Post by
Razi »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/razi-u53191.html
Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:35 pm
I don't think many people know about this upgrade, so I thought I'd bring it over to NICO.
I've been wanting to do something for the rear brakes ever since I did my Q45 brake upgrade up front.The front brakes would lock up easily, and the rear brakes felt like they weren't doing my good. Then I discovered this upgrade.I had a few questions of my own before doing this and thought I'd answer some here.
First off the parts list is simple.Get Z31 caliper brackets, twin turbo or not, doesn't matter.Then rotors from an Altima, years 2002-2006, V6 or not, doesn't matter. (I found Altima rotors for $25 per rotor at Pepboys.)You keep your stock e-brake and caliper, comes with your car. Works for both S13 and S14.
Also, if you are 4-lug, take it to a reputable machine shop and they should be able to redrill it to 4-lug for you.I also remember someone saying that 88rotors can make you rotors in any lug configuration you want if you call them up.
Now onto the work:
For those that don't know, our stock calipers are made up of 2 large pieces, basically...labeled here in '1' and '2'.Part '1' is what the Z31 part will replace.You keep part '2'.For comparison, Z31 bracket on the left and Stock bracket on the right.
Right...now you take off your wheel. Easy.
Now, here is the caliper, split into the two pieces.Part '1' is seen here still holding the brake pads onto the caliper.
Now take everything off, including the rotors.Stock rotor vs Altima
Heatshield!Since the Altima rotor is larger and also goes deeper towards the hub, I wondered if I would have to remove the whole thing.Turns out that all you need to do is cut off the outer lip on the heatshield and give it a few whacks with the hammer and it will clear your Altima rotors.Dremels are so useful.
Z31 bracket vs Stock bracket.I laid them down so the part that mounts to the rear knuckle are parallel.The thickest bolt you see on the Z31 bracket, is the one that bolts the bracket onto the rear knuckle, you need this bolt from the Z31, the stock one is too long and will rub your rotors. If you forgot them at the junkyard, you should be able to cut your stock bolts, just make sure the tip of the bolt isn't rough or you might damage the threads on the bracket.Also, the slide pins are identical between the 240sx one and Z31 one.
Now put your Altima rotors on, along with the Z31 bracket + brake pads and brake pad shims and assemble your brakes. (Grease your slide pins!)No brake overlap, it is perfect!
All installed:
I don't track my car (yet), and only do a bit of spirited driving on local roads.I have Q45 brakes up front and the brakes always felt way too bias towards the front, this seemed to even it out a bit.E-brake locks up nicely too.
Pedal travel felt different and longer when I drove it around at first, then I applied the e-brake while rolling and now it's back to normal.