Is there a trick to this? I though it could be just pushed back in for new pads by using a c-clamp but they wont budge so I figured they were frozen since the pads and rotors were messed up so I bought newer used ones that were supposed to be in working condition but the cylinder wont press in on it either.

 

They twist in... I hope you didn't just squeeze it in...

 

Yea they twist in. You gotta use a special tool you can probably get it from your local auto parts store. Its like a cube and you use a 3/8 rachet to turn it

 

I twisted mine in and I realize now that it was all seized up because my passenger side rear brakes are burning. I have to figure out what to do next.

 

I've used needle nose pliers to twist those in but listen to what everyone said and do it right, they twist in. Don't try grabbing it with pliers on the side because you'll damage the seal. It could be seized if it doesn't move.

 

you have to use a special tool as said, it hooks into the cylinder sortof and you use a ratchet to turn the other end and it presses the cylinder in. if that doesnt work still, most likely its seized and needs replacement

 

If the seal is bad, you might as well get a brake seal kit for like $3. And needle nose pliers work just find if you don't wanna waste time going to rent/buy the tool. Clockwise to go in btw.

 

Yep. I actually used bent needle nose pliers and spread them open in the grooves and twisted my hand. I didn't grab the sides because that just doesn't make sense. Just want to make sure for people who want to do this at home and don't want to ruin it by not knowing what to do.

 

specail tool as they say, garantee u can get it at advanced auto or auto zone. turn right goes in turn left comes out.

 

Thanks. I twist the new ones in and swap them out. Im pretty sure the originals still on the car are siezed since they no longer clean the surface rust off the rotors even with life still left on the pads.

 

The left configuration of the cube is the one that works for the Maxima.

You should be able to get this tool at Advanced Auto Parts for like ~$12. If it is difficult to twist it in clockwise, you may need to rebuild or replace your brake caliper piston or the entire brake caliper. That's what I ended up doing because my rims were getting hot (can't keep hand on rims for more than 5sec) after ~40mins of driving (city and highway) and you can smell the brakes and rotor burning. Not safe at all.

 

Cool thanks. I've seen those cubes before but always thought they were for drum brakes. Never heard of a caliper cylinder that screwed in. All the vehicles ive dealt with have been a simple c clamp press in. So when the brakes work does that cylinder screw out as the pads wear?

 

Picked up the cube and got them spun in. Thanks again!