4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

Rear brake piston won't compress. Bad caliper?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-15-2008 | 08:11 AM
  #1  
smotz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Brain phuck
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 271
Rear brake piston won't compress. Bad caliper?

Tried changing my rear brakes last night. The drivers side is worn down to the metal. The pass side still has about 50% meat left. Its the pass side caliper that I can't compress the piston enough to get the new brakes on. Or even get the old brakes bake on. I am guessing I need a new caliper?
I also tried to bleed them a little to see if it would help. Nadda.
Turned a 6" C clamp into a pretzel in the process
Old 02-15-2008 | 08:13 AM
  #2  
Matt93SE's Avatar
STFU n00b!
iTrader: (44)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,095
From: Houston
you have to turn the piston on the rear caliper because of the internal parking brake mechanism. push in and turn clockwise.

make sure you line up the little divots in the piston to the **** on the pad when you're done.
Old 02-15-2008 | 08:26 AM
  #3  
smotz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Brain phuck
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 271
....
Thanks man. Cheaper then a new caliper! I'll try it when I get home from work!
Old 02-15-2008 | 08:54 AM
  #4  
nupe500's Avatar
Jedi Knight
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,615
Originally Posted by Matt93SE
you have to turn the piston on the rear caliper because of the internal parking brake mechanism. push in and turn clockwise.

make sure you line up the little divots in the piston to the **** on the pad when you're done.

+1....
Old 02-15-2008 | 09:13 AM
  #5  
GStrength's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
LOL HEHEHE
Old 02-15-2008 | 10:07 AM
  #6  
nsnrider's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,785
From: Chicopee, MA
Originally Posted by smotz
Turned a 6" C clamp into a pretzel in the process
do not use C clamps in the rear, you will damage the pistons.

Use WD40 or other penetrating lubricant and sprayaround the piston and unde the seal.
Old 02-15-2008 | 12:18 PM
  #7  
smotz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Brain phuck
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 271
I didn't know I was supposed to 'screw' the piston in. I will try it when I get home tonite
Old 02-15-2008 | 12:24 PM
  #8  
Kof's Avatar
Kof
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 400
From: Long Island NY
When I did mine i took it to a local shop(just the caliper) and they compressed for me for $5 with like a special key. It took them 5 minutes to do it.
Old 02-15-2008 | 05:30 PM
  #9  
fellfrosch7's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 533
From: Las Vegas
You cant rent the rear caliper tool kit from AutoZone. Makes the job infinitely easier, and then just return when you're done and get your money back.
Old 02-15-2008 | 08:34 PM
  #10  
QNO_A32's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,107
From: NY
isnt it called a pry bar lol...
Old 02-16-2008 | 06:33 AM
  #11  
smotz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Brain phuck
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 271
Naaa
Originally Posted by QNO_A32
isnt it called a pry bar lol...
Old 02-16-2008 | 06:39 AM
  #12  
redls1's Avatar
MAXIN' ON
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,310
From: TN
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/11-PC...em250214586703
Old 02-16-2008 | 06:42 AM
  #13  
Kof's Avatar
Kof
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 400
From: Long Island NY
YUP thats the one the guy use when he winded mine back.
Old 02-16-2008 | 12:19 PM
  #14  
smotz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Brain phuck
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 271
Just an update.

Went to advance auto parts this morning and picked up the tool I needed for $10. Its square and seems universal. It did the trick. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!!
Old 02-16-2008 | 12:26 PM
  #15  
nismology's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,116
From: Miami, FL
^ That's the one I have. The "cube". Heheh..
Old 05-22-2008 | 01:08 PM
  #16  
Rider's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 160
From: Grand Rapids MI
Thanks this thread really helped me. I tried the C clamp method last night and it didn't work. I called the dealer and they wanted $355 for a new rear caliper.. I'll try turning it back tonight.
Old 05-22-2008 | 08:11 PM
  #17  
nafddur's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 292
Most car part places have remanufactured (perfectly fine) rear calipers for about $100 each.
Old 05-22-2008 | 08:41 PM
  #18  
maxx0831's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 765
From: Queens,NY
^^ yup, got my rear calipers for i think like 82 bucks each with core
Old 05-23-2008 | 05:45 AM
  #19  
Rider's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 160
From: Grand Rapids MI
Well I got the tool fro Auto Zone. Turned the caliper pistons back and got the car back on the road. The brake pedal is squishy though so I need to bleed the brake lines. Thats ok the brake fluid is old and it needs to be flushed anyway. That is a job I will pay someone to do.
Old 05-23-2008 | 06:05 AM
  #20  
2quik's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
I also got mine from Auto Zone. Works good.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Matt93SE
Maximas for Sale / Wanted
33
05-24-2019 02:58 PM
Huttig2009
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
8
09-25-2015 03:31 PM
homeyclaus
Maximas for Sale / Wanted
1
09-03-2015 06:15 PM
FlaMark
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
25
08-28-2015 10:15 AM
RealityCheck
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
2
08-05-2015 06:18 AM



Quick Reply: Rear brake piston won't compress. Bad caliper?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:21 PM.