Are the front pistons supposed to depress fully into its shell? I'm putting on new rotors and pads but cannot get the calipers to slide into place because the pistons stick out about 2 to 3 mm. I can probable get them fully back using a lot of force but should I? I've already used a a bit of force. Both sides have the problem.

 

Talking bout brakes? Yeah push the piston back but leave the cap off of the brake fluid reservoir when you do it. Or, open the bleed valves as another option to relieve pressure behind the piston.

 

Normal procedure on front brakes is to use a C clamp to press the pistons back into the caliper.

You should empty the brake master cyl before doing this. Otherwise it will over fill, then drip on, and ruin your paint.

Refill with fresh Dot 3 brake fluid when done. Press on the brake and pump a couple of times until firm. Then add more brake fluid until the full mark is reached.

As the brake pads wear out, it is normal to need to add brake fluid. This extra fluid is eventually removed when the brakes are replaced.

 

Yes what they said. I used a decent sized c-clamp and thick but not too thick, block of wood. If it takes an unreasonable amount of force, your caliper is probably seized up, and might need replacing. +1 on taking the cap off the reservoir. Also be careful not to damage the abs sensor while working in there if applicable

 

I'm thinking it's more than the pistons tho and more likely the size (width) of the rotors because I was having problems positioning the inside pad fully into it's correct slot. I'll have to check it's dimensions online. They're Brembos from Rockauto.

 

Have you pressed your pistons in all the way?

If you havent, you are just guessing.

You have two variables. The least likely problem is the pad, the more likely issue is the piston sticking up too far.

 

I think what he means is his rotors might be too thick. So he possibly got rotors that don't fit which is why he could barely get his pads on which shouldn't be a problem as opposed to trying to fit the caliper back on

 

+1 What Bumpy last said about pad thickness is what I was trying to say. Rotor too thick.

 

I've found my answer. It is the rotor thickness causing the problem. Correct thickness should be 22mm but the one I have is 26. Don't think Rockauto will do anything tho because it was bought in 2014 closeout lol even tho it listed it as being Maxima 1996 fit

 

For a quick fix I'm using my old pads which fit and which have good thickness still but the new pads are too meaty.

 

Ah, don't you hate that? You do a job and are wondering if you did something wrong and end up having the wrong part lol. Are you nearby a part store? why not just go get some rotors right quick? or are you trying to avoid their scam prices per rotor?

 

Yeah, I might just get the correct sized rotors.

 

And that leads me to the question, what is a good rotor / pad combo for the 1995 maxi?