G37 Brake Pads: The Definitive Guide to Safety, Performance, and Value for Your Infiniti​

Choosing and maintaining the correct brake pads for your Infiniti G37 is the single most important factor for ensuring the vehicle's safety, preserving its performance character, and protecting your investment. This comprehensive guide provides all the practical knowledge you need, from selecting the right type of pad to performing a complete DIY installation and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you're a daily commuter, an enthusiastic driver, or a new G37 owner, understanding your brake pads is non-negotiable for responsible vehicle ownership.

​Understanding Your G37's Braking System and Why Pads Matter​

The Infiniti G37, whether coupe, sedan, or convertible, is a performance-oriented vehicle. Its braking system is engineered to handle spirited driving, which means the brake pads are a critical wear component. The brake pad is a friction material bonded to a metal backing plate. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper to clamp these pads against the rotating brake rotor, creating the friction that slows and stops your car. The composition of that friction material dictates everything: stopping power, noise levels, dust production, and rotor wear. Using incorrect or worn-out pads compromises safety, can lead to costly rotor damage, and diminishes the driving experience that defines the G37.

​The Three Main Types of Brake Pads for the Infiniti G37​

Not all brake pads are created equal. The market offers three primary formulations, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs. Your driving style should directly inform your choice.

1. ​Ceramic Brake Pads.​​ These are the premium, modern choice for most G37 drivers. They are composed of ceramic fibers, non-ferrous filler materials, and binding agents. ​Ceramic pads are renowned for their clean and quiet operation.​​ They produce very little visible dust, keeping your front wheels cleaner for longer. They also generate minimal noise and provide excellent, consistent stopping power in normal to aggressive street driving. Their main drawback is cost; they are typically the most expensive option. They can also be less ideal for extreme, repeated track use without a dedicated track formulation, as they may have a lower maximum operating temperature threshold than some high-performance compounds.

2. ​Semi-Metallic Brake Pads.​​ This is a traditional, high-performance formulation. As the name suggests, they are made from a mix of metals (like steel, copper, or iron) bonded with graphite and other materials. ​Semi-metallic pads offer strong braking performance and excellent heat dissipation.​​ They are very effective at managing the heat generated during hard driving, making them a common upgrade for drivers who enjoy mountain roads or occasional track days. However, they have significant downsides: they produce copious amounts of abrasive black dust that sticks to wheels, they are noisier (often producing squeals when cold), and they cause more wear to the brake rotors over time compared to ceramic pads.

3. ​Organic or Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) Pads.​​ These pads are made from materials like glass, rubber, Kevlar, and carbon, bound with resin. They are rarely, if ever, the best choice for a G37. While they are quiet and gentle on rotors, ​organic pads are not suited to the performance demands or weight of the G37.​​ They wear out very quickly, fade significantly when hot, and produce a moderate amount of dust. They are generally found as original equipment on less powerful family sedans, not sports coupes and sedans. Choosing these for a G37 is a false economy and a potential safety compromise.

​How to Select the Perfect Brake Pads for Your Driving Needs​

Your daily use of the car should guide your purchase. Here is a straightforward selection guide.

• ​For the Primary Daily Driver / Commuter:​​ Your priority is clean wheels, quiet operation, and long pad life. ​Choose high-quality ceramic brake pads.​​ This is the recommendation for over 80% of G37 owners. Brands like Akebono, Hawk Performance, or Centric offer excellent ceramic formulations that provide strong, predictable braking without the downsides of noise and dust.

• ​For the Enthusiast / Weekend Canyon Carver:​​ If you frequently drive on challenging roads where braking force and heat management are key, you have two paths. For a balanced mix of street manners and performance, ​a performance-oriented ceramic pad is still an excellent choice.​​ For more focus on heat resistance, ​a premium semi-metallic pad from a brand like Hawk or EBC is appropriate.​​ Be prepared to clean your wheels more often and tolerate some noise.

• ​For Occasional Track or Competitive Driving:​​ Street pads are not designed for the sustained extreme heat of a racetrack. If you plan even 2-3 track days a year, you need a dedicated solution. ​The correct approach is to have a separate set of track wheels fitted with dedicated track/competition pads and rotors.​​ Swap them at the track. Using aggressive track pads on the street is dangerous, as they often need heat to work effectively and will be noisy and destructive to rotors during normal driving.

