Disc brake pad orientation

[LD1]

May sound like a stupid question but gotta ask for reasons I'll explain later.

Is there a technically correct orientation to installing disc brake pads. Meaning is there a way to "technically" put them on backwards or upside-down with regard to anything. Like squeaker on top or bottom? Or a certain rotation direction the pad operates best at like a belt sander belt?

I am used to getting 4 identical pads in a box, and really only one way to install them. But I suppose they could be backwards in regard to the direction the rotor turns. (Directional)?

Anyone care to shed some light?

 

[rswyan]

If the pads are identical to each other and are symmetrical in shape, I'd think that that no, they can't be installed "backwards ... except to the extent that you install them with the backing plate against the rotor and the friction material against the caliper piston ...

 

[LD1]

Well my reason for asking....

I but brakes on 20k miles ago or so.

Always do my own. And several friends and relatives. Probably average 5-6 brake jobs a year.

Well the wife's car needed new tires. Can get the tires I want (MasterCraft set touring) locally for $100 a tire.

Well, about 7 years ago (a few tire changes ago), I had a less than stellar shop change the tires. And the idiot behind the machine whacked one of the tpms sensors with the spoon and hasn't worked since.

New sensor at dealer is $70. And they were $5 per tire more out the door for the same tire.

So I decided to let them do it and address the sensor.

Well it turns out they said all 4 sensors we're bad so forget that, just do the tires. I wasn't there, my wife took it in.

They told her that " the front brake pads are on upside down. Do you want us to fix that"

Obviously she said no and called me. I told her to have them note that on the invoice so "her husband would know what to fix".

Sure enough. Front pads upside-down noted on invoice.

So I suspect they we're just trying to take advantage of a female in the dealership with a load of BS. So before I call them Monday and five them a piece of my mind, I wanted to ask the above question.

Bad part is we bought this Sentra new in 2008at this dealer. And are going to buy another new car next year and the wife really likes the altimas. Guess where we aren't buying from

 

[Rustyiron]

That sure sounds like BS to me, but I understand your concern about a slap down (being wrong), :laughing: but if identical, how could it be?

 

[rswyan]

I'd wanna see the shape of the pad ... but hard to imagine they could be "upside down" ...

 

[oosik]

Hmmmm..... I've replaced the front disk pads on my Jeep vehicles a few times and never had a problem. Its probably because there is only one way to install replacements. Believe me - if there were more than one way, I'm likely to be the one to try it backwards.

 

[LD1]

All 4 pads come in the same box.

Everything I have done have had 4 identical pads with the exception that sometimes only two have the squeaker. And I make sure each side gets one.

So yea, I am kinda second guessing everything because I want to make sure.

And didnt know if their was a certain direction they were "supposed" to go, like if you look at a replacement belt for a belt sander....there is always a directional arrow??

 

[rswyan]

In my experience they should not be directional in terms of rotation.

The only exception to that that I can think of might be some kind of aftermarket high performance application.

I don't actually know of one, but that's the only thing I can come up with as a possibility ... and even that seems dubious to me.

 

[TMGT]

Typically the wear indicators (squeaker) have a position they are intended to be in, it is possible to put the pads on the wrong side and have the indicator say, on the trailing edge as apposed to the leading edge. This could be referred to as the pad being "upside down" as that is how it would appear. And no they don't have directional indicators except in very rare and specific applications.

I haven't done brakes on a Sentra in awhile but I can ask my Nissan tech friend about the specifics for your car (15 year Nissan master tech) if you'd like.

 

[pmsmechanic]

If the pads were to be installed in a certain position I'm sure there would be all kinds of markings on the pads and specific installation instructions with the new brakes. If you want to double check get onto a Sentra forum and ask questions. I'm sure someone there will know for sure. Or see if someone can check into a service manual for the correct procedure.

I often run into this at the VW dealer where my wife gets oil changes done. The Napa air filter needs changing because it doesn't fit quite right etc. She's smart enough now to say leave it for next time or that my husband will do that.

I always install the squealer on the outside of the rotor. For one thing that's the only place I've ever seen them and secondly it's the outside pad that generally wears the most.

