We just bought my daughter a 1998 Maxima & am needing to put new brakes on this weekend.

I should be able to figure it out but was wanting to see if there was anything I should know about beforehand...problems, tips, etc.

Any special tools needed? What size wrenches? Any help is appreciated!

 

head to Pep Boys and get the manual. It will tell you everything you need. From the size of the screws to the location and amount of torque.

 

I was hoping to avoid spending any more $$ than I had to. I did find a print a how to article for it off of Autozone.com.

The main thing I am wondering is , Is there a special socket to remove the pin holding the caliper on? I know every GM product I have done required a male hex type tool. Anything special required on the nissan's?

Any common problems I may run into when changing them?

 

Hmm. Go Buy haynes/chilton manureal ...and... spend 3x time figuring out the conflictin confuzean ex plan ations /microscopic hieroglyphs. (=pls, never buy)

All depends how "new brakes" is traslated: pad change is easy ... if rear pistons are rotated when pressing them in.

- Fluids have to be changed every 2yrs (or when visually 'blk').
- ABS connectors cleaned, lubed (see p.14)
- The caliper rails have to be checked for free play, lubed (use 'any suitable lube').
- Buy/insert special brake grease behind piston rubber dust seals - to boost std brake performance over 5%. DO NOT/never use std grease.
See this link: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/18

 

Thanks a bunch! I will have to take the time to read through all of it.

The car has 150,000 plus miles on it & I have no idea what has been done to it. I will have to look it over thoroughly (her mom bought the car, we are divorced so I did not get to check it out before she bought it)

 

You will need a special tool to turn the pistons back in on the rear brakes. Can be a PIA if you do not have the tool!!

 

if you dont have the special tool you can get away with some needle nose pliers and turning the rear calipers pistons clockwise to have them compress. you can get that tool from harbor freight, sears, and posssibly autopart stores.

 

Thanks for the help...I pulled the brakes & they are fine. My daughter was saying the brakes were squeeking but I think the problem is just cheap semi-metallic pads.

 

also if the car sees alot of dirt/gravle roads a little bit of dirt caught in the brake pad can also cause that noise. but im glad nothingwas worng.