Hi, haven't been on the forums for awhile...

Recently got my fiance a '01 SE, and I'm trying to change the rear pads (whoever did the last one used some ****ty aftermarket metallic pads.) I'm attempting to use nissan OEM pads from a local dealer.

I got everything all taken apart, except... the new pads are not the same as the aftermarket ones that are on there now. And im inclined to think the aftermarket ones are correct.

The tabs on the sides of the pads on the OEM pads are smaller, and do not fill up the entire space on the calipers, and it would seem like the pads could shift around after installation (obviously not good.)

The tabs on the sides of the aftermarket pads are the same width of what is on the caliper, holding the pads in place snugly.

What gives? I've searched around and seen that the part number is correct (44060-4U092) and even seen this picture on another forum (different topic, but it shows exactly what i mean. The middle pad is the part number for the 01 SE rear pads, the bottom brake pad in the picture looks exactly like what is on the car now. Notice the tabs are larger?)

 

Same thing happened with me. The car parts clerk suggested sometimes the assembly plant uses different parts than specified.

After trying a couple of different sets, the rear pads for the 2001 were found to fit my 2003. They are the same as the ones in your third picture. I know because I saved the old pads for comparing with the next time I need to go out to buy news pads again.

 

That's interesting... supposedly, the 2nd ones in the picture are for the 01, but where you purchased them the 01 pads looked like the third set of pads?

 

That's right.

At this point, I suggest you bring your old pads with you, and have the clerk open a few boxes for different model years until you hit the matching pads.

 

They switched the pad design mid-year in 2001. I had the same problem. There are two part numbers for rear pads. Take your VIN and production date to the dealer to get the right ones.

 

but nissan OEM pads FTL
aren't they rated as worst oem quality pads???
why not go a better aftermarket brand
don't go hawk HPS if you want a quite ride though, unless that only applies to the front

 

I've used 95 model year pads on an 03.