There’s a sound every driver dreads. It’s not the roar of a powerful engine or the hum of tires on fresh asphalt. It’s the subtle, then not-so-subtle, high-pitched squeal that turns into a gut-wrenching, metal-on-metal grind every time you press the brake pedal. I remember it vividly with our long-term project car, a 2013 Nissan Sentra. What started as a minor annoyance became a safety concern. The braking distance felt longer, the pedal felt spongy, and that grinding noise was a constant, unnerving reminder that the most critical safety system on the car was failing. Ignoring it wasn’t an option. Worn-out brakes don’t just compromise your ability to stop; they can lead to damaged, warped rotors, caliper failure, and a repair bill that skyrockets from a simple maintenance job to a major mechanical overhaul. That’s the moment when a comprehensive solution like the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan transitions from a “nice-to-have” upgrade to an absolute necessity.
- Measurement: Fit Models with 11.46 inch (291mm) Rear Rotor Outside Diameter
- Rear Brake Rotors Brake Pads Replacement for 2011 2012 2013 Nissan Juke - [2014 2015 2016 2017 Juke (Nismo, S, SL, SV)] - 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Sentra (All...
What to Consider Before Buying a Brake Kit
A brake kit is more than just a set of replacement parts; it’s a key solution for restoring and often enhancing your vehicle’s most vital safety feature. The primary benefit of an all-in-one kit is the assurance of compatibility and convenience. Instead of piecing together rotors from one brand and pads from another, a kit provides components engineered to work in harmony. This eliminates guesswork and ensures you have everything needed—rotors, pads, and often hardware—for a complete job. This synergy translates into smoother, quieter, and more reliable stopping power, giving you renewed confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a discerning DIY mechanic or a vehicle owner who wants to provide their trusted technician with high-quality, value-oriented parts. They are typically facing worn-out original components and are looking for an affordable OEM-equivalent or slightly better replacement for their daily driver. This kit is perfect for someone who prioritizes quiet operation, low brake dust, and consistent performance under normal driving conditions. However, it might not be the best fit for those who engage in competitive track days or heavy-duty towing. These individuals would require specialized, high-performance kits with features like drilled and slotted rotors and aggressive, high-friction pad compounds designed to handle extreme temperatures and repeated hard braking, albeit often at the cost of more noise and dust.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fitment and Compatibility: This is non-negotiable. Brake components are specific not only to the make and model but often to the year, trim level, and even the original factory options. For the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan, it’s critical to confirm your vehicle requires the 11.46-inch (291mm) rear rotor. Double-checking your car’s specifications against the manufacturer’s compatibility list is the single most important step before purchasing.
- Performance Characteristics: Consider your driving style. Ceramic pads, like those included in this kit, are renowned for their quiet operation and low dust output, making them ideal for daily commuting and keeping your wheels clean. They offer excellent stopping power for everyday situations. If you need aggressive initial bite for performance driving, you might look at semi-metallic pads, but be prepared for more noise and dust.
- Materials and Durability: The quality of the iron in the rotors and the formulation of the pad compound determine the lifespan of your brake system. This kit features standard, smooth-faced rotors designed to exceed OEM specifications, which is perfect for longevity and even pad wear. Coated or treated rotors can offer better corrosion resistance, which is a factor to consider if you live in a region with harsh winters and salted roads.
- Ease of Installation and Included Hardware: A complete kit should, in theory, include everything you need. This kit comes with pads, rotors, and essential hardware like clips and springs. Having new hardware is crucial for preventing rattles and ensuring the pads move freely within the caliper bracket. While most installations are straightforward for those with mechanical experience, the quality and fit of this hardware can make or break the job.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan stands out as a well-rounded package for a huge range of Nissan drivers. You can explore its detailed specifications and vehicle compatibility list here.
While the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Compatible: Please CHECK the Product Description and Fitment Chart--AMAZONCONFIRMEDFIT on the top left, year & model is not enough, check more details.
- Fits: 2015 TOYOTA TUNDRA MFG After 8/2015| 2015 TOYOTA TUNDRA MFG Up To 8/2015| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 LEXUS LX570|
- Fits: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 JEEP WRANGLER | 2018 JEEP WRANGLER JK
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
The Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan arrived in a sturdy, well-packaged box, a good sign that the heavy components inside were protected during shipping. At over 10 kilograms, the weight itself felt reassuring. Inside, the two 11.46-inch rotors were individually wrapped in plastic, coated in a light protective oil to prevent surface rust during storage. They felt substantial, with a clean, non-directional surface finish. The casting looked solid, with no visible imperfections. The set of four ceramic brake pads and the accompanying hardware were neatly packed in a separate box. The pads themselves had pre-installed shims, which is a nice touch that saves a step during installation. The hardware kit included new abutment clips (or “spring parts” as one user called them) and spreader springs. Everything looked like a direct, high-quality replacement for the factory parts we were about to remove from our Sentra, promising a straightforward installation.
