This is a stupid question but I can't seem to phrase it right to get the answer on yahoo. There are two pairs of brake pads in the front brake pads I bought. One pair with clips and one without. Which pair do I use? Why are there two pairs?

 

By 2 pairs ( ie front + rear) you mean 8 total pads?????????

 

Guess I mispoke. I bought front brake pads and got 4 pads in the box.

 

you have the correct quantity of pads. each wheel has 2 pads. the metal rotor is sandwiched between 2 pads that are pressed the metal rotor, squeezing the rotor to make it stop turning. it is hard to see the brake pad that is on the inside of the rotor, especiall when it has very little lining left.

 

The pads with the metal clips are out side pads and the ones without are inside pads!

 

the clip normally goes into the piston

 

Thanks for the comment I just caught that as I read it back

 

sorry for hijacking the thread but its a brake question; Is there a difference in braking if I wanted to upgrade to 300zx calipers?

 

You can't just slap on 300zx calipers....if you upgrade to a big brake kit using 300zx calipers, yes there is a difference in braking. Please look around for BBK threads, as there are lots of them on here.

 

the Z32 caliper will bolt up in place of stock on the front, but I won't comment beyond that.

 

Have you done this work before? if not, I suggest to read some reference book, i.e. Hayes will do. prior to doing this.

in regards to your pads, notice that there are two pads with piece of metal strips and another two that are none, a pair of those goes to each side - pad with metal strip and a plain one in the left, pad with metal strip and a plain one in the right side.

 

can you tell me what year?

 

the z32 caliper mentioned will only give you the stopping power you desire when its mated to a larger rotor. that's why you often see people installing 'big brake kits' on their maximas here, instead of people just slapping on z32 calipers and calling it good. if youre looking for better breaking without using all your money, i would opt for a drilled or slotted rotor that will dissipate heat quicker. i'm sure big brake kits are fun, but it a little more work than just the calipers.

 

Thanks for the help. One more question. Can I get to the inside pad without completely removing the caliper like for the outside pad?

 

Loosen one slider pin, remove the other and you should be able to rotate the caliper clamp out of the way to access both pads, IIRC.

 

Wow, I've been driving around with a half done job for 3 weeks. I'm such an idiot. But thanks to you guys I finished the job today. Can't believe I didn't see the pads on the inside.

Thanks a ton to all of you.