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my5thgen 00-03

2002-2003 5thgen Nissan Maxima Fastbrakes Rear Brake Upgrade

Credit: uptownsamcv

I just installed the Fastbrakes rear brake kit on my 02 SE. between all the parts, machining and the Fastbrakes bracket that I purchased individually, it all came out to $437.07. Fastbrakes bracket was engraved with 240SX-REAR-12.3″ but fit perfect with proper shimming.

Stock is 278mm ( 10.9″) and the new rotors are 312mm (12.3″) my fronts are 320mm (12.6″) 6th gen brakes.

I’ll post up receipt pics. on op top of that, i paid $85 for machine shop to bore the rotor center out and sandblast my 94 caliper brackets for painting. I also ordered a wheel hub for the machine shop to size up the center hub to the rotors….

I don’t think the machine shop tested the fit of the rotor on the hub when they machined them. I had to open up the inner part of the bore hole so the rotor would seat properly to the hub.

1994 pads are different along with the hardware which will all be used.

The green arrow is pointing to the washer that was supplied and the red arrow is the 1 of 4 thicker washers that were supplied.

The parking brake cables will have to be unbolted from the trail arm and bolted back on once the parking brake cable is attached back to the caliper…

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mySER 05-06

2005-2006 Nissan Altima SE-R with 350Z Strut Bushings Installed

Credit: Robert Mandru

350Z Strut Bushings – A Viable Solution for Our Cars

Finding quality strut bushings for our platform has always been a challenge. Realistically, the options are limited: OEM replacements, Siberian Bushing (avoid, based on personal experience), and Red Lion Racing (excellent in certain applications).

For reference, I already run Red Lion Racing’s full Nylatron bushing kit in the rear knuckles of my Altima, and it’s been great. However, the strut bushing is a different story. This component needs articulation to allow the suspension to twist and move through its full range of motion. Without that, you’ll encounter binding and a harsh, non-compliant ride.

Below is an example of GKTech’s spherical strut bushing—originally designed for the 350Z—installed on the Altima. The results speak for themselves: smoother suspension movement and elimination of rear wheel hop that had been caused by a failed bushing.

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mySER 05-06

Nissan Altima SE-R Weight Savings Tips (Switching to 1-Piece Coilovers)

Credit: Terrance Herrera

If you’re aiming to shave off a few pounds—like I am—you’ll appreciate knowing the weight difference between rear 2-piece and 1-piece coilovers. Each side saves about 3.8 pounds, and while that might not sound like much, it adds up quickly. Pairing 1-piece coilovers with bucket deletes compounds the savings even further, thanks to the substantial difference between OEM steel buckets and lightweight delete kits. Every pound counts, and these changes make a noticeable impact.

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mySER 05-06

Altima SE-R Upgrade: 4th Gen Aluminum Control Arms Installed

Credit: Joe I.

I’ve upgraded my 3rd Gen Altima SE-R with 4th Gen Altima aluminum control arms, and the results are impressive! Here’s a detailed look at the transformation, including before-and-after photos showcasing the ride height change. I swapped out the stock springs for 1-inch shorter TEIN coilovers, giving the car a more aggressive stance and improved handling.

Craig Fogel also noted that 350Z rear coilovers are compatible with the rear suspension of our cars. He mentions using BC Racing coilovers designed for a 350Z paired with Altima-specific lower mounts on his vehicle. Additionally, he has installed 350Z Z1 Motorsports toe and camber arms for enhanced suspension tuning

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my4thgen 95-99

370z Akebono Calipers on the 1995-199 4thgen Nissan Maxima

Credit: Brandy Duncan-Whillock

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the 370Z Akebono brake upgrade on the 4th-gen Maxima:

  1. Acquire Necessary Brackets: You must use these brackets: https://www.autosportsengineering.com/products/autosports-engineering-brake-brackets-fits-nissan-altima-02-06-maxima-95-08
  2. Modify the Dust Shield: Trim the dust shield behind the rotors to allow for caliper clearance, then bend it back slightly to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the new setup.
  3. Avoid 350Z Rotors: Although 13.5” 350Z rotors will technically fit, they leave about a half-inch of pad overhang, which results in incomplete pad contact.
    Use 370Z Sport Rotors: Opt for the 14” 370Z Sport Rotors to achieve full pad contact and perfect fitment in the calipers. (Photo will be posted to show the fit.)
  4. For 18” Wheels: You may need to shave down the corners of the calipers to prevent rubbing on the wheel barrel.
    For 19” Wheels: No modifications should be needed, as they offer enough clearance.
    Note: I kept my 350Z wheels and chose to shave down the calipers to ensure clearance. Now there’s just enough space to fit a credit card between the caliper and barrel.
  5. Attach OEM Brake Line: The OEM brake line will connect to the 370Z calipers without any additional modifications.
  6. Choose Compatible Brake Pads: I used the OEM 370Z pads that came with the calipers, but you can use any 370Z Sport pad compatible with Akebono calipers.

Although this setup may have been done before, I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to upgrade their 4th-gen Maxima brakes with Akebono calipers, as most previous write-ups only cover Brembo installs.

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