How to Replace Emergency Brakes in a Nissan Maxima

Emergency brakes were originally used to stop a vehicle during a failure of the regular brakes. However, emergency brakes are now used primarily to keep the vehicle from moving while parked because the regular brakes on a Nissan Maxima rarely fail. Emergency brakes most often need to be replaced as a result of disuse, which can cause the components to rust and seize.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Emergency brakes kit
Flare nut wrench
Silicone-based grease
Socket wrench set
Torque wrench
1

Determine which type of emergency brakes your Nissan Maxima will need. Emergency brakes typically function by activating the regular braking system on the driving wheels. The emergency brakes for the Nissan Maxima use the disc brakes on the rear wheels.
2

Remove the rear wheels and the bracket bolt for the parking brake cable with a socket wrench. Use a socket wrench to unfasten the caliper pin bolts and remove them from the caliper body. Remove the lock spring.
3

Detach the brake fluid hose from the brake caliper with a flare nut wrench. Use a socket wrench to remove the caliper, and remove the brake pad springs, brake pads and shims.
4

Lubricate the contact area on the mounting support of the new brake pads with a silicone-based grease. Install the new brake pads onto the calipers and turn the brake piston clockwise into the caliper body.
5

Complete the installation of the brake pads and calipers by reversing the removal procedure. Tighten the pin bolts to between 16 and 23 foot pounds with a torque wrench. Use new copper washers for the brake fluid hose. Use the torque wrench to tighten the flare nut to between 12 and 14 foot pounds.