what size sockets do i need to to remove the break assembly so i can remove the rotor? I removed to smaller set, but dont have a socket big enough to fit the bigger bolts. I tried with a regular wrench but could not budge it. any help or advice would be great, i need to replace all 5 studs on the front tire so, i cant go anywhere to take it somewhere to be done. any help will be apperciated. the car is a 98 es 300
thxs
ron

 

Sounds like you already have the size if you had a wrench that fits... Another option is if the wrench is a good fit you can hold it on the bolt and tap the other end with a hammer to bust it loose...

 

The caliper cage bolts are 17mm. They are pretty tight so youll need air tools or a 1/2" drive breaker bar or what esucaris suggested.

 

esucaris, where do u tap, i cant see the other end of the bolt, the rotor is in the way? are the bolts definately 17mm,got to go to auto zone and get a socket want to make sure I get the right size. will a socket wrench with the right size socket work? sorry i'm a newbie
thx ron

 

where do i tap? the rotor is in the way an can't access the other end of the bolt. are the bolts definately 17mm, will have to go to the auto parts store tomorrow and want to get the right size socket, hopefully they sell them individually. will a socket wrench with the correct size socket be sufficient enough to loose the bolt? damn they are on tight!!!
newbie here plz help
thx ron

 

Well my dads mechanics took the studs off but here is how I put the new ones back on. Oh and try some PB blaster to loosen them up I remember having to do that to loosen it up to get it off.

 

Replacing the studs is actually pretty straight forward. What u gotta do is take the caliper off and hang it with a wire on the spring, then take the rotor off. If it doesnt come off hit it hard with a rubber hammer on the side of the rotor. After you get rotor off, you will have access to the studs. Give it a couple of good bangs with a metal hammer right on the stud you wanna take out. It will fall out through the back. Now for installing, you have to put the stud in from the back and then put a washer and a lug nut and tighten it so the stud will catch and stay on for good.

I think the hardest part is loosening those damn caliper bolts but once you get it off then it's cake. You can try using different types of penetrating oil like liquid wrench or PB Blaster. WD40 is useless dont bother. let it soak for 10 min and then come back and try again. Using a 1/2" breaker bar also helps alot.

Here's a tutorial on a maxima( concept is same):
http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=157760

Goodluck!