I'm trying to change my pads in the rear on my 2003 maxima. I have the caliper off and the old ones out but i can't back off the piston to fit the new ones in and put the caliper back on, how do you back the piston off? On the cars i've done it usually is easy to back off but of course the max has to be a pain in the butt. Thanks!

 

how have you tried to do it??,... what i usually do is grab a twisting C clamp and a block of wood.. wood goes flat on piston.. c clamp on wood,... never had a prob like that,....be sure to check ur fluid when ur done.. g/l

 

Rears require a tool. They twist. You can make do w/some needle nose pliers.

 

Can you give me some more details? I twisted it and then it wouldn't twist more so i twisted it back and it stopped again, right or left? If anyone can help i'd really appreciate it, the max would too before it gets some pliers thrown through a panel Can i get that tool somewhere?

 

I usually just crack the bleeder on the caliper and do it by hand. Downside is you have to bleed the brakes after.

 

Most advance auto and autozones have the tool. Pliers work. My 96 were rusted and would not turn in all the way until I sprayed PB in there and tore the boot up. I just bought some semi loaded calipers instead.

 

Block of wood and C-Clamps is how i've always done it... works like a charm

 

Why do people always try to do things without using a manual? Its your brakes, the only thing stopping your car besides another car or a wall, and you won't spring $15 for a Haynes or Chiltons manual so that you can assemble your brakes properly and not die.

 

Dying is not something you get a second chance at. Killing someone else in the process is not good.

 

well i go to uti to be an automotive tech but the cars we did brakes on didnt suck, including a mercedes amg which is better(obviously) and easier(not so obvious) than this trash. Plus your rear brakes are isolated from the front so i'd still have front brakes and and if i can get the thing to go back together it will work, brakes are cake, exept when you have a maxima piston that needs a special tool. I'll probly try and get that tool tomorrow, can anyone tell me the direction to spin it? CW or CCW

 

CW..........

 

BTW, we're cool/beefless, re: Fri thread.

 

or

 

All of you are reposting 's

 

Maxima own joo Nah seriously though, what's up with some dyno time? you get a hook-up at all?

 

front caliper pistons can b pressd in with a c-clamp.. rear calip pistons i rented a tool from autozone for about $10.. but you can also juss use a realy large flathead screw driver b/c all your doing is simply twisting and pushing in the piston at the same time.. be careful not to puncture the rubber boot! i did at had to get a whole new rear caliper.. ugh.. and on top of that.. you'll find the hassle of trying to remove the e-brake bracket bolt that is stuck on there even a more pain in the nalgas (buttocks in spanish) lol goodluck!

 

oh.. twist to the right.. have fun! :P

 

man thats an *** god damn

anyways yes buy the tool its so much easiser

 

Me thinks you need to start working out if you can't turn the rear calipers...even with a pair of needle nose pliers.

Or...when was the last time you bled your brakes? Sounds like its time....

 

^^ lol like he said.. but in my terms.. be a man lol :P

 

I recall my driver's side rear caliper - turns clockwise. I can't recall if the passenger side also turns clockwise but I believe it does.

You should get the tool. Don't try the plyers trick - the least you would do is gouge up your piston head - the worst you would do is tear the boot and that can lead to early failure. The part is not expensive, <$10 at an auto supply store. You'll end up using it a few times so $10 is no big deal. Its all metal, easily fits into your hand. It will be titled something like "Import Car Brake Tool". One side has a 3/8" head for a ratchet, the other side is a circular plate with two round, ~1/4", metal posts attached to the plate, mounted to the plate, opposite each other. The idea is you place the plate against the piston head with the posts fitting into grooves. Use an extension and your ratchet turns the piston head. I do not recall having to press on the head, screwing in clockwise makes the piston go into the cylinder body.

You didn't ask but:
- You need the cap off the brake fluid reservoir - make sure that as you are screwing in the head that the fluid is not overflowing the reservoir.
- Parking brake needs to be released - make sure car cannot roll anywhere.
- I always clean off shims with brake cleaner
- I always use a break squeal compound
- You should take the time to bleed your brake lines while you have the wheel off

Hope this helps.