Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any info on how to change rotors and pads for a 5th gen 2000 max. I looked in the diy sticky and couldn't find anything. The maxima.org how to section has a really good one on brake line replacement, but I haven't been able to find one for rotors and pads. I know padas are easy, but when i tried removing the rear ones (pads, rotor was easy), I didn't know what to use to push the piston back. I used a clamp, but it wouldn't budge. I'm wondering if it has to be twisted back. Any help on this is as always appreciated.
Rob

 

You're right, the rear ones you have to turn the pistons clockwise to get them back in. You can buy a tool that is specific for the rear calipers or do what I did and use a pair of channel lock pliers and carefully turn them back in without
tearing the rubber seals.

 

Can't be sure, but usually the piston has to be rotated to reseat it.

 

Man, it's weird that they do that for the rears and not the front. I'm off to pepboys now to get the tool. Evidently, it's only 10 bucks. Also, once i screw it in, does it need to be unscrewed to release it or nothing further needs to be done? Sorry for the dumb questions, just want to prevent breaking as much stuff as possible.
Rob

 

Nope, it reseats itself. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the responses and the help. This forum ROCKS!
I'll be doing it tomorrow. I let you know how everything goes.

 

It does seem weird. Please let me explain as best I can. Lisle makes a tool for rear disk brake pistons. Its a box which has 6 sides. (that would make it a box woundn't it). Each side has different pins sizes and configuratoins on it. You put it on the end of a 3/8 drive extention and ratchet. Then using the appropriate side for your type of piston face, you rotate and push in the piston.

The reason its there is because you have to have a mechanical ( not hydrolic) self adjusting parking brake. Back in the days of rear drum brakes, a mechanical cable could be attached to the linkage in the drum assembly. Todays cars with rear disk brakes have to have a self adjusting parking brake too. What you are dealing with is the solution. A threaded caliper piston that can also be actuated with a mechanical parking brake.

28600 REAR DISC BRAKE PISTON TOOL http://www.lislecorp.com/tools/catalog/brakes/index.htm

I hope this helps.