6th gen brakes in 5th gen..GOOD news and BAD news
For anyone who cares, I have positively verified that the 04 Max front brakes will clear the 00-01 I30t wheels. These are 17" with a 45mm offset.
So now we know that all you 5th gen I30t guys can bolt on this mod with zero problems.
The stock rotors on these cars are smaller than the I35 or the 6th gen Max.
And of course they do warp, but perhaps the upgrade to 6th gen parts would cure this. If you think about it, you are getting the benefit of TWO model upgrades in design, but keeping the same weight/HP.
So now we know that all you 5th gen I30t guys can bolt on this mod with zero problems.
The stock rotors on these cars are smaller than the I35 or the 6th gen Max.
And of course they do warp, but perhaps the upgrade to 6th gen parts would cure this. If you think about it, you are getting the benefit of TWO model upgrades in design, but keeping the same weight/HP.
I was just poking around on the 6th gen forum to research this mod further, and one of the 6th gen guys told me of an interesting variation on the mod.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
Originally Posted by Quicksilver
As far as I know, the 2002-2003 17" wheels are 5x114.3 with a +35mm offset, not a +45mm offset. Just for informational purposes...
Originally Posted by spiromax
Wait... so the 2000/2001 17'' wheels are +45, but the 2002/2003 17'' wheels are +35? If that's the case, then 5.5th gen owners won't have to get different wheels or use 10mm spacers like 5th gen owners, right?
That should be the case, because there was a change in rotor size between the 2001 VQ30 and the 2002 VQ35 Maxima. They are not the same size/part numbers...
i got the 6th gen brakes on my car with my stock SE wheels.. the wheels barely clear the calipers by 1.5mm .. got pics of it.. the brakes are nice.. definitely more confident braking... you definitely have to bleed them the right way.. RR->LF->LR->RF .. i love them.. low dusting as well.. interesting.. lets see how long that will last.. and lastly.. no warping..


irish already pointed it out.. when i get my tax return.. im gettin illuminas with H&Rs..


irish already pointed it out.. when i get my tax return.. im gettin illuminas with H&Rs..
Originally Posted by spiromax
I was just poking around on the 6th gen forum to research this mod further, and one of the 6th gen guys told me of an interesting variation on the mod.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
If any of these variations would work with stock SE wheels then it'd be gold. (and I'd like to know, too--I'm faintly starting to notice some warpage on my cross-drilled/slotted 2k4 rotors with the 5th gen calipers at the moment... although these rotors have lasted longer than any others I've had, but only by another 2 months or so)
Originally Posted by dizmax96
i got the 6th gen brakes on my car with my stock SE wheels.. the wheels barely clear the calipers by 1.5mm .. got pics of it.. the brakes are nice.. definitely more confident braking... you definitely have to bleed them the right way.. RR->LF->LR->RF .. i love them.. low dusting as well.. interesting.. lets see how long that will last.. and lastly.. no warping..


irish already pointed it out.. when i get my tax return.. im gettin illuminas with H&Rs..


