Q45 brake install

[burgy240]

I don't have install pics but I just finished this project yesterday. I bought the Calipers from Ebay and rebuilt them myself after I had them powder coated "black chrome" I had a shop put the pistons into the cylinders and boots but I did the rest. The install was absolutely easy other than the cutting of the Brake shields. I just snipped them off completely down to the hub. ( I know I know, no dust shield, water gets on the rotors yadayadayada). I ran into a snag when the back right caliper bleeder stripped out. I have to replace the rear caliper or at least take it off and see if I can get out the bleeder valve. I love the upgrade because it is a subtle look but there is definately better brakeing power without messing up the brake bias. I would recomend this to anyone that wants a performance upgrade without the bling and the jackedd up brake bias of some of the other swaps. If anyone has questions I would gladly help them out.


Oh yeah, If anyone is interested in some black S14 SE front calipers, used rotors, and used pads, let me know

[Dousan_PG]

yeah q brakes are great stuff
good job on the instal
its easy as pie
i installed my friends. took 1/2 hour
in and out
done and done
speed bleeders save time

[burgy240]

Yeah, It took all day for me because of the fact that I stripped the bleeder valve. Other than that it was a piece of cake. Just so you rookie's out there know,....That was the first time I ever did my own brakes by myself too. It really is the easiest brake upgrade for our cars.

[smelly240]

u gotta spend that 5$ on the speed bleeders - and use line wrenches ;)

what pads you using? the pad selection isn't as wide as the z32/r32 or the stock brakes - i know endless makes a pad for them

[Irukandji]

stripped the bleeder valve. .

Vicegrips.. then go buy speedbleeders to make it a 30-45 min install.
I did my q45's this week also, couldn't be happier.

[Fat Felix]

Where's the best place to buy some speed bleeders?

[Dousan_PG]

online?
splparts.com

[articdragon192]

Q45s are awesome. I have them on my 13 and couldn't be happer. Ran some Endless SS-S pads on them and they were great. The only pain was the dust shield.

[Irukandji]

The only pain was the dust shield.

I just junked mine when doing 5 lug. made it much easier.

[CKAMC]

what year q brakes are yall running... from what I read there are some differences between the years... but my resource can be incorrect (or my memory).

[OptionZero]

IIRC it's 92-96...maybe '90-96

[burgy240]

Mine are 96.....I am running akebono pads for now. I don't need speed bleeders because I have a hydrolic bleeder but the F-ing valves stripped. I 've tried all the tools mentioned above as well. I will be buying a new caliper/ replacing the whole thing unless I am able to get the bleeder out once the caliper is removed?

[JesusFreakDrifter]

only five lug? if i redrill the rotors, will i be able to fit them on s13 se's like the z32?

[burgy240]

You should! I have an S14 so I don't want to garauntee it though.

[Dousan_PG]

yes they are exactly same style as z32
a bolt on job
z32 is just as easy to put on as q45
both u would have to redrill to 4 lug if u need 4 lug
for 5 lug, its a bolt on affair

but q45 u can use the stock q45 lines where as z32 you need conversion lines
unless you get z32 from a s14 jdm car because they can retain stock lines and are teh same as z32

the info is all over the net
this isnt a new swap/conversion/upgrade. people been doing it for like 5 years now.

[Ninjabread]

Aren't the Q45 lines the same the same as the 240's? Maybe i had just assumed that in my head...

[Irukandji]

Aren't the Q45 lines the same the same as the 240's? Maybe i had just assumed that in my head...


Yeah, that was already stated a few times in this thread.
q45 = use 240sx or q45 lines *same thing
z32 = conversion lines

[burgy240]

the info is all over the net
this isnt a new swap/conversion/upgrade. people been doing it for like 5 years now.

That is why I just put up a quick thread instead of a full description and a detailed explanation. I used the stock S14 lines that were on the car already. As I stated before, the reason I went with the Q's instead of the Z's is the brake bias and the $ difference.

[94cc0rd]

is the use of a q45 brake master cylinder recommended or is the stock bmc good if i plan on doing q45 brakes up front only.

[FaLKoN240]

I upgraded to Q brakes recently, and I noticed that I experienced more pedal travel. It goes to the FLOOR.

The brakes lock up and work fine, but the pedal softness is kinda lame.

I have a manual S13.

I heard from a friend I can use an auto S13 BMC to correct, does anyone know if this is true?

[g6civcx]

I upgraded to Q brakes recently, and I noticed that I experienced more pedal travel. It goes to the FLOOR.

