2001 Nissan Quest ABS Troubleshoot/Brake Pad Replacement

The 2001 Nissan Quest comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The braking system requires a concerted effort among a group of brake components in order for the systems to work as designed. If any one of the brake parts fails to operate properly, the entire braking system will suffer. Improperly functioning brakes can lead to dangerous results and should be avoided through periodic maintenance and effective troubleshooting. Follow this guide to find, diagnose, and repair any issues that would lead to degraded Nissan Quest braking performance before disaster strikes.

To identify the specific brake issues, perform a test to bring out the problem. Start by driving the Quest in a parking lot or other closed and safe area. Make sure you reach speeds of up to 25-mph to provide the brakes a stiff enough test to flesh out inconsistency and trouble areas. Press the brake pedal in a steady rate of depression to slow the Quest to a complete stop. As your rate of speed decreases, observe the reaction by the brakes. Listen to hear any squealing or scratching sounds. Notice if the Nissan drifts or pulls to one side or the other. These indicators will tell you what type of problem you may have and where the problem is likely to be occurring.

After your test, park the on level ground and apply the parking brake. Turn off the Nissan’s engine and pull the hood release lever. Lift the hood and support it in the upright and opened position. Locate the master cylinder on the right side of the engine and remove the cap. Peer into the master cylinder to check the brake fluid level inside of the reservoir. If the fluid level is sufficient, move onto the next part of a complete brake examination. In order to provide the space necessary to depress the brake calipers you will need to remove some of the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Use a poultry baster to remove half of the brake fluid from the reservoir. Place the master cylinder cap loosely over the container to keep debris from the remaining fluid but allow air to pass during the piston compressions forthcoming.

Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with the tire iron. You can also use a 17-mm socket and wrench to loosen the lugs. Place the jack beneath the frame of the vehicle near the wheel and lift the Nissan until you are able to slide jack stands beneath the axels. Place the stands under the axels and lower the Quest onto the stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off.

Locate the two caliper bolts on the upper edge of the inward facing side of the caliper. Remove the bolts with a 10-mm socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper from the ABS assembly and suspend it above the wheel with a wire coat hanger or bungee cord.

Slide the two worn brake pads from the caliper bracket. If the pads are not easily removed by hand, use a flat screwdriver to pry to metal tabs on the back of each pad so that you can remove them from the caliper bracket. Set the used pads aside.

While you have the brake rotor exposed and unobstructed, inspect each rotor for damage. Common damage that will compromise brake performance includes scoring or warping. A scored rotor can be resurfaced and used further. A heavily scored or warped rotor should be replaced immediately as its condition is untenable with a properly functioning braking system.

In order to fit the new brake pads onto the caliper bracket you will need to first force the caliper pistons into a fully opened position. Place a C-clamp over the pistons and twist the clamps so that the pistons are forced open. Before replacing the brake pads, apply a layer of copper-based brake grease on the back sides of the new brake pads. The grease will keep the brake parts from rusting and will aid in the smooth operation of the ABS system. Slide the new pads onto the caliper bracket until they lock into place.

Replace the caliper onto the caliper bracket and newly installed brake pads. Replace the caliper bolts and tighten them with the 10-mm socket and ratchet. Replace the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

Return to the lifting jack and lift the vehicle to remove the jack stands. Once the stands are removed, lower the Nissan until the tires are firmly returned to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron or 17-mm socket and breaker bar.

Return to the Nissan’s cockpit and start the engine. Press the brake pedal all the way to the floor to force brake fluid through the brake lines and reset the calipers. Release the brake pedal slowly and repeat the brake pedal depressions at least three more times or until the brake pedal response stiffens to normal. Return to the engine compartment.

Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel inside the container. Fill the reservoir with DOT-3 brake fluid until the fluid reaches the “full” reading inside the reservoir. Remove the funnel, replace the master cylinder cap and close the hood.

References

“Auto Parts Repairs.” Auto Parts Repairs, http://www.atvrepairmanual.com/suzuki-80-lt80-repair-manual-1987-2006/.