How do you change brake pads for '97 Nissan Maxima?

Answer 1

1. Prepare a clean, flat area for the wheel that you will be doing.

2. Loosen the wheel nuts. ( just get them to turn, don't unscrew yet )

3. Jack up this wheel. Place a jackstand in appropriate place. ( probably just to right or left of where the owners manual says to place the jack. )

DON'T RELY ON ONLY THE JACK ! !

4. Finish unscrewing the wheel nuts, and remove the tire.

5. The caliper is obvious - - it's the big metal "pincher" thing wrapped around the wheel disc.

6. Get an old coathanger, bend a solid hook in both ends, about 10 in. from hook to hook.

6. It's pretty easy to see the 2 large bolts on the back side ( toward the engine) of the caliper. Loosen preferably with a socket wrench. ( you will probably have to bang the arm of the socket wrench or regular wrench with a hammer to get the bolt started. This caliper has been bolted there for 4 years or so ? ) Remember to go counter-clockwise to UNSCREW these bolts. But this is CLOCKWISE from where you are ! ( facing the wheel from outside the car) AFTER these 2 bolts are loose enough to turn with your fingers, hook one end of the coat hanger somewhere above the disc/wheel, like on the upper suspension, etc.

7. These two bolts will come out easier if you hold the caliper with your other hand and sort of "wiggle" it. ( especially when the bolts are almost out ) DEFINITELY have a grasp on the caliper when you completely remove the bolts. DON"T let the caliper fall and hang by the rubber brake line, because this could damage, crack the brake line. Suspend the caliper by hooking it to the bottom hook of your coat hanger. This should be done so there is NO STRAIN on the rubber brake line.

8. The two brake pads are on the inside of the caliper, facing each other. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry them loose. They should slide toward the "open" space in the middle of the caliper and then come out fairly easily. Keep them to compare to your replacements, to verify they are correct.

9. There are two little " Y " springs that are BEHIND the pads. ( at least on the '96 Maxima there are ) Try to see how they are hooked in, but this may be difficult, as they may just drop or pop out when you remove the pads.

- - - Now you just put in the new pads, but here is where my knowledge gaps - - I don't exactly know how to put the little "Y" springs back ! ( I am in this process this morning - - so maybe I will finish this answer later ! ! - - - -