Most common Nissan Maxima Brake Problems
Brake Components
Calipers house brake pads. Internal pistons force pads against the rotors to slow your car. Maximas frequently suffer from seized or sticky calipers. Calipers are commonly bathed in water splashed from the road. This situation is a predictable result and a good reason for frequent brake inspections.
Master Cylinder and Booster
The master cylinder connects to the brake pedal with a lever passing through the firewall. The brake booster connects to the master cylinder.
The master cylinder has a reservoir containing most of the brake fluid in the brake system. When you depress the brake pedal, you force a piston in the master cylinder to propel fluid toward the brake mechanism at each wheel, creating the force to slow your car. The brake booster magnifies the pressure you make at the brake pedal.
We frequently find leaking master cylinders and perished boosters to be the cause of Maxima brake troubles. Nissan master cylinders have a design flaw that allows brake fluid from the master cylinder to leak into the brake booster, requiring us to replace both.
ABS Components
ABS works by pumping the brakes when incipient lockup is sensed. ABS sensors on each wheel detect locking. This information goes to the ABS actuator, which varies brake pressure to individual wheels to help you maintain control in slippery or heavy braking situations. The ABS actuator and ABS sensors are frequent offenders we see in all Nissan Maxima models.
When the ABS actuator fails, greater braking distances and unpredictable brake performance may result. A failure of this component could also cause a brake fluid leak.
A failed ABS sensor can disable the traction control system and cause unnecessary cycling of the brakes, resulting in longer stopping distances. We often find rust inside this component, requiring its replacement.
When do Nissan Maxima brake parts need to be exchanged?
The Nissan Maxima brake pads require replacement between 30,000 - 80,000 miles depending on your driving conditions.
How do I know if I need brake work for my Nissan Maxima?
Regular fluid flushes can head off pricey repairs. After two years, your brake fluid is inundated with contamination, resulting in rusty brake components. Periodic inspections will avert safety-threatening problems.
Schedule a brake inspection if you experience these symptoms:
- The brake pedal sinks closer to the floor than usual or needs more force than usual
- Vibrations, shaking, or noises occur during braking
- Wobbling or rocking
- The brake Warning Light illuminates
- Grinding or squealing brakes
- When you brake, pulling in either direction
- Longer stopping distances
