Hello all,

I have a '98 Maxima Se, which is in need for some repairs. I am not sure what would be the best way to go about it. Here is what it needs:

A tune-up
A complete brake job (replacement of brake pads and rotors)

Also, power steering fluid is leaking. When I was getting my oil changed, the guy who went under the car said it is leaking from a gasket somewhere. He claimed that it would cost $20.00 or so for the gasket, but wasn't sure how much labor would be. I am not sure how he figured that one out.

Anyway, for all of this and God knows what else, I don't even want to think about how much the Nissan dealer would charge. So to perhaps save some money, would it be better to get all of this done at a mechanic who is Nissan certified? I am not even sure if they are out there. Or perhaps ones that are Japanese certified. I couldn't really find anyone in the Yellow Pages.

Additionally, I would also like to install stainless steel brake lines when getting my brakes done. Can someone send me a link to a site where they sell a kit with front and rear steel brake lines for a 1998 Maxima Se.

I would like to get all these fixes done all at one time, and I am not sure what the best way would be to go about with this. Thanks.

 

There's a group deal on SSBLs in the Group Deals section which I think is where everyone on the org gets theirs from.

You could do most of the tuneup yourself (air filter, clean valves, spark plugs, oil change if you want) and get the brake jobs done at a reliable mechanic. Nissan certified would just be a waste of money for something as minor as brake replacement.

 

You can def do a tune up yourself...and have your mechanic do whatever you do not feel comfortable/do not want to do when you get the brakes done. There was a thread thats not even a day old asking how to do a tune up...just read that and youll be all set.

 

Why not just do the work yourself? Have a mechaninc check the leak and do the rest yourself. Pretty sure you won't find a certified Nissan mechanic. I've found one guy and a local firestone that likes max's but thats it. I dont think many mechanics pick one type of vehicle to work on. Not as much money in doing that. As stated, tune up should include, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, oil change, pcv valve check and possible replacement, possibly tranny fluid change. It depends what you want to do, whats been maintained, and how much you want to spend on repairs.

 

dot he tuneup and brakes yourself. brakes are easier than the tuneup. forget the SS brakelines. As for the leak. Use Transtune to clean up the PS system then do a complete flush. (not that turkey baster method).

things to remember when doing the tuneup:
- use antiseize on the plugs
-be patient
-remove the EVAP stuff over cylinder five (the on right next to the TB) or you will end up cracking that coil trying to snake it out
-dont forget to pull the fuel pump fuse while the car is running and once it has cut off DISCONNECT THE BATTERY to release fuel pressure before doing the fuel filter
-use a flathead screwdriver to break the seals on the old fuel filter and then twist the hoses off

things to remember doing the brakes:
-always buy Hawk HPS
-remember to grease your guide pins (the sliding things that go in and out of the caliper bracket
-dont lose the little brackets that hold the pads steady