Bolt pattern decides what physically fits before pad compound even matters. The D40 (2005–2021) and current D41 (2022+) share a 6x114.3mm bolt pattern and 66.1mm center bore, so rotors, calipers, and big-brake kits carry over between the two generations. The first-gen D22 (1998–2004) is the outlier — most 4WD/V6 trucks run a 6x139.7mm pattern with a larger hub bore, and some 2WD four-cylinders are five-lug — so confirm your generation before ordering a rotor or kit.
Rear brakes vary by generation, model year, and trim, and it doesn't always follow a clean generation line — some Frontiers run rear drums, others four-wheel discs. Look through the rear wheel: a shiny rotor and caliper means discs (order pads), a solid drum means drums (order shoes, not pads). This is also why "brake conversion" (drum-to-disc swap) is a common search for this truck.
Pad compound is the second decision, and it comes down to duty cycle, not price. Ceramic is the quiet, low-dust default most late-model Frontiers ship with from the factory. Semi-metallic and severe-duty compounds carry more metal, so they resist fade under towing and mountain grades — the direct answer to a "heavy duty brake" search. The pad-types reference below breaks down all four compounds plus how to read the friction code stamped on the pad itself.
