I installed rear brakes on my Max myself. It was the first time I ever tried to change brakes myself. When I tried to screw in the piston on the caliper it was impossible to do w/ the socket adapter tool. I tried needle nose pliars and it still didn't work. I finally had to use a pair of channel locks to screw it in. Is that normal? Also the rubber covering on the piston was pretty much schreaded. Does this mean I need a new caliper?

 

Oh man,

Sounds like you have a frozen caliper. I hope you were turning it the right way also. Anyhow, if the boot was shredded ,that means that dust and dirt will get in the piston and thats a serious no-no. I think you'll have to get another caliper.

Andrew

 

That's what I was afraid of. I knew the other caliper needed to be replaced because it was sticking. (I was going to just try re-greasing the pins but when I saw the condition of that boot, I decided to replace it.) Then when I saw the condition of the other boot I figured I might need to replace that one too (thanks for the advice).

I was turning the caliper clockwise. I figured this was correct becaue I was able to get it open enough to accomodate my new pads.

I don't think the piston is frozen because I have a new caliper on the other side and the car doesn't pull when I brake. I agree w/ you about the boot. I'll replace that caliper in the next month or so.

 

I just had BOTH rear calipers replaced due to this. Same symptoms. Waiting may not be a great idea, the brake parts you just replaced will suffer.

See my thread for confirmation:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=466522

 

WOW! My rotors didn't look anything like that! My rotors actually looked fine. I could hear the passenger side squeak for a while after I let off the brakes so I knew it was hanging up. I'll definately make sure I replace the other one soon (unfortunately I'm out of the 3/36 warrenty).

You're thread mentioned you replaced your calipers w/ Nissan calipers. I check the price of Nissan calipers $330 vs the price of aftermarket $100 and decided to go aftermarket. But when I got the caliper, it was only the upper caliper (probably all I needed) but I was wondering if part of the price difference was Nissan including the lower caliper (that the pads sit in). Did your caliper come w/ the upper and lower portion?

Just curious - what kind of pads were you using?