Greetings all -
I own a 2006 Base model Z. It has 90K miles, it's all stock except for being lowered an inch, rear spoiler, and the 20" rims. I'm very familiar with tools (re-built 305 motor in my old Monte Carlo). Problem is this...I'm just about to start working on my Z (front brakes) and my son's '95 Maxima (front struts) but aside from the obligatory 3/8" drive metric socket set and combination wrenches, is there anything else I should be looking to acquire? I figure both jobs should be pretty straight forward, but I would hate to have things partially dis-assembled and have to run out for a special Allen key or something of that nature. I'm not looking to outfit my garage, but I most definitely know the value of that special tool that saves you an hour of grief. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Based on your experience, you already know this:
Breaker bar, a pipe that can fit on your breaker bar to extend and gain more leverage, PB blaster, White grease, spring compressor (you can rent this from autozone) , needle nose pliers (needed for brembos), clamps to compress the pistons when you want to remove old pads ( I push the pistons with the worn out pads, just be careful not to damage the orings on piston) and extra pair of hands make things go smoother as always.

Box end wrenches are great for limited access areas and if the nut or bolts has its edges rounded, these work great.

I do not recall needing anything else based on when I did these jobs, I am sure someone will add more.

 

agree with Zcrazy…these arent porsche, you have everything you need…a few things I bought bc I was sick of not having one was 3/8" extensions, knuckles, and reducers/expanders. I also had a little streak at the poker table and bought socket driven allen wrenches…nothing special but I got tired of throwing vice-grips on my L shaped set.

 

Tools for a brake job on the Z
1/2 ratchet
Breaker bar
Torque wrench
22mm Wrench
17mm Wrench
19 mm Wrench
12mm Wrench
11mm Wrench
Needle Nose Pliers
Rubber Mallet
Water Pump Pliers or C Clamp
WD-40 or PB Blaster
Brake Parts Cleaner
Floor Jack
4 Jack Stands
Lots of Rags

Helpful but not needed unless you are bleeding your brakes:
Motive Power Bleeder
Fish tank tubing or similar tubing
Empty bottle

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm outfitted to the teeth with SAE sizes, but wasn't sure how extensive my metric collection will have to get. Watched videos of the struts and brake jobs last night, and they both look pretty simple...nothing new. I do have one question about the struts...I've heard horror stories about people getting injured because the spring slipped out of the compression set-up. I'm experienced so I'm not really scared, just wondering if spending the extra $200 bucks is worth it to avoid the rebuilding process. I haven't looked at the struts yet, but they're original on a '95 Maxima. I'm probably looking at replacing boots, mounts, etc. Any thoughts?