dnslammers

Hey gang,

I've got a 96 Hardbody XE 4cyl that needs brakes all the way around. How much do u think it would cost in parts if I go to Autzone, etc. to get pads, rotors and drums?

Is the Haynes manual any good for giving directions on how to change the brakes? Never done brake work before and I wanted to see if its worth it doing it myself.

thanks,
Stephen

jadcock

I'd say $40 for front pads, $30 for rear shoes, $80 for new front rotors, maybe $90 for new rear drums. Plus a rear drum brake spring kit, for $5, and that's about $245. It all depends obviously on what brand parts you buy. You may not need NEW rotors and drums. In fact, I'd have the rotors resurfaced ($40 total) and the drums probably don't need to be touched. Never heard of anyone actually needing their drums resurfaced.

I think the Haynes manual would be sufficient for doing the brakes. Be careful, though, as it's the most important part of your vehicle. The fronts should be pretty easy -- sometimes drum brakes are tough to do. If in doubt, take it and have it done. If you do the rears yourself, be sure to do one side at a time, so you can see how the other is put together if you get stuck.

Good luck!

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Jason Adcock
Always Tread Lightly!
1995 4x4 XE King Cab - 189,000 miles
1997 Cadillac Seville - 141,000 miles

Yontrop

Replacing front pads is cake. You only need to buy rotors if they're out of specifications, and cannot be turned anymore.

Replacing rear shoes can be tricky, and fustrating, so take your time with that. I've never done it on a Nissan pickup, but I can tell you the shoes on Altimas aren't exactly the easiest ones to work with.

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ASE-certified technician by day, metal musician and computer nerd by night, and avid Nissan HB lover

1997 D21 XE KA24E 2WD 5-spd - 190,000mi