irish already pointed it out.. when i get my tax return.. im gettin illuminas with H&Rs..
well the 00-01 SE wheels wont clear the caliper.. the back of the rim spokes will touch.. 02-03 SE wheels barely pass it by 1.5mm.. but yes.. the 6th Gen brakes bolt up directly.. no mods needed..
does anyone know where to get lighter rotors? cuz the 6th gens weigh like 21 pounds per rotor..
does anyone know where to get lighter rotors? cuz the 6th gens weigh like 21 pounds per rotor..
Originally Posted by dizmax96
well the 00-01 SE wheels wont clear the caliper.. the back of the rim spokes will touch.. 02-03 SE wheels barely pass it by 1.5mm.. but yes.. the 6th Gen brakes bolt up directly.. no mods needed..
does anyone know where to get lighter rotors? cuz the 6th gens weigh like 21 pounds per rotor..
does anyone know where to get lighter rotors? cuz the 6th gens weigh like 21 pounds per rotor..
dizmax, where did you get your calipers? I know where to get the rotors and pads, but I'm having trouble finding affordable calipers.
Also, I know the calipers use the same bolt positions as the stock 5.5th gen calipers, but are you able to reuse the stock bolts and other mounting hardware, or did you have to buy new ones?
*EDIT*
Whoa... just called DAVEB to see about the 6th gen front calipers. They're $376... per caliper. Surely THAT isn't the price you paid, is it?
Also, I know the calipers use the same bolt positions as the stock 5.5th gen calipers, but are you able to reuse the stock bolts and other mounting hardware, or did you have to buy new ones?
*EDIT*
Whoa... just called DAVEB to see about the 6th gen front calipers. They're $376... per caliper. Surely THAT isn't the price you paid, is it?
376 per caliper? front or rear? i paid 63 per caliper for the front.. 376 sounds bout right for the whole front set up.. 2 rotors, pad set, 2 calipers, and shim kit.. that dont sound right for 376 for jus ONE caliper.. did you tell him you were from the ORG?
Originally Posted by dizmax96
376 per caliper? front or rear? i paid 63 per caliper for the front.. 376 sounds bout right for the whole front set up.. 2 rotors, pad set, 2 calipers, and shim kit.. that dont sound right for 376 for jus ONE caliper.. did you tell him you were from the ORG?
*EDIT*
I thought the price was high too, so I asked him if he was sure that was for one caliper. He said it was the price per caliper, and he said it did not include pads or anything else.
Originally Posted by spiromax
Yeah, I told him. Where did you find yours so cheap?
*EDIT*
I thought the price was high too, so I asked him if he was sure that was for one caliper. He said it was the price per caliper, and he said it did not include pads or anything else.
*EDIT*
I thought the price was high too, so I asked him if he was sure that was for one caliper. He said it was the price per caliper, and he said it did not include pads or anything else.
Originally Posted by NMexMAX
So then this thread only pertains to 00-01 on the bad news, unless you get ahold of the 02+ wheels.
read what I wrote 3 posts up. Yes, I ordered from Dave Burnette. The other Dave also works in parts at that dealer, and usually answers the phone. You need to call back and ask for Dave BURNETTE this time....
Originally Posted by irish44j
read what I wrote 3 posts up. Yes, I ordered from Dave Burnette. The other Dave also works in parts at that dealer, and usually answers the phone. You need to call back and ask for Dave BURNETTE this time....
you won't get him in trouble. I believe he's the parts manager. He sells so many parts to org members, and has been doing it for years - I'm sure his dealer has OK'd it. He occasionally checks his PM, but you have to call him to place orders. He's a really nice guy and loves talking cars, so don't be intimidated to call him
BTW, my 6th gen stuff will be going on tomorrow morning (with some assistance by Jason/Cutlr7)
BTW, my 6th gen stuff will be going on tomorrow morning (with some assistance by Jason/Cutlr7)
I am so happy having a 2003 SE max that these are direct bolt on, question is for anyone with better knowledge of exact measurements, do the 05 max calipers and rotors (which we know fit now) exactly match in size with the 05 altima SE-R calipers and rotors? They look so shnazzy with the embossed SE-R on them that I gotta try if they are the same size or smaller, especially if it is a direct bolt on. Thanks anyone with the time and measurements.
excellent thread. I really am thinking about putting 6th gen rotors and calipers on my car now. SIlly question, how hard/messy is it to replace the caliper? I've done my own brake work before, but I'm wondering how difficult it is to swap the caliper.
and i assume bleading the lines woudl be mandatory after swapping the caliper?
and i assume bleading the lines woudl be mandatory after swapping the caliper?
Originally Posted by nirvana4all
I am so happy having a 2003 SE max that these are direct bolt on, question is for anyone with better knowledge of exact measurements, do the 05 max calipers and rotors (which we know fit now) exactly match in size with the 05 altima SE-R calipers and rotors? They look so shnazzy with the embossed SE-R on them that I gotta try if they are the same size or smaller, especially if it is a direct bolt on. Thanks anyone with the time and measurements.
)Also the SE-R calipers are alot more $$ than the 2005 max calipers.
So....order the SE-R calipers and tell us if they fit!
Kevin - yes, you would have to bleed everything. It's not "hard" to do, just have to have the right tools and a lot of paper towels...
I'm actually putting SS lines in at the same time on all 4 corners, so will do a complete brake fluid flush, replacing OEM fluid with ATE Super Blue.....I hate brake work - so damn mess and you ahve to be VERY careful not to get brake fluid on any painted surfaces!!!!!
Originally Posted by irish44j
Kevin - yes, you would have to bleed everything. It's not "hard" to do, just have to have the right tools and a lot of paper towels...
I'm actually putting SS lines in at the same time on all 4 corners, so will do a complete brake fluid flush, replacing OEM fluid with ATE Super Blue.....I hate brake work - so damn mess and you ahve to be VERY careful not to get brake fluid on any painted surfaces!!!!!
I'm actually putting SS lines in at the same time on all 4 corners, so will do a complete brake fluid flush, replacing OEM fluid with ATE Super Blue.....I hate brake work - so damn mess and you ahve to be VERY careful not to get brake fluid on any painted surfaces!!!!!
On the question of the SE-R Calipers, how much more are they ? i might try it out if its not too much more....worse case i can just put em on ebay or sell em on the altima forums.
Originally Posted by Maxima Dan
Hey Irish, thanks for all your work on this. As soon as my front pads are shot I'm totally doing this mod.

