1995 SE 5-speed. 138,000. All options--- sweet!!!

(1) The moron who I bought the car from used inferior parts in servicing the vehicle. The sucky brake pads he had installed have caused hotspots on the rotors. Do I have to have the rotors replaced or can I keep using them? Since they are already ruined, would it matter to just have the pads replaced? I know that it will be useless to have the rotors "turned", but ??? Should I get Nissan to do the work or is there a better rotor/pad option?

(2) The left axle boot has been torn and needs replaced. Should I use a dealer for the work or can a national repair center (Midas/Firestone) be able to get a quality replacement?

(3) And this is a good time to go ahead and have shocks/struts replaced. Shocks are the originals. Any recommendations? I'm also having new Dunlops put on during this repair.

This is my first Nissan. All my prior cars were Toyotas & Honda (Supra, Integra, MR2, etc).
Need help. Thanks.
Glenn.

 

1- get brembo blanks and some oem or respectable aftermarket pads. Brembo Blanks will run you about $70 for the front pair. Don't know if brembo even makes rotors for the rears but the fronts are more important.

2- consider just swapping out the axle. You have a lot of miles and dirt may have migrated into the joint and crippled it. www.raxles.com for new (not reman.) outer jts. It only costs a little more than fixing the boot.

3- KYB GR2 are good replacements. Check out tirerack.com. If you think there is a remote chance you'll get lowering springs or if you just like to tune the stiffness of your ride on the fly, consider KYB AGX adjustable sport shocks. Again, only a little more. Just note the condition of your dust boots as you may have to have them replaced--they usually disintegrate after 5 years. They are about $80 for all four corners.

Search is your best friend. It will give you breakdowns for pads, where to get stuff, etc.

 

Sounds like you don't have much more experience in servicing the vehicle either.... Shouldn't knock other if you can;t do it yourself.

I would not have a dealer do my work unless it was warranty work. Also, the brakes are easy-do a search and see what parts people are using and how they replace them.

Lastly...Enjoy the car!

 

Do the brakes yourself!!!!! you'll save lots of money. The dealer ripped me off awhile back - normal brake job (turn/replace rotors, change pads, etc.) plus a couple other small things when completed costed almost $1000!!!! when i learned how to do it and discovered how easy it was, i was royally ****ed.

I'd suggest the KYB AGX shocks even if you're not dropping the car. You'll have a firmer sportier ride plus the fun of adjusting the shocks. custommaxima.com sells the AGX's.

have fun!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2flyabove
[B]1995 SE 5-speed. 138,000. All options--- sweet!!!

You bought the car, why is the seller a moron? Maybe the seller is similar to some of those who read these pages "Hey, I just spent all my money making my car look good now I can't afford to fix what happens to be broken at the moment. Where can I get cheap ....?' People have different priorities.

I presume that the 'hot spot' on the rotors is warpage. Do you think that warpage of a thick metal parts goes away with new pads? Simply repacing the pad thinking all will be well is kind of an imbeciles solution to a morons problem.

If you don't know what you are doing, say so and then ask for help, there's lots of instruction around and people willing to share. You may be able to remove the bad rotors yourself and have them turned or replaced. To remove the front's, there's two bolts for the caliper and two for the yoke. It may take some effort to get the rotor to let go from the hub. Mine were warpped really bad, turned them down last week with no problem, should have gotten around to it long ago. Not much to it, you and others may want to give it a try. You'll learn something and get a great deal of satisfaction doing yourself what someone wants to over charge you for.

Good luck.

 

DO NOT go to a dealer for ANY work unless it's under warranty.
Find a good independant mechanic. Ask friends, family, whatever.

1. Definitely replace the rotors and pads. Ride will be smoother and pads will last longer. Make sure whoever does the job uses high quality pads. Not the cheap ones or you'll get MAJOR noise.

2. I assume you mean the outer CV joint boots? I had my outer boots replaced a few weeks ago. Cost $160. I found the crack fairly early so my joint was still ok. It will depend on how long it's been that way. If it's been a while, and is making noise when you drive, change the whole half axle. In either case, get both boots replaced.

3. KYB GR2 set will run about $250. KYB AGX about $350. New dust boots will run $60-80.

4. Since it's a 95.. Is it making any grinding noise when you start it? They tend to have problems with the starter. Especially on cold mornings.

Try to get a list of parts together and order everything online. It'll be way cheaper that way. Mechanics will charge retail for all the parts. Just take the parts to them and pay for the labor.

Do a search in the group deals forum for Jerry Rome Nissan. They have good discounts for ORG members.

Good luck.