​A Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing G37 Brake Pads​

When you're ready to buy, you must ensure you get the correct parts. The front and rear brake pads on a G37 are different and are not interchangeable.

• ​Verify Your Model and Year.​​ The G37 was produced from 2008 to 2013 for the coupe (G37S) and sedan, and 2009-2013 for the convertible (G37 IPL models have specific performance parts). While many components are shared across years, always double-check compatibility with a reputable parts website or your vehicle's VIN.

• ​Understand Trim and Brake Package Differences.​​ The standard G37 and the "Sport" models (often denoted with a "S" badge) can have different brake calipers and rotor sizes. The Sport package typically includes larger, aluminum 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers with larger rotors. ​You must know if your car has the standard or the Sport brakes to order the correct pads.​​ A visual check is easy: Sport front calipers are large, aluminum, and have "INFINITI" embossed on them. Standard front calipers are smaller, iron, and have a more conventional sliding-pin design.

• ​Buy a Complete Kit.​​ For a DIY job, always purchase a "brake pad kit" or "pad and hardware kit." This should include not only the four pads (for one axle) but also ​new wear sensors​ (the G37 has electronic wear sensors on the front and often rear inner pads that trigger a dashboard warning light) and ​new stainless steel shims or abutment clips.​​ Reusing old, corroded hardware is the leading cause of post-installation brake noise.

• ​Brand Recommendations for Reliability.​​ While many brands exist, several have proven track records with the G37 community. ​Akebono​ is an OEM supplier and their ceramic pads are a top choice for quiet, clean performance. ​Hawk Performance​ offers a range from quiet ceramic (HPS 5.0) to performance street (HPS) to track compounds. ​Centric​ (and their higher-end ​StopTech​ line) provides excellent quality and value. ​OEM Nissan/Infiniti pads​ are always a safe, albeit sometimes more expensive, bet.

​Essential Tools and Safety Preparations for the Job​

Before starting, gather all necessary tools and prioritize safety. You will need: a floor jack and ​jack stands—never rely on the jack alone. A lug wrench or impact wrench to remove wheels. A basic socket set (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm are common). A C-clamp or a dedicated brake caliper piston tool. Needle-nose pliers. A flat-head screwdriver. A wire brush. Brake cleaner spray. ​Safety glasses and gloves are absolutely mandatory.​​ Brake dust is harmful, and components can be sharp. Work in a well-ventilated, flat, and solid area like a driveway or garage.

​Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Front Brake Pads on a G37​

This process is similar for rear pads, though the method for retracting the rear piston differs due to the integrated parking brake mechanism. We will focus on the front, as they wear faster.

1. ​Preparation.​​ Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly while the car is on the ground. Secure the vehicle. Use the floor jack to lift the front of the car according to the owner's manual lift points (typically on the subframe behind the front wheels). Place jack stands under the designated reinforced lift points on the side sill. Lower the jack onto the stands, ensuring the car is stable. Remove the front wheels completely.

2. ​Remove the Brake Caliper.​​ Locate the two main guide pins on the back of the caliper. These are usually 14mm or 17mm bolts. Remove the lower guide pin bolt completely. On most G37 calipers, you can then pivot the caliper upwards on the top guide pin, like a hinge. For some, you may need to remove both bolts. Carefully support the caliper with a piece of wire or a bungee cord; ​never let it hang by the flexible brake hose.​​ The brake hose remains connected.

3. ​Remove the Old Pads and Hardware.​​ Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Note their orientation. Use the screwdriver and needle-nose pliers to remove the old stainless steel shims and any anti-rattle clips from the caliper bracket. These are often corroded. Use the wire brush to thoroughly clean the caliper bracket, especially the areas where the pad ears and shims seat. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe dry.

