2005 Pathfinder Brakes

[racerken]

Hi,

I've got 130k miles of hard stop-n-go, Detroit Salt/Corrosion 2005 4.0L Pathfinder LE 4x4. Twice a year we go hard off-roading and I always break something like a spring or ball joint so I do drive it per design spec.

I think at 70k I changed the front rotors and the pads seem to last 30k and i'm at end of rotor life.

I would like to ask when you guys change or rebuild the calipers. Do you wait for the seals to leak?

thus far my shopping list is:
Rotors/Pads:
CENTRIC Part # 12742085L StopTech Sport; Drilled & Slotted
CENTRIC Part # 12742085R StopTech Sport; Drilled & Slotted
AKEBONO Part # ACT1094 ProACT Ultra Premium Ceramic Pad w/ Premium Stainless Hardware

Calipers are expensive but kits are really cheap - is it really only a couple of seals and boots that are replaced?
Just trying to settle analysis paralysis of whether to just get everything done once or wait till the calipers fail later.
Thanks

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO!

Thats a pretty good question. Given the environment you drive and use the truck in, I'd be buying new. I think it'll make it easier down the road when you have a new issue and one less thing to worry about.
It looks like you're shopping Rock Auto, but you may want to check out one of our sponsors in the Marketplace tab above. Mention NICO and get a discount!

[rgk]

I change my calipers when they're bad, and most often they fail due to rust. A good preventative measure is to make sure your seals are tight, and keep the slides well-greased.

If the calipers look clean, and you don't have any symptoms of brake issues, such as dragging, noise, or wobbling, I wouldn't touch them.

[atraudes]

If you do end up buying new calipers, I recommend getting Centric. I read a number of stories where Cardone calipers were as bad as the ones they were replacing. I found some Centric calipers on Amazon for mine for $125 each which include the mounting brackets.