I have a 2003 350z touring MANUAL, and I'm trying to replace the front brakes. I ordered a set of pads from advance auto parts, but they were too tall (about .25-.5 inches too big for the rotor). I figured they screwed up, but decided to order my next pair online. I made sure all of the info was correct, 2003, nissan, 350z, touring, manual, front brake pads...same thing! I went back to advance auto parts and I gave them a measurement of the rotor and apparently I have the much smaller brakes for the AUTOMATIC 2003 touring 350z. Has anyone else encountered this? Is it easy to upgrade to a bigger rotor/pads or would I have to replace the calipers and everything else too? It seems like a pretty significant difference!

 

As far as I know, there are only two brake setups for all 2003-2005 Zs, Brembo and non-Brembo.

When you say they are too tall, are you talking about pad thickness or hight from the inside to the outside of the rotor?

If its thickness, you need to compress the piston back into the caliper.

If not that, what brand of pads are you using, what part number?
How do they look compared to the stock pad?
If you slide them in, are they hitting anything?

Chris

 

When I got the brakes that I ordered the pads were too TALL, as in more square than rectangular. Not the thickness of the pad. It's obvious that there are 3 setups from the size of pads they gave me. When you ask for "Manual" they give u the big square pads, when you ask for "automatic" they give you the smaller rectangular pads.

 

Got me by the A$$ ---ask the guys at Performance Nissan

 

Its possible you are getting pads for the 06 model 350Z which has a similar backing plate shape but is larger in all dimenions. Have them check the part number of the pads against an '02 Q45. If the part number is the same, they are giving you pads for 06 models. You could also have them check the part number for an '01 Maxima which would use the pads you need for your calipers.

 

Do the autos use a diff pad setup?? Could they have screwed up that bad ??? I have seen situations where the #s in the books or computers are just plain wrong also.Iv done so many brake jobs on Zs and never had a prob ---Im running ur drilled disc complete set -----Lines, Pads on mine now----Which is 03----- Pep Boys is selling those ----Green/Red pads now --I havent used them --Any input on them ???

 

Nissan is just telling me that Advanced Autoparts f'd up and that there's only 2 types of brakes on the Z's. The pads are notably larger so I figure they're giving me the brembos. Thanks for all the input.

 

similar thing happened to me but with the rears. I made the guy bring out the picture book and showed him which pad i really needed. Something about their computer system and the brake manufactures. for 03 z
s, its either brembo or not. transmission has nothing to do with it.

 

yep there are only 2 sets for the front...Brembo and non

trim level, transmission have no impact

seems like you just had some bad luck

 

It's easy to tell the difference in the pads.

On the standard caliper, the pads are held by their sides so there are fingers sticking sides of the backing plate.

On the Brembo caliper the pads are held in by pins on the top of the pad and have no fingers sticking out of the sides.

Chris

 

advanced auto parts pads. Oh noooo....

 

maybe you should take a picture of the brakes and post them? that way if the brakes are wrong or whatever, the guys here will be able to tell you.. same thing with the pads..