J30 Brake Rotors?

[carlos_knology]

Hey fellas. 95 J30 question. 70k miles. Columbus, GA (hot).

I was thinking about replacing the front brake rotors on the J and have a few questions.

First and foremost, is this a DIY job? I've replaced the pads in the past but haven't really looked to see what I need to do to replace the rotors. I'm guessing the caliper would have to be removed.

Second, do I go with stock rotor or would it be better to "upgrade" to some performance rotors (cross-drilled, etc). I don't want to introduce brake squealing and I've heard it's best to stick with stock rotors/pads/shims.

The car is making a groaning noise whenever I brake under load (few passengers) but only as the car nears its stop (in other words while the car slows down there's no noise and then at about the last 6-7 feet I hear this groan noise). I speculate that it's because the rotor is getting hot as the car slows.

The pads aren't worn but they're stock pads. I thought about replacing everything in there. The car has 70K miles and the rotors have never been replaced.

Carlos

[Mayhem_J30]

With 70,000 it's time to replace the rotors. It's an easy DIY job. If you replace pads yourself then you already know how to pull off the calipers. After that you can just yank off the rotors. No biggie. If it seems stuck tap it a little around the edges with a rubber mallot or something. Then just put on the new ones. That groaning noise could be warped rotors, but I would have to hear it for myself. While you're in there you should flush your brake fluid as well. Brake fluid could be just as important as pads and rotors, especially under harsh hot conditions.Unless you're willing to spend a big chunk of change I would stay with stock rotors and pads. There are some vendors on this site that might be able to get you a discount on parts. I look around for them and post them unless, hopefully, some one posts them first. If you are willing to spend some $$ for crossdrilled and good pads check out http://www.porterfield-brakes.com They have some really good street pads that don't have that performance squeel and don't leave as much brake dust on your wheels. Of course this is all at the expense of a premium.

Post some pictures of your ride in the Member's Ride section when you can!!

[carlos_knology]

With 70,000 it's time to replace the rotors. It's an easy DIY job. If you replace pads yourself then you already know how to pull off the calipers. <snip>Post some pictures of your ride in the Member's Ride section when you can!!

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to give it a shot. There are already pics of my J in the member's rides section. It's under Carlos Knology's J30.

Carlos

[Mayhem_J30]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to give it a shot. There are already pics of my J in the member's rides section. It's under Carlos Knology's J30.

Carlos

oops! :oface sorry, i must have missed it. Nice car.

[carlos_knology]

I love this place.

I called Infiniti of Lisle and ordered 2 front brake rotors, front pads and hardware (shims) for $241.15 club price... free shipping.

Retail for those parts was $378 ($15 of that was shipping).

Can't beat that.

Infiniti of Lisle800-942-1887

[carlos_knology]

All is well with the J30. Replaced the front rotors, pads, and shims.

I did have a time getting those two 19mm bolts off (the bolts holding the caliper in place). After that, it was smooth sailing.

No more groaning noise although at first there was some squealing of the brakes. Maybe the pads and rotors need to be "broken in", so-to-speak.

Carlos