say that again tomorrow night
Kevin - also make sure you use flare-end wrenches, not box-end, so you don't strip the brake line nuts......
there was a thread somewhere where someone posted how much the SE-R calipers were, but I can't seem to find it. Might want to do a ghetto google search if you don't have search ability....or was it in this thread
I'm too lazy to look up and see
i got my 2k5 brakes from a frend of mine that works over at a nissan dealer nearby.. thank God.. no shipping charges
remember the brake bleed procedure.. RR->LF->LR->RF.. found that in the BG book.. cuz i had bled it wrong.. and man.. the brakes didnt feel right.. now they are all good..
SS brakes lines would help.. but i didnt have the time nor did i have the lines..
remember the brake bleed procedure.. RR->LF->LR->RF.. found that in the BG book.. cuz i had bled it wrong.. and man.. the brakes didnt feel right.. now they are all good..
SS brakes lines would help.. but i didnt have the time nor did i have the lines..
the fronts from a SE-R were $136 from dave b a side. Someone had already volunteered to do it, but they are taking about a month until ready for install, however if they are the exact same size or smaller, we know they will fit.
mine are on, with SS lines...well long story about that actually. SS lines for the 5th gen will not fit correctly on the 6th gen caliper design....more on that in a little while when I post a new thread on the topic 
edit: here's a link to the new thread: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....13#post3792813

edit: here's a link to the new thread: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....13#post3792813
Originally Posted by spiromax
I was just poking around on the 6th gen forum to research this mod further, and one of the 6th gen guys told me of an interesting variation on the mod.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
So far, we've thought of using 6th gen Maxima rotors AND calipers, but what if we used 6th gen rotors with Nissan Quest calipers? According to the 6th gen guys, the Quest rotors are the same size as 6th gen Max rotors, and the calipers have the same bolt pattern as the 6th gen Max calipers, which means that they must also have the same bolt pattern as the 5/5.5th gen Max calipers.
So... Quest/6th gen rotors are the same, and Quest/6th gen/5th gen calipers all bolt up in the same place, but Quest calipers/pads would offer a little more contact area with the rotor than either 6th gen calipers OR 5th gen calipers. The only disadvantage I can see is that there probably aren't that many "high-performance" brake pads out for the Quest, so you might be limited to OEM pads. OEM pads aren't that bad, though... and the pads Nissan uses on the Quest are meant to stop a FRIGGIN HUGE AND HEAVY minivan.
Someone further down debunks the assumption that the 04 Quest's rotors are the same size as the 6th gen. They say the Quest is 290x28 while the [6th gen, assumably] Maxima's rotors are 320x28.
What's the stock 5th (00-01 and 02-03) gen's rotor size? Maybe the Quest brakes could fit overtop the stock 5th gen rotors? (although the thickness is a little shallow...)
Or even better, how about the Quest calipers on the BlehmCo bracket?
Nevermind, just answered my own question-- 2000 stock rotors are 280x26. So if the Quest uses 290x28, is it conceivable that Quest calipers could be used on stock 5th gen rotors, with the pads sticking out about 5mm like they do with the BlehmCo BBK? Although if you used the Quest calipers with the BlehmCo bracket on 6th gen rotors it might stick out a little too much...
Yeah, I'm on that thread too. It's only a little disappointing to find out that the Quest brakes aren't a perfect fit. Like I said above, it's not like there would be that many choices for performance brake pads for the Quest brakes anyway.
Are there any resources out there with detailed specs? (e.g. a copy of the 04 or 05 Quest shop manual, 6th gen shop manual, etc
)
PM me if you have anything
Also any other alternatives... like using another Nissan's rotors on the Max which may happen to fit the Quest calipers properly?
It's kind've a silly idea pondering the use of a Quest's brakes, but then again I'm not looking for super performance--I'm looking for something that won't warp
Chances are they won't fit without spacers anyway, so I'm probably wasting my time.
)PM me if you have anything

Also any other alternatives... like using another Nissan's rotors on the Max which may happen to fit the Quest calipers properly?

It's kind've a silly idea pondering the use of a Quest's brakes, but then again I'm not looking for super performance--I'm looking for something that won't warp
Chances are they won't fit without spacers anyway, so I'm probably wasting my time.



