A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on Your 2017-2025 Nissan Kicks
Stop overpaying at the dealership and learn how to choose the right aftermarket brake pads for your Kicks.
- For most Nissan Kicks owners, premium aftermarket ceramic pads from brands like Akebono or Bosch offer the best combination of quiet performance and value.
- Brake pad life varies greatly from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending heavily on your driving style (city vs. highway).
- Listen for squealing as the first sign of wear; a grinding noise means the pads are gone and you risk damaging your rotors.
- Replacing brake pads is a feasible DIY job for many owners and can significantly reduce the total cost of the repair.
Is It Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Nissan Kicks will give you clear signs when its brake pads are wearing thin. Ignoring these warnings can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors. Listen and feel for these common symptoms:
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched squeal when you brake. This is the first warning sign.
- Grinding Noise: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding sound, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. This often means the brake pads have worn away completely, and now the metal backing plate is grinding against the rotor, causing serious damage.
- Vibrations in the Pedal or Steering Wheel: A pulsing or vibrating feeling when you apply the brakes can be caused by unevenly worn pads or warped brake rotors. Some Kicks owners have reported vibrations when their pads needed replacement.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your Kicks is taking longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
Pro Tip: Is It Your Brakes or the FEB System?
Some Nissan vehicles have a Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) system that can sometimes cause "phantom braking"—where the car brakes suddenly for no reason. This is a sensor or software issue, not a problem with the brake pads themselves. If your Kicks brakes suddenly without you pressing the pedal, it's best to have a dealership inspect the FEB system.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your Kicks
You don't need to buy expensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads from the dealership. Aftermarket brands often provide the same quality, or even better, for a lower price. For a Nissan Kicks, the best choice depends on your budget and driving style. Brake pads are typically made from ceramic or semi-metallic materials.
- Ceramic Pads: These are a great choice for the typical Kicks owner. They are known for being very quiet, producing less brake dust (which keeps your wheels cleaner), and offering smooth, consistent stopping power.
- Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads offer excellent performance and durability, but they can be noisier and produce more dust than ceramic pads. They are a good option if you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving.
Brand Recommendations
With 51 different products available, choosing can be tough. We've sorted the most common brands into tiers to help you decide.
Tier 1: Premium Daily Drivers (OEM Quality or Better)
These brands are perfect for Kicks owners who want quiet, clean, and reliable braking that meets or exceeds factory standards. They are ideal for daily commuting and highway driving.
- Akebono: Often considered the "gold standard" and a supplier for many Japanese automakers. Akebono pads are famous for their ultra-quiet operation, extremely low dust, and smooth stopping power.
- Bosch: The Bosch QuietCast line is a very popular and highly-regarded choice. They offer excellent performance, low noise, and great value, often including all necessary hardware in the box.
- Raybestos & Wagner: Both are well-respected brands known for making durable, reliable brake pads that are a solid alternative to OEM parts.
Tier 2: Economy & Value
These brands offer safe, dependable brake pads that get the job done without the premium price tag. They are a great option for budget-conscious drivers.
- Centric: Known for providing good quality parts at a very competitive price. They offer a solid balance of performance and value for everyday use.
- Dynamic Friction: This brand focuses on providing quality that matches original equipment specifications, making them a reliable and affordable choice.
Tier 3: Performance Upgrades
While most Kicks owners don't need racing brakes, these brands offer enhanced stopping power for those who enjoy more spirited driving or want a performance look and feel.
- Powerstop: Very popular for their affordable brake kits, which often bundle performance pads with drilled and slotted rotors. Their carbon-fiber ceramic pads are designed to handle higher heat and reduce brake fade.
- EBC Brakes: A UK-based company with a strong reputation in performance braking. Their different pad compounds (like Greenstuff or Redstuff) allow you to choose a specific level of performance, though they may create more dust and noise than daily-driver pads.
How Much Does a Brake Pad Replacement Cost for a 2017-2025 Nissan Kicks?
The cost can vary depending on whether you do the job yourself or take it to a shop. A brake pad replacement is a common DIY task that can save you a lot of money.
| Service | Estimated Cost (Per Axle) |
|---|---|
| DIY Aftermarket Pads | $24 - $91 |
| Shop Labor | $122 - $179 |
| Total at Independent Shop (Aftermarket Parts) | $150 - $372 |
| Total at Dealership (OEM Parts) | $368 - $432 |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary by location and the specific parts chosen. Replacing rotors at the same time will increase the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace my rotors with my brake pads?
Not always. If your rotors are still thick enough and not warped or heavily grooved, they can often be reused. However, it is best practice to either replace or resurface the rotors when you install new pads. This ensures the new pads have a perfectly flat, clean surface to bed into, which gives you the best braking performance and prevents noise.
How often should I replace my Kicks' brake pads?
The lifespan of your brake pads depends heavily on your driving habits. They can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, you will likely replace them on the lower end of that range. If you do more gentle highway driving, they will last much longer.
Are there any recalls for the Nissan Kicks brakes?
As of late 2025, there are no major safety recalls specifically for the brake pads on 2017-2025 Nissan Kicks models. There have been recalls for other items on the 2025 model, but they do not involve the brake pads themselves.
What is "brake pad break-in" or "bedding"?
This is an important process after installing new pads. It involves a series of controlled stops to transfer a thin, even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking. Most aftermarket brake pad manufacturers include specific instructions for this procedure with their products.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: D1060-5RA0A D4060-5RA0A 41060-5RA0A 44060-5RA0A
The Nissan Kicks uses a front disc and rear drum brake setup on most S and SV trims, while some higher trims (like SR) may feature four-wheel disc brakes. The front pads are the most critical for stopping power. The replacement process typically requires a 14mm wrench or socket for the caliper bolts.
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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.
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