I am in the process of doing a complete brake job. (Front and rear Brembo blanks, Hawk pads, caliper paint). For whatever reason, I did not have the anti-rattle springs on the front to start with so I bought some at Autozone ($8 for a bag of "brake hardware"). Where exactly do they go? The FSM only shows an exploded/separate view (see below) and the picture in the Haynes is too zoomed out. I have a rough idea because I can see them installed in the Haynes manual, I just need to know the exact installation points for the clip's endpoints. I know it might be hard to explain in words but any help will be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Bubble number 19, "Pad return spring" below:



Quick separate question, if anyone knows. See the bolt in bubble # 3 above ("Torque Member Fixing Bolt")? See the split washer shown? Well, on my right side, I only had the two split washers (as shown) but on my left side I also had two flat washers along with the two split washers. They "looked" OEM. Anyone know if the flat washers should or should not be there?

 

Your pads *might* have little holes on the edges (on the edge that faces away from the center of the hub)... these clips go in those holes - basically spreading the pads apart...

e.g.

There are usually two per set of pads - one on the top and one on the bottom. Nissan doesn't even use these anti-rattle springs anymore... you can't buy them from the dealer even if you wanted to.

 

The pads that came with my car had the springs and the pads had holes on the top where the spring fit in. However, when I bought Nissan pads, they didn't have holes in them. Not really sure how effective those springs are at keeping the pads away from the rotor, but so far, the pads are not dragging (and I keep a close eye on stuff like that, since dragging pads kill your speed as well as your mileage). I suppose if you really wanted to, you could drill small holes into the tops of your pads, making sure that the holes are just big enough to allow you to force the springs in. You're probably better off just making sure you use some anti-squeal stuff on the back off your shims that sit against the caliper.

By the way, the Nissan rear brake hardware kit comes with pad retainers (part #8 in the diagram) that has a spring function that help keep the pad off the rotor. If you don't already have these, it's worth getting.

 

Actually the pad retainer does not keep the pad away from the rotor - it actually holds he pad to the caliper.

 

I dont have any fender/flat washers on my brakes. Just use the split ones.

 

After I replaced my front breaks I got a hard knocking noise when going over bumps. I am thinking it is because of those springs. I didn't replace them and just used the ones I had. Should I replace them? Could that be causeing the problem?

 

Yup, you guys are right. The springs do go into little would-be holes. Unfortunately my new Hawk pads do not have these holes. (But at least I don't feel as stupid now for not being able to install the anti-rattle springs)

I didn't think to check my '96 before I started this thread but after you guys said something, I looked at my '96 which has OEM pads. Sure enough, the OEM pads have the holes and I have anti-rattle springs installed.

So what should I do now? Drill holes? Don't use the springs? I already used the Permatex blue anti-squeel spray on the pads.

Thanks!

 

I didnt use the springs on my EBC pads, no holes. No problems so far.

 

I bought some new OEM pads and they didnt have the holes.

 

Interesting. I guess that is definitely Nissan's way of saying they aren't going to be using the pad return springs any more. I have a brand new set of OEMs sitting around that I have had for 4 years now. I looked last night and they had the holes.

Hey, off topic Dubbya, but how is it that you have cloth heated seats? Is that even possble?

 

have oem pads on my 98 when relaced with new oem pads did not have the holes called nissan dealer was told that update on pads and that clips were no longer needed for the install no problems with out clips on my second set of fronts

 

Maybe you guys can drill these little holes into the pads, just pattern them off of the old ones.

 

no need why bother

 

Right, that was discussed. I am still considering it. The holes aren't in the pad itself, they are in the metal backing.

Not knowing about the holes, I actually installed my anti-rattle springs without using the holes. I just placed the ends of the springs on the inside of the pad's metal backing. It still serves the same 'spreading apart' function but the spring isn't as stable (although it felt like it was locked in pretty well). I should probably remove them before I drive the car.

I should be done painting the last 2 calipers today and then I can install everything tomorrow. The right side is already done.

Have a good weekend guys, I'm out...

 

Ive never used the springs before.

 

Don't do what I did and install the anti-rattle springs anyway - even though the pads don't have holes. I did that by simply wedging them in, on the inside of the pad backing. It probably works as far as spreading the pads, but the ant-rattle spring ends up resting on top of the rotor. It squeeked bad and it took off all my clear coat paint that I sprayed along the outer perimeter of the disk. Anyway, the moral is: don't worry about the springs, they aren't needed.

 

if the holes are not there dont use them...if they are there and u lost the pins dont worry u dont need them.......but u do need item #8 pad retainer....if urs are rusted to **** get new ones or but out the grinder ith the 2" rol-loc disks and clean them up real good