April 07, 2010
Calm the clunk in a Nissan caliper
Replacement spring retainer kit is available
By: Ed Dorowski and Jeff Webster
Figure 1
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2001-2002 Nissan Maxima (built between Nov. 27, 2000, and Sept. 20, 2001), Sentra, Sentra SE (with rear disc brakes built after March 1, 2001) and Sentra SE/R and SPEC V (built before Dec. 3, 2001).
COMPLAINT: A clunk, knock or rattle may be heard from the rear of the vehicle while driving on rough road surfaces or over harsh bumps.
CAUSE/SOLUTION: The condition may be caused by the brake pads moving in the brake caliper housing. A replacement spring retainer kit is available to correct the condition.
The owner of a Nissan Maxima or Sentra may complain of a clunk, knock or rattle noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving on rough road surfaces or over harsh bumps. The condition may be caused by the brake pads moving in the brake caliper housing.
A replacement Spring Retainer (SPR-RET) Kit (PN 44080-4U027), consisting of replacement pad retainers, inner and outer shims and brake pads is available to address this condition.
Repair procedure
1. Test drive the vehicle under the conditions described above to confirm the symptoms exist.
NOTE: Lightly apply the parking brake while the incident is occurring to verify if the noise is reduced or eliminated.
If application of the parking brake does not reduce or eliminate the noise, this information does not apply. Use other appropriate diagnostic procedures and service information to further investigate and diagnose the source of the noise.
If application of the parking brake reduces or eliminates the noise, proceed to step 2 below.
2. Remove the rear wheels, starting with the left.
3. Remove the brake caliper assembly pin bolts (Figure 1).
4. Loosen the parking brake cable by removing the parking brake cable bolt.
5. Remove the brake caliper assembly to gain access to the brake pad, shim and pad retainer. Don’t allow the brake caliper assembly to hang from the brake hose. Using wire, hang it from the rear coil spring.
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