I35 Stock Brake Pads

[Fractal]

I have a 2002 I35 with almost 85,000 miles on it.

Just got back from the dealership, after the $180 inspection, they said need new rear pads and rotors 3/3mm. Front pads and rotors needed to be changed soon too 5/4mm. Rotors seems fine, said there was rust buildup (on the edge).

They want $600 for just new rear brakes/rotors, also $715 to change sparks and #4 coil.

I want to know if the I35 came with stock ceramic brakes, or should I upgrade to ceramic pads/rotors.

Don't race or go on the track, just a normal daily driving car. Need recommendations on pads and rotors.

Thanks

[Markc]

Wow! That's expensive. If you could do the work yourself, (or get some help), you could do front and rear pads and rotors, plugs and coil for less than $500.

[Fractal]

Yes I know,Mainly I want to know if this I35 came with stock ceramic brake pads.

[loystock]

The 02 I35 should have ceramic pads. Ceramic pads are better than metallic/semi-metallic which tends to get noisy aside from the metallic dust that mess up the wheels.

At 3mm, the rear pads are close to the wear limit of 2mm. If you have basic handtools - metric sockets, ratchet drive and screw drivers, you or with a help of a friend should be able to do all the the jobs required. Corrosion at the edge of the rotor is common. For as long as it does not intrude into the brake contact area, it should not be an issue. You can sand them off (not the contact area). Each rotor, if needed, can be turned for @ $20 each (if you pull them out yourself)

For replacing the front pads, you need a C-Clamp to push in the brake piston. For the rear brake you need a Brake Caliper Adapter (square assembly available from AutoZone for @ $10). The adapter will allow you to turn in the piston before installing the new pads. Never use a C-clamp on the rear caliper as it will damage the assembly. A mallet and a breaker bar may be needed to remove the rotors.

You can buy the parts that you need from NICO sponsor, IoS (Infinti of Scottsdale) - infinitiparts USA.com a.k.a. "everythinginfiniti.com." At 25% off MSRP. sometimes the OEM parts are cheaper than aftermarket parts. Go to the link below:

http://www.infinitipartsusa.co...gid=0

At IoS, Rear Pads at $58.66/set; Rear Rotor at $69.89 ea; Front Pads at $61.33/set; Ign Coil at $89.94; Spark Plugs (PLFR5A-11) $8.25 ea.

If you need instructions on how to do the job we can help you. You can refer to the FAQ 'sticky' on top of this forum for a lot of 'How Tos' info.

[Fractal]

Thanks for replying, now I know which parts to get. I've been searching all week, and couldn't find the specific answer of the OEM pads being ceramic or not.

I helped changed the pads of a 00 Maxima, so this shouldn't be different.

Thanks again.

[axd1152]

Well then what's left is replacing the spark plugs and the coil #4. I just did the same exactly work yesterday, except I had to replace coil #1. Number 4 coil should be the middle one in bank two which is located under the engine cover.(just remove 4 screws and the cover will come off). Refer to this thread if you need help in replacing the coil(towards the end of the thread): zer...14315

[Fractal]

Yeah I had a friend change all the spark plugs, #4 coil, brake pads, rotors, and one of the drive belts. Needed to change both rear calipers too. Now need to change, I believe the rear passenger side bearing. I bought a bearing without the ABS rotor, now need to return the one I bought, and buy one with the rotor attached, or buy the ABS rotor separate. Maybe it can be reused? How can such a small piece of metal cost $60?

Well then what's left is replacing the spark plugs and the coil #4. I just did the same exactly work yesterday, except I had to replace coil #1. Number 4 coil should be the middle one in bank two which is located under the engine cover.(just remove 4 screws and the cover will come off). Refer to this thread if you need help in replacing the coil(towards the end of the thread): zer...14315

Yeah, I saw in the service manual that #4 coil is the middle front shaft/bank.