How to Replace Rear Brakes 01-03 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 60 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace the rear disc pads and rotors on a 2001–03 Nissan Maxima, turning the rear caliper pistons back with the correct rewind tool.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground. Raise and support the rear safely, then remove the wheel to access the caliper and rotor.

2. Remove the caliper and pads

   Unbolt the caliper and lift it clear without pulling on the brake hose. Remove the pads and use a compatible rewind tool to turn the piston back into its bore.

3. Remove the rotor

   Remove the caliper bracket fasteners and lift the bracket away. Pull the rotor off the hub, checking that the parking brake is not holding it in place.

4. Install the new rotor

   Place the replacement rotor onto the clean hub and hold it in position with a lug nut. Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten its bolts to the vehicle's specification.

5. Clean and lubricate the slides

   Remove the slider pins, clean them, and check their boots for damage. Apply compatible brake grease sparingly and return each pin to its original position.

6. Fit the pads and caliper

   Reinstall pad springs and seat the new pads in the bracket. Lower the caliper over them, start its bolts by hand, and tighten to the vehicle's specification.

7. Reinstall the wheel and test

   Mount the wheel and torque the lug nuts to specification in a crossing pattern. Pump the brake pedal until firm and verify braking at low speed in a safe area.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.