2018–2025 Nissan Leaf
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026
Save $245 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $450
Quick answer: Brake Pad Replacement on a 2018–2025 Nissan Leaf is rated Advanced and takes about 1-3 hours. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $205. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front or rear brake pad set for 2018-2025 Nissan Leaf; verify axle, brake package, and VIN fitment | — | $180.00 | |
| Replacement pad hardware or wear sensor only if the kit requires it | — | $25.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
FRONT axle. Single-piston floating caliper on a vented rotor, pads on abutment clips — no electronic wear sensor. Regenerative braking does most of the stopping, so pads last long but can corrode from disuse — inspect pins and pad ears.
Park level, chock the wheels. The Leaf's parking brake acts on the REAR axle — no service mode needed. Loosen wheel nuts, raise the front, support on stands. Remove the wheel; check the rotor face for rust ridges.
Remove caliper bolts with a 14mm socket, holding pin with a 17mm spanner; lift the caliper off and hang it — never strain the hose. Pull the pads and hardware. Inspect guide pins and boots, piston boot, and flex hose.
On a low-use EV, I expect corroded pins rather than worn pads. I inspect the pins and pad ears for rust first — a seized pin does more damage than thin pads.
Clean bracket lands; fit new hardware with anti-squeal paste where the pads contact the bracket. Press the piston back with a wind-back tool. Replace shims and clips even if they look serviceable. Open the reservoir cap; watch the fluid level.
Reinstall caliper; torque caliper bolts to 35 N-m (verify in service data). Refit wheel; torque wheel nuts to 120 N-m in a star pattern. Car OFF: pump the pedal until firm; check fluid level. Break pads in over 150-200 km.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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