Nissan Frontier: Starting and driving - Brake system

Basic Information

The Nissan Frontier brake system is designed with two independent hydraulic circuits. If one circuit develops a malfunction, braking force will still be available at two wheels, helping the driver maintain a degree of stopping ability.

Brake precautions

Using the brakes

Avoid driving with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Even light, constant pressure can cause the brakes to overheat, accelerate brake pad wear, and reduce fuel economy in your Nissan Frontier.

To help limit brake wear and prevent brake overheating, reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before descending a steep hill or long grade. Using engine braking together with proper pedal control reduces stress on the brake system. Overheated brakes may lose effectiveness, increase stopping distance, and could contribute to loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

• When driving the Nissan Frontier on slippery surfaces, use extra care when braking, accelerating, or downshifting. Sudden braking or rapid acceleration may cause the wheels to skid, which can lead to loss of control and an accident.
• If the engine is not running, or if it is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brake system will not operate.

  Braking will require much greater pedal effort, and the vehicle may take longer to slow or stop.

Wet brakes

After the Nissan Frontier has been washed or driven through standing water, deep puddles, or wet road conditions, the brakes may become wet. Wet brakes can increase stopping distance and may cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive at a safe, controlled speed and lightly press the brake pedal to generate gentle heat in the brake components. Continue only until normal braking feel returns. Avoid high-speed driving, sudden stops, or demanding maneuvers until the brakes are working properly again.

Parking brake break-in

The parking brake shoes should be properly broken in whenever the parking brake holding ability becomes weak, or whenever the parking brake shoes, drums, or rotors are replaced. This helps restore reliable parking brake performance and ensures the Nissan Frontier remains more secure when parked.

The correct break-in procedure is described in the vehicle service manual. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer or qualified service facility for this service to ensure the procedure is performed accurately.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Basic Information

WARNING

• The ABS in the Nissan Frontier is an advanced safety support system, but it cannot overcome careless, aggressive, or unsafe driving techniques. ABS can help the driver maintain steering control during braking on slippery surfaces, but stopping distances may still be longer than on dry, normal roads. Stopping distances can also increase on rough pavement, gravel, snow-covered roads, or when tire chains are installed. Always keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The driver remains fully responsible for safe vehicle operation.
• Tire type, tire size, tread depth, and overall tire condition can also affect braking performance.
  • When replacing tires on the Nissan Frontier, install the specified tire size on all four wheels to help maintain proper ABS and brake system operation.
  • When installing a spare tire, confirm that it is the correct size and type as listed on the Tire and Loading Information label.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in the Nissan Frontier helps control brake pressure so the wheels do not lock during hard braking or when braking on slippery or low-traction surfaces. The system monitors the rotation speed of each wheel and automatically adjusts brake fluid pressure to help prevent individual wheels from locking and sliding.

By reducing the chance of wheel lockup, the ABS helps the driver maintain steering control during emergency braking and can help reduce swerving or spinning on wet, icy, gravel, or uneven road surfaces. This support is especially important when the Nissan Frontier must be slowed quickly while the driver still needs to steer around an obstacle.

Using the system

Press the brake pedal and keep it firmly depressed.

Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will automatically regulate brake pressure to help prevent wheel lockup. Continue steering the Nissan Frontier carefully in the direction needed to avoid hazards or obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Pumping the brakes can interfere with proper ABS operation and may increase stopping distance, especially during emergency braking or on slippery surfaces.

Self-test feature

The Nissan Frontier Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) uses electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids, and a control computer. The computer includes a built-in diagnostic function that checks the system each time the engine is started and the vehicle begins moving at low speed in either forward or reverse. During this self-test, you may hear a brief "clunk" sound and/or feel a slight pulsation through the brake pedal.

This is normal ABS operation and does not indicate a malfunction.

If the control computer detects a malfunction, it turns the ABS function off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. In this condition, the Nissan Frontier brake system will still operate in its standard hydraulic braking mode, but anti-lock assistance will not be available.

If the ABS warning light comes on during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer or qualified service facility for this service.

Normal operation

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) normally operates at speeds above approximately 3 - 6 mph (5 - 10 km/h). The exact operating threshold may vary depending on road surface conditions, tire grip, and vehicle movement.

When the ABS detects that one or more wheels are close to locking, the actuator rapidly increases and releases hydraulic brake pressure to help maintain tire rotation and steering control.

This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly, but it is performed automatically and much faster than a driver could do manually. When ABS is operating, you may feel pulsation in the brake pedal, hear noise from under the hood, or notice vibration from the actuator. These sensations are normal and indicate that the ABS is functioning. However, brake pedal pulsation can also mean that the road surface is slippery or hazardous, so the driver should slow down, increase following distance, and operate the Nissan Frontier with extra caution.