Nissan Brake Disc

The braking system is the most important system in the vehicle, allowing you the ability to stop in seconds when there is an emergency. The Nissan brake disc does two very important jobs in the overall array. It acts a surface onto which the high-friction brake pads are pushed, in order to bring the vehicle to a stop. Whenever there is a large amount of friction, the end result is a buildup of heat. If the heat is not removed from the system, the brakes will fade as they heat, the pads will wear far quicker, and finally, the extreme heat could actually warp the surface of the Nissan brake disc. Dissipating heat, however, is the second job of the Nissan brake disc. Slots cut into the circumference of the Nissan brake disc provide a large amount of surface area, which is used to dissipate heat into the outside air. Some versions of the stock Nissan brake disc may also be cross-drilled, through the braking surface, to allow for more efficient heat transfer. After several years, corrosion will slowly start to age this part. Loose rust may collect in the slots, which will have a negative effect on the efficiency of the cooling process. The surface of the Nissan brake disc may also start to form small pits and gouges from the effects of corrosion. If the part cannot be cleaned and machined, so that it operates normally again, it will be necessary to install a new Nissan brake disc. Our online catalog has the perfect version to replace your stock unit, at a great price. For some models, we will carry the performance Nissan brake disc, which has several qualities designed to dissipate heat better.

1. My Nissan brake disc is now worn out. What are things I should take note of when getting a new brake disc?

Before purchasing a new Nissan brake disc, get the specifics of your vehicle. Knowing the specific model of your Nissan guarantees you a precise fit. Take note also of the year your Nissan was made. Many brake discs are designed for a specific model and year only. The disc designed for an older vehicle year and model may not work effectively or fit correctly in a newer model. For convenience, most brake discs are marked with the model number and brand name. This way, you can easily match the old discs with their newer versions. For optimum performance, it is advisable to change brake discs by pairs rather than individually.

2. I am replacing the old brake disc of my Nissan sedan. Is there any particular type of disc suitable for it?

The best choice for your Nissan sedan is cast iron brake discs, which have smooth surface. These discs are generally considered standard brake discs for average braking and driving in most typical environments that you may run into regularly. Cast iron brake discs are suitable for non-sports models and light vehicles, plus, they are cost-efficient and durable.

3. Recently, I replaced my worn-out Nissan stock brake discs and pads with new aftermarket ones. During the test drive, I notice some squealing or screeching noises when braking. Is there something wrong with the installation or is this normal? Are there ways to minimize the noise?

Nowadays, a certain amount of brake noise is deemed normal because of the hard semi-metallic brake pads fitted in most front-wheel Nissan vehicles. Some brands of these pads are quieter than OE pads; however, these may also indicate cheaper and less durable units. If the noise persists after driving for quite some time, you can remove the brake squeals by installing noise-suppression shims or applying noise-suppression compound on the backs of the pads. You can also consider resurfacing your Nissan brake discs.

4. During my recent Nissan maintenance regimen, the mechanic told me that my brake discs are warped. What exactly are the reasons for this warping, and how can I prevent this?

Overheating and overtorquing or uneven torqueing of the lug nuts are the common causes of a warped disc. Usually, when the brakes are overworked or dragged, this leads to overheating that causes the rotor to warp. Incorrect torquing also contributes to the warping of the rotor. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use a torque wrench instead of an impact wrench when tightening the lug nuts.

5. I drive a Nissan truck for my business. I am thinking of getting either slotted discs or drilled discs for my upcoming truck maintenance. Which one would you recommend? Are there other suggestions?

The slotted and drilled designs are both suitable for pickup trucks, sports cars, and even SUVs. Generally, slotted discs create more friction when braking while drilled brake discs have small holes along their surface that provide faster heat transfer. There is also a combination of these two designs, the cross-drilled Nissan brake disc. However, this type of disc is usually used on tougher vehicles like the ones used for racing.