4. ​Retract the Caliper Piston.​​ The piston in the caliper must be pushed back into its bore to make room for the new, thicker pads. Before doing this, check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. It will rise as the piston retracts; you may need to siphon some out to prevent overflow. Place the old brake pad against the piston and use the C-clamp to slowly and evenly press the piston back until it is fully recessed. ​Do this slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the piston or boot.​​

5. ​Install New Hardware and Pads.​​ Install the new stainless steel shims and clips into the clean caliper bracket. They should snap or slide into place firmly. Insert the new brake pads into the bracket, ensuring the wear sensor (if equipped) is on the correct side—usually the inner pad at the top, facing the rear of the car. The pad with the sensor will have a wire pigtail.

6. ​Re-mount the Caliper.​​ Carefully lower the caliper over the new pads and align it with the caliper bracket and rotor. It may be a tight fit due to the new pad thickness. Ensure the pads are seated correctly. Pivot the caliper back down and install the lower guide pin bolt. Torque all guide pin bolts to the factory specification (typically between 25-40 ft-lbs; consult a service manual for the exact value).

7. ​Reconnect the Wear Sensor.​​ Plug the electrical connector from the new wear sensor pad into the vehicle's harness. Ensure the connection is secure.

8. ​Repeat and Finish.​​ Repeat the entire process on the other front wheel. Once both sides are done, reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car to the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the G37's specification (typically 80-100 ft-lbs). ​Before driving, pump the brake pedal firmly several times until it feels hard.​​ This is critical to reposition the pistons against the pads. Start the car and check the pedal feel. Drive slowly at first in a safe area, making several moderate stops to bed in the pads.

​The Critical Process of Bedding-In New Brake Pads​

New pads require a proper break-in or "bedding" process to transfer a thin layer of friction material onto the rotors. This maximizes braking efficiency and prevents judder. ​Never skip the bedding-in procedure.​​ After installation, find a long, empty, safe road. Accelerate to 45 mph, then firmly brake (without activating ABS) to about 10 mph. Do this 5-6 times in succession. Then, drive for 5-10 minutes without using the brakes to let them cool completely. Avoid coming to a complete stop during the heating cycles. This process generates the necessary heat to properly condition the pads and rotors.

​Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Common Questions​

• ​Inspecting Pad Wear.​​ Check your brake pad thickness every time you rotate your tires (every 5,000-7,000 miles). Look through the spokes of your wheel at the brake caliper. You should see the pad material pressed against the rotor. The material should be at least 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. If it's 3mm or less, plan replacement soon. Listen for the metallic scraping of the wear indicator tab, which signals immediate replacement is needed.

• ​Dealing with Brake Noise.​​ Some noise after installation is normal during bedding. Persistent squealing, however, is often caused by three things: lack of proper bedding, missing or improperly installed shims/clips, or glazed pads and rotors. Ensure all hardware is new and correctly fitted. Light sanding of the pad surface and rotor can de-glaze them. Groaning or grinding indicates a more serious problem like a stuck caliper or severely worn pads.

• ​Vibration or Pulsation in the Pedal.​​ This is almost always caused by warped or unevenly worn brake rotors, not the pads themselves. When you replace pads, it is highly advisable to either replace the rotors or have them professionally resurfaced (if they are within minimum thickness specifications). Installing new pads on old, grooved rotors will reduce performance, cause noise, and accelerate pad wear.

• ​When to Replace Rotors.​​ Rotors should be replaced or resurfaced every other pad change as a general rule. For the G37, if you feel vibration, see deep scoring, or measure the rotor thickness below the minimum spec stamped on the rotor hat, they must be replaced. ​Never install new pads on damaged or worn-out rotors.​​

• ​The Importance of Brake Fluid.​​ Brake pads are only one part of the system. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This lowers its boiling point and can lead to a soft pedal and reduced performance, especially under hard use. ​Flush and replace your brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage.​​ For performance driving, use a high-performance DOT 4 fluid.

​Conclusion: An Investment in Safety and Performance​

Your Infiniti G37's braking system is its most critical safety feature. Neglecting the brake pads is not an option. By understanding the different pad types, honestly assessing your driving needs, and following correct installation and maintenance procedures, you ensure that your vehicle stops with the confidence and authority it was designed for. Investing in quality ceramic or performance semi-metallic pads, new hardware, and proper rotor service is an investment in your safety, the preservation of your car's dynamic abilities, and ultimately, provides peace of mind every time you drive. Regular visual inspections and addressing issues promptly will keep your G37's braking performance sharp for years to come.