Alto101

I have a 2002 Maxima SE with about 39,000 miles on it. I recently replaced the OEM tires with a set of Falken ZE-512's and have been amazed at the difference in handling in the rain. Now, I think I need to have some work done on my brakes.

I have noticed that my brakes are starting to squeal a little when I apply the brakes and that I am having to apply more force to the brake pedal to come to a stop. I am assuming that I need new brake pads but I am fairly ignorant when it comes to how brakes work. Is it likely that I would need new pads for the front and rear, or just front. Also, based on my description of the symptoms and my milleage, are there any other part of the brakes that will likely need to be replaced?

I would also like to know if there are any reasonably priced mods I can make to my brakes to improve the performance over the OEM parts.

Where do you recommend taking my car to in order to have the brake service performed?

I appreciate all the help!

Matt's00MAX

first off, with only 39k miles, your back brakes are probobly fine, but you might want to check. to check the brakes, just take the wheel off and look at the amount of pad left, the disance between the back of the pad, and the rotor. also look at the rotors, see if they are scratched, have hot spots, or are warped, which would cause vibration when you apply them. as far as mods, i would recomend a set of slotted and/or drilled rotors, and some ceramic brake pads, which will make the car stop better and make the pads and rotors last longer. finnaly, where to have it done, do it yourself, it is not hard at all, and the price difference is; you do it: 150 for front rotors and pads, they do it; over 200. did i cover everything?

stevieb77

I would check all 4, I have an 03 with 29,000 on it and my back breaks are flaking apart. I went to the dealer and the mechanic tells me that the fronts are like 50
% and the backs are almost dead. Isaid to the guy dont the fronts typically go first since the fronts take like 70% of the force when the brakes are applied and he says no. im like ok whatever. Im in the middle of wanting to buy Brembo blanks but dont know what oads I can use (meaning, Semi-metallic or ceramic).

RAZORFISH228

I did my brakes last week and I had some help over here in the forum. I had to buy a special little tool for the rear brakes to push the piston back in. I could have used standard tools but I choose not too since I was afraid to mess up. But if your handy and have the tools, do it yourself.

The dealer charges like almost $500 for all 4 brakes and rotors.

If you need help, ask me how to do it and I will tell you.