Key Benefits
- Complete all-in-one kit with rotors, pads, and hardware
- Engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications for fit and performance
- Ceramic pads provide quiet operation and low brake dust
- Excellent value proposition compared to OEM parts
Potential Drawbacks
- Included hardware may have fitment issues in some isolated cases
- Warranty details can be confusing (10-year advertised vs. 1-year replacement)
A Deep Dive into the Detroit Axle Brake Kit’s Real-World Performance
A brake kit’s true worth isn’t judged on the workbench; it’s proven on the road. We installed the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan on our 2013 Nissan Sentra SE-R to put it through a comprehensive, real-world evaluation. From the initial installation process to the final break-in and subsequent weeks of daily driving, we analyzed every aspect of its performance to see if the value promised on paper translated to confidence behind the wheel.
Installation and Fitment: A Near-Perfect Experience
For any DIYer, the installation process is the first major hurdle. A well-designed kit should be a simple “off with the old, on with the new” affair. Unpacking the components, we were pleased with the quality. The rotors were dimensionally perfect, sliding onto the hub assembly without any force or modification needed. The bolt holes lined up precisely, and the overall casting felt robust.
Moving on to the pads and hardware, we cleaned the caliper brackets thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface for the new clips. The included abutment clips snapped into place securely, providing a clean channel for the pads. The ceramic pads, with their integrated shims, slid into the clips with just the right amount of tension—not too tight to bind, but not so loose as to rattle. This is where our experience was seamless. However, it’s important to address feedback from other users. One driver noted, “Wrong spring parts that pads slide in. Too big but will have to use old parts.” This highlights a critical piece of advice for any brake job, regardless of the brand: always keep your old hardware until the installation is complete and verified. Manufacturing tolerances can vary, and having the original clips as a fallback can save you from a stalled project. In our case, the hardware was a perfect fit, but this user’s experience serves as a valuable reminder about the realities of aftermarket parts. The entire process, from jacking up the car to the final torque of the lug nuts, was straightforward and free of major complications for us, which speaks well of Detroit Axle’s adherence to OEM specifications.
Stopping Power and On-Road Manners
With the new brakes installed, we immediately began the critical bedding-in process. This involves a series of controlled stops from moderate speeds to properly mate the new pad material to the rotor surface, ensuring optimal performance and preventing future noise issues. Following a standard procedure of 6-8 firm stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph, we could feel the brakes’ effectiveness increasing with each application. The initial bite was smooth and progressive, not grabby or abrupt, which is characteristic of a good quality ceramic pad.
In the weeks that followed, we subjected the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan to a variety of driving conditions. During typical city commuting, with its endless stop-and-go traffic, the brakes performed flawlessly. They were exceptionally quiet, completely eliminating the grinding and squealing of the old, worn-out components. There was no shudder, no vibration through the pedal or steering wheel—just smooth, confident deceleration. On the highway, they provided ample stopping power for gradual slowdowns and more urgent “panic stop” simulations. We found the resistance to brake fade to be more than adequate for any conceivable public road scenario. The ceramic compound’s main benefit truly shone through: our wheels remained noticeably cleaner for longer. The low-dust formulation is a massive quality-of-life improvement for anyone tired of constantly scrubbing black, caked-on dust from their rims. The performance delivered is exactly what a daily driver needs: reliable, quiet, and clean.
Durability, Longevity, and the Warranty Question
One of the primary concerns for any budget-conscious buyer is longevity. As one user aptly put it, “we look forward to the duration for the price.” This is where the build quality and materials of the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan come under scrutiny. The rotors are solid, not coated, which means they may show surface rust on the hub and edges over time, especially in wet climates. This is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect performance, but it’s a trade-off for the kit’s attractive price point. The actual braking surface remained clean and smooth throughout our testing period.
The ceramic pads are designed for long life under normal use. They tend to be less abrasive on rotors than semi-metallic pads, suggesting that both components should wear evenly and provide a long service life. The manufacturer claims the components undergo “rigorous impact, wear, and fatigue testing,” and our initial experience gives us no reason to doubt that. They feel built to last for tens of thousands of miles of typical driving.
The warranty is an interesting point. The product is often advertised with a “10-Year Warranty,” but the fine print in the technical details specifies a “1 Year replacement coverage for manufacturing defects.” This is a significant discrepancy. We interpret this as the 10-year warranty likely being a limited, pro-rated warranty against specific defects like cracking, while the 1-year coverage is for more immediate out-of-the-box issues. Regardless, a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects is fairly standard for aftermarket parts and provides a reasonable safety net. For the price paid, the expected durability makes this kit a fantastic value, and if it lasts even half as long as the advertised decade, most owners will be more than satisfied. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to restore your Nissan’s braking performance, you can see if it’s the right fit for your Nissan model here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan seems to be shared by many, though it’s important to acknowledge the occasional hiccup reported by some users. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the incredible value and direct-fit nature of the kit. One owner of a 2013 Nissan Sentra stated simply, “It was perfect,” adding that they “look forward to the duration for the price.” This encapsulates the core appeal of the product: it fits correctly for the vast majority of applications and offers performance that far exceeds its cost, leaving customers hopeful and satisfied with their purchase.
