How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a 1999 Maxima

The 1999 Nissan Maxima uses brake discs, calipers and pads on its rear wheels. The Maxima's rear brake pads work with the parking brake, so you may not need to change them as often as you would the front brake pads, but you should still inspect them whenever you change the front ones. The procedure for replacing the rear brake pads is slightly different than the procedure for changing the front ones.

Instructions

Removal Procedure

1

Siphon at least two thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir; use a suction or siphon tool such as a turkey baster or syringe that you've never used for anything else and won't use again for any other task afterward.

2

Block the front wheels with large blocks or wheel chocks; raise the car's rear end and support it on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels, using the tire iron.

3

Disconnect the parking brake cable clip and unhook the cable from the parking brake lever.

4

Unscrew and remove the upper caliper bolt with a wrench and pivot the brake caliper down and off the mounting bracket.

5

Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the mounting bracket, then remove the pad retainers from the upper and lower ends of the mounting bracket. Pull the anti-rattle spring out of the caliper, inspect it for damage and reinstall it (or replace it, if necessary).

6

Disconnect the shims from the backing plates of the old brake pads.

7

Pull the slide pins out of the mounting bracket, wipe the bracket off, apply a high-temperature grease to it (you can apply it with your finger) and install the pins back into the bracket.

Installation Procedure

8

Connect the shims to the backs of the replacement brake pads. Apply an anti-squeal compound to the shims (in-between the edges and the center of the shims).

9

Install the upper and lower pad retainers into the caliper mounting bracket, then install the replacement outer and inner brake pads.

10

Turn the caliper piston with a pair of needle-nose pliers to retract it back into the caliper--you can also use a special tool from an auto parts store to turn it.

11

Pivot and swing the brake caliper back up into position on the mounting bracket. Apply the upper bolt and tighten it to 28 and 38 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.

12

Hook the parking brake cable back onto the lever and connect the cable clip to the brake assembly.

13

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car to the ground after changing both of the rear brake assemblies.

14

Fill the brake master cylinder with fresh brake fluid.