2002 Q45 brakes

[tweetybird88]

Does anyone know how hard it would be to replace the front and back rotors on the 2002 Q45? Are there any special tools required or could i do it with your basic tools. The local shop wants something over $500 for it and that just is too much for something that I could potentially do myself.

[seldomseen]

$500 for all parts and labor ain't bad.

[MinisterofDOOM]

It's not a big deal at all, really. Disk brakes are cake to work with. I think the new Qs have the "Turn to compress" brake calipers, so you may want to rent a caliper tool for that. You have to re-compress the brake calipers before reinstalling them...older calipers could be compressed with a c-clamp but the new ones must be rotated with a special tool. It can be done with needle nose pliers but is difficult. Even accounting for the caliper tool, it's still a simple job.

[loystock]

The F50 (2002-2006 Q45) uses conventional brake pistons and does not require an adapter (unlike I30/Maxima). Below is the procedure I wrote for the M35/M45 pads and rotor replacement, based on the FSM. I modified it to to match the F50 Q45. The size of the sockets needed may be different.

Best pricing for OEM pads and rotors is from IoS (Infiniti of Scottsdale) - infinitipartsUSA.com a.k.a everythinginfiniti.com

Q45_F50 Brake Pads (and Rotors) ReplacementSpecification: -Front Rotor: 28mm new/26mm minimum; Maximum Runout=0.05mm -Rear Rotor: 16mm new/14mm minimum; Maximum Runout=0.07mm -Front Brake Pads: 10mm new/2mm minimum -Rear Brake Pads: 9.8mm new/2mm minimumTools and Materials Required -Tire wrench, jack and jack stand -Breaker bar (1/2” drive) -Ratchet Drive (1/2” or 3/8”)-Metric sockets (14mm for pin bolts, 21mm for lug nuts; 24mm for torque member bolts if rotor needs removal/replacement)-Torque wrench (32 ft-lbs for pin bolt, 72-87 ft-lbs for lug nuts)-C-clamp (for pushing the piston)-wire sufficient to support the brake cylinder body-optional steel brush to clean lug nuts and hub bolts-optional disc brake cleaner-DOT 3l Brake Fluid (32 oz), container and vinyl tube for optional Bleeding Brake System-PBC grease or CRC Disc Brake Quiet-wipes/rugs

CAUTION: WITH THE BRAKE CYLINDER REMOVED, DO NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE THE PISTON WILL POP OUT. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE PISTON BOOT OR GET OIL ON ROTOR. Removal and Installation of Brake Pad (modified from M34545 FSM)REMOVAL1. Remove tires from vehicle with power tool (or tire wrench or breaker bar with 21mm socket).2. Remove lower sliding pin bolt (14mm socket).3. Hang cylinder body with a wire, and remove pads, pad retainers, shims, and shim cover from torque member (Option: clean retainer and shims with brake pad cleaner).Note: If rotor needs to be removed – First remove both pin bolts and hang cylinder body. Then remove both Torque Member mounting bolts (breaker bar may be required with 24mm socket ) and pull out the torque member. Pull out the rotor (have them turned or replaced)Note: Clean and lubricate caliper pins.

INSTALLATION1. Apply PBC (Poly Butyl Cuprysil) grease or equivalent (or CRC Disc Brake Quiet) to between shim cover and shim. Install inner shim,inner shim cover to inner pad, and outer shim, outer shim cover to outer pad.2. Install pad retainers and pads to torque member.3. Press in piston until pads can be installed (use C-clamp and old pad to push piston), and then install cylinder body to torque member.CAUTION: In the case of replacing a pad with new one, check a brake fluid level in the reservoir tank because brake fluid returns to master cylinder reservoir tank when pressing piston in. Reservoir may OVERFLOW. Brake fluid can strip car paint.Note: Use a disc brake piston tool (commercial service tool, or C-clamp) to easily press piston (use the old pad together with the C-clamp to press the piston until it is flush with the piston cylinder).4. Install upper sliding pin bolt and tighten to the specified torque. 5. Check rear disc brake for drag.OPTION: Bleed Brake System in sequence- rear right, front left, rear left and front right. Ensure brake reservoir level does not go below minimum or air will enter the system (spongy brake)6. Install tires to vehicle (Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs. Over-torquing may warp the rotor).7. Brake BurnishingCAUTION: Whether brake burnishing is done on a track, parking lot, street or highway, always ensure it is SAFE to do so.-Nissan recommends braking from 31 MPH (50KPH) to full stop within 3-5 seconds with a cooling period of 1 minute. Repeat braking 10 times or more.-I personally do braking from 60 MPH to 10 MPH (never a full stop which can cause hot spots) 10 times or more on an ‘empty’ highway (backroads or empty mall parking lot).