No rear breaks

[dperi]

I installed new rear pads and rotors on my 1999 maxima (no ABS) and now have no rear breaks or emergency break. I tried bleeding the rear lines but no help. What did I do wrong?

[MaximA32]

Did you push in the piston while turning it at the same time? If now, you ruined the calipers. If you did do this, did you pump up the brake proor to starting the vehicle after the job?

[dperi]

The piston retracted as I turned it. Don't think I used the brake before starting the car. What Happens if you start the car without using the brakes first?

[MaximA32]

You get a low brake pedal. Retract the pistons into the calipers and pump up the brake before you start the vehicle and all should be good.

[00MaxSE]

Yeah what he said.

I hope you didn't BREAK your BRAKES.

[dperi]

I was hopping the spelling would get someone’s attention. Guess it worked!

[coolhand]

One trick I learned:

Put the car in reverse and back up no faster than 5 mph

Hit the brakes hard until stopped

Repeat this two or three times

This will firm the brake pedel some. This work on all the Maximas I own so far (87, 89, 95)

[MaximA32]

Coolhand, could you please size your sig down? Slightly on the large size.

[dperi]

Kenny

The one caliper that I'm having trouble with (I started the car before using the brake on this side only) is still completely retracted. When I apply the brake the caliper moves out to engage the pads but completely retracts when I release the brake, leaving space between the piston and pads. I don't mind replacing a bad caliper but if there is an easy fix I can try before purchasing a new caliper all the better.

Thanks for helping with this

Dennis

[brianw]

Replace the caliper.

[coolhand]

I will see what I can do. I like the pic and that was the only size avaliable.