On the other hand, the most common criticism, though infrequent, centers around the included hardware. As one user reported, they received the “Wrong spring parts that pads slide in. Too big but will have to use old parts.” This is a frustrating but manageable issue. It doesn’t point to a flaw in the primary components (the rotors and pads) but rather a potential quality control lapse in the small, supplementary hardware. This feedback is crucial because it reinforces the expert advice to never discard your old parts until the job is fully complete.
How Does the Detroit Axle Kit Compare to the Alternatives?
The Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan carves out a strong niche in the daily-driver replacement market, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your vehicle, budget, and performance needs, other kits might be a better fit. Here’s how it stacks up against some notable competitors.
1. Max Advanced Brakes StyleMAX Rear Brake Kit
- Upgraded Performance for Everyday Driving : StyleMAX is designed for drivers who want a refined daily performance with visual edge. Ideal for city streets and highway commutes, it blends upgraded...
- Precision Drilled for Fade Control: Cross-drilled rotors improve heat dissipation, reducing surface temperatures and minimizing fade during repeated stops. Featuring non-directional finish, delivering...
The Max Advanced Brakes StyleMAX kit is geared towards a slightly different customer. Its most prominent feature is the cross-drilled rotors, which are primarily an aesthetic upgrade that also offers some marginal benefit in heat and gas dissipation under spirited driving. While the Detroit Axle kit focuses on being a quiet, durable OEM replacement, the StyleMAX kit is for the owner who wants a more aggressive, performance-oriented look for their late-model Toyota. If you prioritize visual flair and want to see stylized rotors behind your wheels, this is a compelling option, but for the average Nissan commuter, the simpler, solid rotors from Detroit Axle are more than sufficient and often quieter.
2. Power Stop CRK206 Rear Brake Rotor and Pad Kit
- Ceramic keeps your wheels dust-free & Genuine Geomet Coated rotors maintain that new car look
- Brake rotors are fully coated, including inside the vanes to extend rotor life, to maintain that great look behind open wheels
Power Stop is a household name in the aftermarket brake world, and their CRK206 kit represents a direct step up in terms of material technology. The key differentiator here is the coated rotors. This coating is applied to the entire rotor and is designed to prevent rust and corrosion on the non-contact areas like the hub and cooling vanes. This is a huge advantage for drivers in the Rust Belt or coastal areas where salt and moisture can quickly make uncoated rotors look unsightly. While the braking performance is comparable to the Detroit Axle kit for daily driving, you’re paying a premium for that long-lasting, clean appearance. If corrosion resistance is a top priority for you, the Power Stop kit is worth the extra investment.
3. Power Stop K137-36 Front Brake Kit Drilled Slotted Rotors Ceramic Pads
- Fits: 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 TOYOTA TACOMA 6 Lug Wheels| 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Models w/ 319mm (12.56") Front Rotors| 2007 2008 2009 2010...
- Fits: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA
This Power Stop K137-36 kit is in a completely different league and serves a different purpose, highlighting what the Detroit Axle kit is not. This is a heavy-duty front brake kit designed for trucks and SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, specifically for “Truck & Tow” applications. It features more aggressive carbon-fiber ceramic pads and drilled/slotted rotors designed to handle the immense heat and stress of towing heavy loads or navigating steep grades. Comparing this to the Detroit Axle kit is like comparing a work boot to a running shoe. It showcases the importance of buying a kit that matches your vehicle’s intended use. The Detroit Axle kit is perfect for a Nissan sedan; this Power Stop kit is essential for a hard-working truck.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Everyday Nissan Driver
After weeks of testing and careful analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan offers an exceptional combination of performance, quality, and value for its target audience. It successfully addresses the most common needs of a daily driver: quiet operation, low dust, and reliable, consistent stopping power. It’s the perfect solution for the DIYer or budget-conscious owner looking to replace worn-out rear brakes without paying the steep price for OEM parts.
While the potential for minor hardware fitment issues exists, as noted in some user feedback, this is a small risk given the overall quality of the main components. For the price, you receive a complete, well-engineered kit that restores your vehicle’s braking system to factory-fresh condition, if not slightly better, thanks to the clean and quiet ceramic pads. It may not have the fancy coatings or aggressive styling of more expensive kits, but it delivers where it counts most: safety and reliability. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any Nissan owner in need of a straightforward, effective, and affordable brake overhaul.
If you’ve decided the Detroit Axle Rear Brake Kit for Nissan is the right fit for restoring your peace of mind on the road, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API