - $196.84 |
| New OEM Brake Pad Set (Front or Rear) | $60 - $120 |
| Shop Labor (Per Axle) | $100 - $200 |
| Total DIY Cost (Aftermarket) | $24 - $197 (per axle) |
| Total Professional Cost (Aftermarket) | $124 - $397 (per axle) |
Cost estimates are approximate and can vary based on location, brand, and the specific repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my rotors at the same time as my pads?
It's highly recommended. While you can sometimes get away with just replacing the pads if the rotors are in excellent condition, installing new pads on old, worn rotors can cause noise, vibration, and reduced pad life. For best performance and safety, replacing pads and rotors together is the best practice.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being very quiet, producing low amounts of fine, light-colored dust, and providing a smooth, consistent feel. They are great for daily driving. Semi-metallic pads offer better performance in aggressive driving and have a stronger initial "bite," but they tend to be noisier, produce more dust, and can be more abrasive on rotors.
Why are my new brakes making noise?
New brakes can sometimes make noise during the "bed-in" period as the pad surface mates with the rotor. This usually goes away after a few hundred miles. Noise can also be caused by not replacing hardware, not lubricating caliper slide pins, or if the rotors were not replaced and have an uneven surface. Following the manufacturer's bed-in procedure is crucial.
🎬 Watch this guide to correctly bed in your new brakes.How difficult is it to replace the Maxima's brake pads myself?
Replacing brake pads and rotors on a 2016-2023 Maxima is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic with the right tools. You will need a jack and jack stands, a lug wrench, sockets (14mm, 19mm, 21mm), and a caliper piston compression tool. The job can typically be done in 1-2 hours per axle.
🎬 Watch: Full front and rear brake replacement walkthrough for your Maxima.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: D1060-9DJ0A (Front) D4060-9HM0C (Rear)
Brake pad replacement is the same for all 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima trims (S, SV, SL, SR, Platinum). The procedure requires basic hand tools, including 14mm, 19mm, and 21mm sockets. The front caliper has two different slide pins (one smooth, one with a rubber bushing) that must be reinstalled in their correct positions to prevent noise.
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 Maxima:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time to Replace Your Maxima's Brake Pads?
- Key Failure Symptoms
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brand Tier
- Economy / Daily Driver Pads
- OEM-Equivalent / Premium Pads
- Performance / Sport Pads
- Pro Tip: Rotors and Hardware are Important Too
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Cost of Replacing Nissan Maxima Brake Pads
- Frequently Asked Questions
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