I am changing the rear brake pads on my 2000 and after some research I relized that the piston has to be rotated clockwise back into place so that the new brake pads can fit. Does anyone know an easy way to do this or any way to do this without damaging anything? Or where to go get a tool to do this.

Thanks in advance

 

Buy the tool at any auto store, like checker or autozone, it's about 8 dollars and it's square and called the brake tool, fits on the end of a 3/8" ratchet.

 

Thank You so much

 

I have done my rear breaks twice, and have never used a goofy tool. hmmm..

Greg

 

Pistons are not gun barrels you shouldn't have to rotate anything. if you do you might have an internal problem

 

maxima rear brakes need to be rotated. Its how the hand brake was designed by nissan.

 

huh maybe i have an internal probem. i just did my brakes and the ol c-clamp and mallet handle did the trick for me

 

The rear brakes of the maxima came from the 280ZX ..... they are as old as they an be... you can use regular pliers to do the job... and be careful witht the seal...... good luck

 

If you forced the rear pistons in via pressure, you've probably damaged the calipers...

 

As already stated, the rear pistons DO need to be rotated in - its part of the parking brake mechanism. As an FYI, this type of mechanism is used in other vehicles too... its not unique to Maximas.

 

I must of tried with the special tool to fit the caliper and I rotated them back in for about an hour yesterday and I found that I only go like an 8th of an inch in. Am I doing something wrong

 

Are you sure you weren't rotating the wrong way?

 

clockwise right?

 

Well how much more do you need to go to fit the new pads?

Is it difficult to rotate?

 

its not hard power wise, its hard time wise. lots of turning = little progress

 

That's not normal, is the piston almost flush with the rest of the caliper assembly?

Example, both on my 95 and 03, which are the same as I see no difference in them.

It would take maybe 3-4 turns to move it enough to fit the new pads, and that would'n't even take a minute. MAke sure the teeth on the tool are grabbing the notches on the caliper.