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2018 Nissan Maxima Brake Pad Replacement: Cost Guide & Carbon Impact [2025]

Name: HowMuchToFix AI Repair Estimator
Brand: HowMuchToFix
Rating: 4.9 (1247 reviews)

Brake Pad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2018 Nissan Maxima. This repair involves replacing the damaged brakes component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.

What You'll Need

Replacement brakes part (OEM or aftermarket)
Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
Adhesive strips or glue
Clean workspace with good lighting

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Open the Hood

Pull the hood release latch located on the lower left portion of your dashboard (near the steering wheel).

Fully release the hood latch by moving the yellow prop bar to the left.

Step 2: Disconnect Battery

Disconnect the battery connections from the terminals using the 10 mm socket wrench.

Ensure that the negative (black) terminal is disconnected first.

Step 3: Remove Battery Securing Clamp

Remove the battery securing clamp by removing the following bolts:

Three 10mm bolts

Ensure that the battery clamp is tightly secured to the battery during reassembly. The battery should not move when shaken.

Step 4: Remove the Battery

Grabbing the battery by the handle, carefully lift it out of the vehicle.

The battery is heavy. Use two hands to lift if needed.

Ensure that the battery is facing the correct direction when reinstalled. The positive terminal will be on top and the negative terminal will be on the bottom.

Step 5: Remove Plastic Covering

Using a flathead screwdriver or nonmetal pry tool, gently pry up the following clips on the plastic covering:

10 plastic clips

Each clip is made up of two pieces. Ensure that all pieces are accounted for.

Step 6: Find Driver Headlight and Remove Housing

Reaching through the battery area and to the back of the driver's side headlight, find the headlight bulb.

Twist the bulb to remove it from the headlight housing.

Once free, pull the headlight and cables up to the battery area.

Step 7: Disconnect Headlight Bulb

Push the small tab on the wire clip to disconnect the bulb.

The tab is located on the side opposite of the bulb.

Step 8: Install New Headlight Bulb

Install new bulb into wire clip. A click should be felt when it is properly seated.

Insert the bulb back into the headlight housing.

The bulb will be visible inside the headlight when installed correctly.

Step 9: (Passenger Side) Remove Windshield Fluid TankTank

Remove the plastic clip holding the washer fluid tank in place using a flathead screwdriver or nonmetal pry tool.

This clip is different than those from step 5. Keep it separate from the others.

Once free, remove the tank from the vehicle.

Remove and replace the passenger side bulb using the same steps as the driver's side.

Step 10: Reinstalling the Plastic Clips

Before reinserting the plastic clips for the plastic cover, they must each be separated into two pieces.

First, install the shorter, hollow piece into the hole until it is firmly seated.

Then, insert longer, solid piece into the hollow piece until it firmly snaps into place.

📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm

DIY vs Professional Repair

✋ DIY Repair

✅ Lower cost (parts only: $90-$180)
✅ Learn new skills
❌ Risk of further damage
❌ No warranty
❌ Requires tools and time

🔧 Professional Repair

✅ Expert installation
✅ Warranty included
✅ Faster turnaround
❌ Higher cost ($150-$300)
❌ Need to find reputable shop

Environmental Impact

By choosing to repair your 2018 Nissan Maxima instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5895 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2018 Nissan Maxima generates 5900 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 5 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!

2018 Nissan Maxima Brake Pad Replacement

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💰 Cost Breakdown

🔧 Repair Overview