Problems with 300zx Brakes

[SRJesse]

I have the 300zx calipers on my 240sx. The last time I had to change the pads, the right side was almost gone, and the left side was fine. Ever since I have changed them it has been fine until the last couple days. Today after I got off the highway I came to a stop and it smelled horrible. Anyone have any ideas? At highway speeds the steering has been very shaky too, and I just changed my TC Rod bushings......what the hell? Do you think a caliper is stuck in? Could that cause the shaking at high speeds? Please help!

[djtodd]

Have you been bleeding the lines when you change the pads?

[slw240sx]

have you upgraded to the zx master cylinder?? maybe your are boiling the fluid resulting in erratic brake operation .. also with the presure leves like they are the system may be operating unevenly

[Holisticbeatz]

Do you have to change the master cylinder?

[bj180sx]

how bout a sticky caliper.

[slw240sx]

yes you are suposed to change the master cylinder... those caliper are alot bigger so you need a biger cyllinder that way the pressure doesnt get to high with such a little cylinder

[maxpower]

look into a caliper rebuild kit (seals, clamps etc..) available from courtesy nissan. what condition were the calipers in when you installed them?

z32 MC is not neccesary if you only have them in the front. Some say that adding a z32 MC to a 240 with factory rear brakes will overwork the rear calipers/rotors.

[SRJesse]

Yes I have upgraded the master cylinder. What are the Z32 MC that your talking about? The calipers were used, but bought them from a friend and they were fine. I am guessing it's just a sticky caliper because the last time I changed the pads the right side was low as well. But this is the first time I have smelled them burning. I am going to find a rebuild kit....

Should I rebuild both? Not sure of the prices on the kits yet that is why I ask.

Thanks for all the responses.

[maxpower]

do both.

kit:http://courtesyparts.com/z32_brakes.html

guide:http://www.twinturbo.net/ttnet....html

[kingsoup]

It might not be the master cylinder. Might be sticky caliper or warped rotor causing uneven wear. I'd vote for sticky caliper.

[SRJesse]

Thanks alot guys!

[bj180sx]

exchange them at autozone and pay $100 for the pair.

[SRJesse]

HUH? $100 for new 300zx Calipers with the exchange of the old ones? I find this hard to believe...

[moreshok]

Your problem sounds like a classic case of rusty piston syndrome or swollen brake hose not letting the fluid return to the resevoir. Have seen that many times. Good luck.

[C-Kwik]

yes you are suposed to change the master cylinder... those caliper are alot bigger so you need a biger cyllinder that way the pressure doesnt get to high with such a little cylinder

I'm using my stock master cylinder and it works fine. You will still get enough pressure. It just needs a longer stroke(more pedal travel) to get the same volume of fluid. And when you get the same pressure in the fluid, you will have less pedal effort with the 240 MC. Not to mention, the Z32 brakes will likely be doing more work with less overall pad pressure anyways since the rotors have a larger diameter.

[SRJesse]

A friend of mine who was a mechanic for many years told me that replacing the seals in a caliper can be a big pain in the a$$. He also said that it is very hard to get them working "Properly" ever again after doing this. I will read through the instructions that someone gave me the link to (thanks again) but has anyone ever done this, problem free? Please give me some suggestions. I was looking at Heavy Throttle and they have calipers for very good prices that have been refurbished. Or, does anyone know of any shops that will do this for me and gurantee their work? Thanks guys...