Service & Reliability
Stopping Power: How to Tell if Your INFINITI Needs New Brake Pads
Don't ignore the warning signs. Learn to diagnose your brakes before a simple fix becomes a costly repair.
Whether you’re piloting a nimble Q50 on a twisty backroad or hauling the family in a QX60, your INFINITI’s braking system is its most critical safety feature. INFINITI uses high-performance friction materials designed for a balance of bite and comfort, but they aren't eternal. Knowing the difference between a minor annoyance and a mechanical emergency can save your rotors—and your wallet.
The Sound of Trouble: Squeal vs. Grind
Your car is designed to talk to you. When it comes to brakes, the language is strictly auditory. Here is how to translate the noises coming from your wheel wells:
- The High-Pitched Squeal: This is often the wear indicator—a small metal tab built into the brake pad. When the friction material wears down to a specific level (usually 2mm), this tab touches the rotor, creating a persistent chirping or squealing sound while moving or braking. Verdict: Schedule service soon. Your pads are at the end of their life.
- The Harsh Metal Grind: If you hear a sound like sandpaper on metal or a deep "growl" when you step on the pedal, you’ve moved past the warning stage. This is "metal-on-metal" contact, meaning the friction material is completely gone. Verdict: Stop driving. You are likely damaging your expensive brake rotors and compromising your stopping distance.
The Visual Inspection: Measuring Through the Spokes
You don't always need to put your car on a lift to check your brakes. Most INFINITI models feature alloy wheels with large enough gaps to allow for a "peek-a-boo" inspection of the brake calipers.
- Locate the Caliper: Look through the spokes of your front wheel for the large metal housing (the caliper) that clamps over the circular rotor.
- Find the "Sandwich": Look for the brake pad pressed against the rotor. It looks like a dark block of material held in place by the caliper.
- Check the Thickness:
- New Pad: Approximately 10mm to 12mm of thickness.
- Caution: If the pad looks thinner than a stack of two quarters (approx. 4mm), it’s time to start shopping for replacements.
- Critical: If it looks thinner than a single penny (approx. 1.5mm), the pads are dangerously low.
Other Red Flags
Beyond sight and sound, pay attention to the feel of the vehicle during deceleration:
| Symptom | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Steering Wheel Vibration | Likely warped rotors due to excessive heat or uneven pad wear. |
| Soft or "Mushy" Pedal | Could indicate air in the brake lines or a potential fluid leak. |
| Car Pulling to One Side | A stuck caliper or unevenly worn pads are causing one side to grip harder than the other. |
Dealer Insight: INFINITI performance models (like the Red Sport 400) often use larger Akebono® multi-piston calipers. These require specific high-performance pads to maintain the factory's engineered stopping distance.
Catching brake wear early doesn't just keep you safe—it prevents the "domino effect" where worn pads overheat and ruin your rotors, leading to a much higher repair bill. If you hear the squeal, don't wait.