I have recently (like a week ago) purchased a 95 Maxima GXE from a local dealer. The car is in very good condition with one exception. The front brakes let out a very high pitched screech when they are touched about halfway down. I returned the car to the dealer where they said they looked at them before and they looked fine and did not hear the screech. They took them off and said it had cheap after market pads on them and that I needed "Nissan" pads. Then told me it would cost $ 180 to replace the pads and put the Nissan pads on the car. Any info on these "cheap" brakes and if I am getting screwed would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

You do not need "Nissan" pads, but you could get some good aftermarket pads for about $70 for all 4. Look for Bendix, Matrix, or Raybestos pads for the best stopping power and value.

 

Well, they could be cheap Brand X aftermarket pads, or they could be Nissan "key value" pads....which I believe are just like genuine OEM pads but without as much pad in them...that is, they wear out quicker (and of course cost less).

Anyway, the price that the guy gave you is about right if you want to have the dealer replace them. However if you want to do it yourself and save $$ read on...

Go here to get the parts that you need -> http://www.courtesyparts.com/A32_brakes.html

Go here for install instructions -> http://www.motorvate.ca/

The brake anti squeal goo is important, don't forget that stuff. Good luck.

 

Im driving a 99 Maxima SE. Looking to upgrade the brakes on a budget. I heard about changing to 300zx calipers. Anyone got any info on this mod? All help appreciated, thanks.

 

Is anti-squeal recommended for Raybestos Quiet Stop pads (which I'm led to believe come with adhesive shims)?

 

Thanks for the responses. The dealer showed me the pads and they look brand new, which is why they said they did not replace before the car was sold. They said it was a subpar kind of pad that was metallic (or something)and that was causing the incredibly loud screeching. Does this sound correct, even if the pads look new? I appreciate your responses very much.

 

Sounds like u need some anti-squeal compound between the back of the pads and the shims. This may solve your noise problem.

 

Yeah.
Weak pads can squeal easily.
Also, gotta use some brake grease on the shims.
I put Raybestos Quietstop on mine this weekend.
They're perfect.

 

After you try anit-sqeal on your pads and they still squeal here is why,pads with more metallic(usually copper or brass) in them squeal more than pads with less of this in them. But metallic pads usually do not fade as quickly. Also i have tried many different brake pads on my car and i see that some people liked the raybestos where as i thought they sucked and yes they did squeal annoyingly loud. Right now i just put on a set of EBC's greenstuff pads and they stop much better than anything i have used before with only very minimal squeal. Personally i would stick with nissan pads if you dont like the squealing noise and do it yourself as it will only take half an hour or so. Also if your rotors are on there way out now is the time to get a new set i got my front to oem brembos for 70 bucks. If you are serious about your stopping pick up some crossdrilled rotors, but expect to pay at least twice as much for theese. Also i have braided stainless steel lines to improve my braking feel.