2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

I just changed out my rear brakes tonight. No biggie, borrowed the tool from Autozone to do the job but as I changed the pads I was trying to figure out how they work. I've changed out the pads on several cars but have not encountered this type of piston before.

So, replace pads, turn the piston clockwise to compress. The piston has four impressions at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions on the face of the piston. The pads have a little raised bump on the lower portion in the middle. As I replaced the first pad, I realized I had to not only compress the piston but get the impression on the piston to line up with the raised bump. The caliper would not go on unless the divot on the piston was at the 6 o'clock position.

Do the pistons turn counter-clockwise as you push the brake? If they do, I don't see how they would turn as this little bump would prevent that. I am assuming there is a sleeve in the piston allowing it to move forward/back like the front piston and the clockwise/counterclockwise turning of the head would just be an adjustment of some sort...but I don't really understand.

Any help on this one?

I took a test drive and everything works just as expected. The brakes firmed up as I started the car and pressed the brake...just like doing the front pads.

nissandrvr98

iTrader: (3)

clockwise facing the piston.

and no, they dont spin 'out' during braking. there is a nub on the piston face that sits in the pad.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Yeah, pretty sure mine did this too. And I didn't have an issue lining anything up with the pads. It's been a while since I've looked at it though.