 

[TMGT]

There is pad orientation on most vehicles and no they are pretty much never marked or have instructions with them for location.

Typically the wear indicator is located on the inner pad (there's always exceptions) and on a properly functioning disc brake system the inner pad typically wears quicker.

 

[Snobdds]

I know on my Ford F150 there is a left and right break pad in the caliper. The pads are the same, it is a tab on the backing plate that is different. So there is at least one vehicle out there that has different pads, left to right...so it's possible.

 

[shaeff]

There is pad orientation on most vehicles and no they are pretty much never marked or have instructions with them for location. Typically the wear indicator is located on the inner pad (there's always exceptions) and on a properly functioning disc brake system the inner pad typically wears quicker.

This is my experience as well. Inner pad is generally where the caliper's piston is located, which does a better job at forcing the brake pad to contact the rotor.

I put the wear clip on the inner pad. (Of course, I agree there are exceptions)

 

[LD1]

All 4 pads have squeakers.

And pad construction and backing plate is the same.

Two pads have squeakers on one side, two ate mirror images.

So I guess the only delima is squeaker on top or bottom.

Makes no difference to me, even if there is technically a correct way. It's a hard pill to swallow that the dealer was trying to charge my wife for "swapping" them around.

I doubt they even would have done it but would have just billed it and no one would be any the wiser.

 

[Clint S]

Yep, in my experience the inner pad wears quicker. It has all the pressure from the piston. Thats why the squealer goes on the inside. There are some pads that. I have seen identical pads that have a different backer for the inner pad too. There are some pad sets that actually make the inner pad out of a harder material. NAPA adaptive one pads are one of those, there are specific instructions with the pads though

 

[aczlan]

Looking at Nissan Sentra Front Brake Pads Replacement Guide - 2007 To 2012 Model Years - Picture Illustrated Automotive Maintenance DIY Instructions I don't really see any difference between the top and bottom of the pads other than preference. If the caliper is on the back of the disc it would seem that you would want the wear indicators on the top so that they couldn't get pulled into and possibly under the pad but other than that I don't see any real difference.

Aaron Z

 

[pmsmechanic]

Typically the wear indicator is located on the inner pad (there's always exceptions) and on a properly functioning disc brake system the inner pad typically wears quicker.

Your right!

 

[TMGT]

Talked to my buddy today, he said yes they can be put on wrong, if the retainer clip is on the wrong side it can cause problems, when forward braking the pad should be loaded against the pads backing plate not the retainer, I believe that puts the retainer in the upper side of the bracket.

He said it's a common problem that comes in and usually charges about a half hr labor to correct them.

If left the retainer can break and allow the pad to rattle and shift and can contact the wheel in some instances (said it will sound like a card in bicycle spokes).

 

[LD1]

Talked to my buddy today, he said yes they can be put on wrong, if the retainer clip is on the wrong side it can cause problems, when forward braking the pad should be loaded against the pads backing plate not the retainer, I believe that puts the retainer in the upper side of the bracket.

He said it's a common problem that comes in and usually charges about a half hr labor to correct them.

If left the retainer can break and allow the pad to rattle and shift and can contact the wheel in some instances (said it will sound like a card in bicycle spokes).

Maybe.

I dont buy their explination.

But the Pads are NOT on upside down.

The squeaker (possibly what you are calling the retainer), is at the top on all 4.

The way the squeaker is a little tab that loops around, part of the hardware for the caliper has a little anti-rattle tab that goes through that. Its on the top of the caliper. So all the squeakers are on the top. Caliper to the front of the rotor.

Photo shows 4 pads and 4 hardware kits.

The pad set I bought didnt have hardware. So its OEM. You can see the little tabs on the hardware kit to the left. Those are on the top.

 

[TMGT]

You don't have to "buy it", that's just the explanation via the oem, the "squeaker" is the retainer/wear indicator. I'm familiar with that style pad, and I have seen failures from them being installed wrong. Maybe ask the dealer for clarification on what they were refering too since they brought it up?

Also don't quote me on orientation, he told me where the retainer should be but I forgot.