How to Change the Brake Pads on a 2003 Maxima

The 2003 Nissan Maxima uses brake pads on both the front and rear brakes. The type of calipers and pads used on the front and rear wheels differs, so the method of changing the brake pads is slightly different depending on which end you're working on. In either case, you need to replace either both the front or rear brake pads together. The pads will likely need changing at around 60,000 to 80,000 miles.

Instructions

Open the cap on the brake master cylinder reservoir and siphon out two thirds of the fluid with an unused turkey baster or syringe bottle. Make sure you know your local laws for disposing of brake fluid.

Raise the car's front or rear end, support it on jack stands and remove both wheels. Loosening the lug nuts before raising the car will make the wheels easier to remove. Block the front wheels with wheel chocks if you're raising the rear end, and vice versa.

Wash off each brake assembly using a aerosol brake cleaner and a drip pan for catching the residue.

Depress the front brake caliper's piston into the caliper using a C-clamp. On rear calipers, disconnect the parking brake cable's clip and unhook the cable from the parking brake lever.

Remove the caliper's lower bolt and pivot the caliper upward on a front caliper, then squeeze and remove the anti-rattle springs from the brake pads. On a rear caliper, remove the upper bolt and pivot the caliper down.

Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket. Unclip and remove the shims from the pads.

Remove, clean and inspect the caliper slide pin. Coat it with high-temperature grease and install the pin back in the mounting bracket.

Connect the shims to the replacement brake pads and apply an anti-squeal compound to the backs of the shims in semi-circles around the middle.

Install the inner and outer brake pads in the bracket; the inner brake pad has the wear indicator. On front brakes, connect the anti-rattle springs to the pads.

Retract the piston in a rear caliper by turning it clockwise with needle-nose pliers or a special tool from an auto parts store

Swing the brake caliper back into place, then replace and tighten the mounting bolt.

Reinstall the wheels and lower the car.

Fill the brake master cylinder with fresh brake fluid.