Trouble with brake locking up

SAMONJA

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

I have a 2000 nissan maxima and I am having problem with my brakes. I replaced the calipers on the front with new rotors and pads. Replaced the pads on the back and the booster. The brakes are still locking up on me. Very puzzling. Took it to the dealer and the service guy said it could be the master cylinder. I dont want to change anything else until I know for sure. Spending too much money. Any suggestion. It locks up sporadically usually while driving. I'll be driving and then you would feel a drag like someone is pulling from the back or pushing a ton of brick. I would be pressing the gas and car would be going slow. Then all of a sudden the force lets go and the car is fine. It drives normal again. When I stop smoke coming from the front wheels. I tell you I have not seen anything like this please help

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

It sounds like you have a brake booster rod that is adjusted too far out, please remove the master and wind it in about a 1/8 of an inch. It also can be that you have a brake hose twisted or you have a bad brake hose, See which tire is locking and then replace that hose.

Here is a video to help

https://youtu.be/xMS8Xy4Xz1U

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 AT 2:25 PM

SAMONJA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yep you where right I jacked up the front and the fight front was locked up so I replaced the brake hose thanks for the video btw. Thanks for your help great site.

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 AT 2:57 PM

CHRIS F

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 2009 Nissan Maxima that is doing the same thing. I have replaced both front calipers, lines, and booster.
I have tried to adjust the internal rod, but I am still having the same problem. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

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Friday, February 7th, 2020 AT 12:48 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Hi Chris F. Please start a new question specific to your vehicle, and be sure to list the engine size and mileage. Also include any relevant history that led up to this.

This was a private conversation between two people. As such, none of the other experts are going to see your addition or have a chance to reply. That won't get you the help you need. It also helps with cataloging these questions for other people researching the same problem. A 2009 model is not the same as a 2000 model.

I can try to help you here, but if necessary, repost your question here:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

The next thing to consider is brake fluid contaminated with a petroleum product. That will cause rubber parts to swell including the rubber lip seals in the master cylinder. When they grow past the fluid return ports, those are blocked and the brake fluid can't return back from the brakes. To identify that, check if the rubber bladder seal under the reservoir cap is blown up and mushy. If you see that, when the brakes are locked up, loosen the steel line nuts at the master cylinder. If doing that does not let the brakes release, you'll need to open the system at other places to figure out where the pressurized brake fluid is being trapped.

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Friday, February 7th, 2020 AT 1:03 PM