I'm about ready to replace the front brake pads. I do have the tools ready for the job, including a C clamp. My questions is: Do I only need to push in the piston on one side with the C clamp (by using the old pad)? Or pushing in each side of the pad? I haven't taken out pads yet, so this may sound like a dumb question.

I did find a local auto parts store that does rotor resurfacing for $10.50 per rotor. So this should be an easy Saturday morning job.

If you guys have any areas that I should watch out for, please let me know.

 

The Caliper only has one piston...

 

You may use the C-clamp to depress the piston into the caliper even before removing the caliper and pads. There is a good photo of this technique in the Haynes repair manual on page 9-5.

Haynes has really good coverage of pad replacement, even better than the Maxima factory service manual. If you don't already have a copy of this book, please get one. It will be money well spent.

 

Your rotors should be resurfaced on the car. Do not take them off and bring them to a shop you will not get a true to the hub resurface. Your local dealer or brake shop has the equipment to do the job properly.

 

Are you sure you need to have the rotors resurfaced? I would do it only if the rotors are noticeably worn and grooved. I don't believe small routine wear marks justify having rotors "cut". Some shops resurface all rotors as a matter of policy. That isn't wrong but it might be overkill.

 

I will take a look at it when it's out. I just hope that the rotors aren't warped. I noticed there's a jerking when the car is near a complete stop. On my 95 there is no such problem. This car I'm doing is my dad's 98. Plus his car has ABS, mine don't. I don't know if this makes a difference.