Hi guys, i had a quick question. I'm not a mechanic but i like to do some of the maintenance on my car myself. I have a 2007 SE and I have replaced the front brakes before on the car a few times but i never did the rear brakes because i was told before that it was a lot harder to do the rear brakes than it is to do the front. I was trying to research it a little and the only thing that i see that looks different is you need the wind back tool to push back the piston, something like this



Anyways is that the only difference between replacing the rear as opposed to the front? what about the emergency brake does that play a factor in replacing the rear brake pads and rotors? Also if anyone has seen any youtubes for this generation maxima i would love it if you shared. As always thanks so much!

 

no different than the front other than you need that tool that you posted to twist in the rear caliper. if you attempt to press in the caliper on the rear like you would the front brakes, you will ruin the caliper

only problem you might encounter is those twist in calipers are alot more prone to seizing than press in. otherwise its the same deal as the front brakes

 

I dont know about the 2007, but the 2004 doesnt have twist calipers, you just push straight in. You could just try yours before ordering the tool. Just put a piece of wood or metal over the pistol, and slowly press with a c clamp. either it goes in or it does not....

if you want to replace the rotors, you might have to back off the handbrake adjuster until it's loose enough to remove the rotor, if there is rust blocking the way.

 

I would spend the $50 on the tool and be set for a lifetime of brake replacements. Rear brakes are just as easy as the fronts (and just as irritating when you have the one bolt that refuses to budge). Replaced my pads and rotors last week an it took about 1-1/2hr (45 min on that one bolt).

 

The tool is only $6-7 at autozone

 

I actually bought that same set and it's a great value. It has adaptors for many different makes, depressors for clockwise and counterclockwise pistons, and you can use it for pistons that push straight in.

I also have the $6-$7 variety referenced in the post above...mine's a cube that you twist with a 3/8 ratchet. It will work in a pinch, but it doesn't work near as well as this set does. If you don't mind spending the money, this is a good set that will last you for a long time.

 

One last dumb question do i twist in the calipers clockwise or counter-clockwise?

 

Good thing i saw this. I pushed mines back. it went back no problem. i have an 07. chrome91 are you saying i ruined mines? how can i tell?

 

Assuming it has twist calipers, you turn them in clock-wise.

 

you dont need to twist, stop asking which way to turn jesus.
use a c clamp over a piece of wood, done.

 

You've got nothing to twist, these are just push-in pistons as said above. But yea, buy that $7 tool just for kick out of it, just let it sit in your garage silly.

 

 

Remember to open the brake-reservoir (inside the engine area) to allow the fluid to refill the reservoir...

 

No need for that. Did all 4 without, no issue

 

Well I don't know dude, I never did the rear brakes and I don't want to screw it up JESUS!! calm down

 

You will probably screw up somewhere. I would bring this to a mechanic so your brakes can be properly inspected, cleaned, lubed, bleeded, and then pads replaced.

If you don't really know how to do it, dont do it.