How-to: Change Brake Pads
I found out that my front pads are 2mm and the back are 4mm, (at only 24K) (Supposed to have been by a little old lady that only drove it to church on Sunday) So thanks to this great post, I'll be replacing mine. Not knowing diddly about pads, I see that Hawk HPS are recommended. Any particular place to get them, I'd like to support people that support the Forum. Would you recommend doing the back now as well? Thanks
Originally Posted by billp
I found out that my front pads are 2mm and the back are 4mm, (at only 24K) (Supposed to have been by a little old lady that only drove it to church on Sunday) So thanks to this great post, I'll be replacing mine. Not knowing diddly about pads, I see that Hawk HPS are recommended. Any particular place to get them, I'd like to support people that support the Forum. Would you recommend doing the back now as well? Thanks
Everyone in the world thinks they are a good driver, shifter, brake user, Clutch user, sex machine etc. Not True. The only time I touch the brake pedal is when I HAVE to stop.
You guys are a lot more into the driving and performance than I'll probably get. I think that I'll get a little more experience under my belt and when I need new rotors then go for the bigger and better ones.
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Yeah, brake pads are very simple to do (that's why I do them). Rotors are just as simple with the rear rotors only being mildly more difficult due to the inclusion of the e-brake drum. I loved the Hawk pads, particularly on the early model Z's (mine was an '03). I haven't put them on the G35C yet but plan to shortly.
I am out in my driveway right now trying to change my rear rotors and pads and cannot seem to get the rear caliper bolts loose. Does anyone have any tips? I really dont want to have to pay someone to do this for me...
Originally Posted by BlackSpec02
Bah... they aren't budging and i dont have air tools, i even tried hammering the wrench. Im going to have to pay someone to do this. I hate that.
Originally Posted by Eazzzzzzy
UGH --this again ----Penatrating fluid WILL NOT work, dont waste your time. U need a High quality socket (that fits square and tite) and what ever breaker bar it takes even if it is 4 ft long. MAKE sure you are turning it the right way ---IT HAS to come....HAS TO
Originally Posted by BlackSpec02
You can only fit so much breaker bar under the wheel well..... i tried a long wrench, about as long as would fit and I couldnt get it. Im thinking it may take an air ratchet.
Just got my Project Mu B-Force pads on. Wanted less brake dust and less wheel cleaning. Yeah, the rear caliper bolt was hard to take off, but once loosened, it's a piece of cake. I just used a bigger 1/2" ratchet and more muscle. No chemicals. Here's some pics of the install and part of a post in the "media" section.

Front brake shim and retainer set. According to the tech manual, these need to be replaced each time the pads are changed. But unless your shims are rusted, you really shouldn't need to spend the $30+

Shots of the pads along with the rear shim/retainers ($20
)

Install was really simple. Only one bolt to remove. Hung the upper caliper via hanger.

The rears are just like the front, remove one bolt, though I just let the upper caliper hang.

You can find this tool specifically to push in the piston at your local Sears.

Front brake shim and retainer set. According to the tech manual, these need to be replaced each time the pads are changed. But unless your shims are rusted, you really shouldn't need to spend the $30+

Shots of the pads along with the rear shim/retainers ($20
)
Install was really simple. Only one bolt to remove. Hung the upper caliper via hanger.

The rears are just like the front, remove one bolt, though I just let the upper caliper hang.

You can find this tool specifically to push in the piston at your local Sears.
Originally Posted by BlackSpec02
You can only fit so much breaker bar under the wheel well..... i tried a long wrench, about as long as would fit and I couldnt get it. Im thinking it may take an air ratchet.
Originally Posted by mikeg8r
Yeah those rear bolts are tough to loosen. I finally gave up (I didn't want to break my tools) and had my local mechanic go at it with an air gun and retighten to spec by hand.
. I did the rear and my husband did the front. took about an hour. nissan brakes are very easy to replace.
great step by step for replacing the pads. just finished doing this myself - using these instructions. had never attempted brake work before - but found it very rewarding and easy to do. i replaced the OEM pads with Hawk ($66.00 at pep boys), used the shim that was on the back of the new pads, did not have any trouble loosening the calipers bolts, and had no screeching or noise afterwards. did not bleed the brakes at all and just pushed the piston back into the cylinder with an adjustable wrench (just watch your fluid level - if it gets close to overflowing, use a paper towel to soak up some off the top as you go). went through the bedding procedure and they work like a charm. thanks for the info.
Last edited by dixieland; Aug 11, 2007 at 07:03 AM.
I changed my fronts to Hawk HPS pads about a month ago. They had a nice bite a first. After 5 hours of track time, i have to mash the pedal to stop. I checked them out and i have lots of pad left still. Bled the brakes a week ago too. Still the same.
Any body know what i can do?
Any body know what i can do?
Originally Posted by three_fitty
I changed my fronts to Hawk HPS pads about a month ago. They had a nice bite a first. After 5 hours of track time, i have to mash the pedal to stop. I checked them out and i have lots of pad left still. Bled the brakes a week ago too. Still the same.
Any body know what i can do?
Any body know what i can do?
Originally Posted by HokieZ
Rotors are just as simple with the rear rotors only being mildly more difficult due to the inclusion of the e-brake drum.
Inclusion of the E-drum? Info please.