The brakes lock up and work fine, but the pedal softness is kinda lame.

I have a manual S13.

I heard from a friend I can use an auto S13 BMC to correct, does anyone know if this is true?

You may want to swap over to a Z32 master cylinder. The booster should be okay if it's not leaking.

[DP_Michelle G]

I have q45's and i know what your talking about falkon. i'm swaping out the bmc these weekend and i'll be installing a z31 bmc hopfully that fixes it.

[s13gold]

cool deal man.

[FaLKoN240]

I have q45's and i know what your talking about falkon. i'm swaping out the bmc these weekend and i'll be installing a z31 bmc hopfully that fixes it.

Lemme know how that goes, I really miss having a good pedal.

[!Zar!]

Which bias z32 bmc are you getting?

[mrmephistopheles]

I upgraded to Q brakes recently, and I noticed that I experienced more pedal travel. It goes to the FLOOR.

The brakes lock up and work fine, but the pedal softness is kinda lame.

I have a manual S13.

I heard from a friend I can use an auto S13 BMC to correct, does anyone know if this is true?

No, you adjust the pedal/booster engagement.
Take the BMC off and extend the little rod a few 1/4 turns. 6 or 8mm wrench does the job.

[FaLKoN240]

No, you adjust the pedal/booster engagement.
Take the BMC off and extend the little rod a few 1/4 turns. 6 or 8mm wrench does the job.

OOo, ok, cool, I'll try that before I try replacing anything :D

[!Zar!]

Just make sure the brake pedal has some freeplay.

You don't want to have your brakes engaged at a stand still...

[burgy240]

Let us know how that goes as I would like a stiffer pedal as well. Thanks

[510skater]

i just swapped j30 front calipers onto my s13 they are slightly smaller than q45's but the rotor size is the same...it was a very easy and cheap swap...50 for 2 calipers from the junk yard...and for both q and j30 swap 95 altima rotors are the correct size so you dont need to redrill the 5 lugs

[infinitexsound]

good shit like to see it when someone actually does the job themselves...... pretty cool

[speedgod^s13]

I got a noob question. I have the q45 complete brake conversion, which I bought used locally. But, I was wondering, can I use z32 calipers, with the q45 rotors? I'm thinking of picking me up some z32 aluminum calipers, just for that extra stopping power, and brake pad selection. Will this work?

[OptionZero]

the difference in stopping power is minimal, you might as well buy parts meant to work together

you're trying to re-invent the wheel into something that rolls no better

if u want q45 brakes, use the proper rotors

if u want 3z brakes, sell your q45 shit and get 3z calipers and rotors

[89dc240]

Did you ever get that bleeder out? Try a propane torch if ya didnt. Along with generous use of PB blaster and aforementioned vise-grips. You'll be golden

[speedgod^s13]

the difference in stopping power is minimal, you might as well buy parts meant to work together

you're trying to re-invent the wheel into something that rolls no better

if u want q45 brakes, use the proper rotors

if u want 3z brakes, sell your q45 shit and get 3z calipers and rotors

The reason I asked, is that I thought q45 and 3z rotors, were the same size?

[OptionZero]

don't be cheap or lazy or stupid

just buy the right rotors

[hondanissan]

btw, altima rotors are slightly a bit thinner than the q45s.

[SoguRacing]

did my q45 brake conversion 2 days ago. redrilled the rotors/resurfaced them got new pads and all costs about 60 bucks. haha 1/2 off at the junkyard and used the school lathe. good cheap upgrade for the budget peeps.

[garagelu]

The reason I asked, is that I thought q45 and 3z rotors, were the same size?

Q45 and the 26mm 300zx rotors are the same. The 30mm 300zx rotors are difference because of the thickness. All 3 rotors are 11 inch diameter.

[ka-turbo]

maybe a noob quest but ive been lookin all over for info...well i wondering for those who did the z32 brake conversion i headr that the travel of the ebrake is way more than wanted even when adjusted to maximum amount for least travel and how is brake bias and brake pedal travel....ive been wantin to do the z32 upgrade but the q45 just seems alot chepper and work just as good or better with brake bias and ebrake.....also with the conversion lines(being causing the ebrake to travel alot) and the rear upright alot of people have problems iwht them... sorry for so long i just got so many questions and need answers.

[ka-turbo]

also can you shed some light on the rear upgrade with z32 and q45 wether being bolt and what is needed or removed/replaced when doing the rear between the two z32/q45. i have the z32 rotors fr/rear but i dont want sh... brake bias and i dont want to spend alot of extra$ to make the z32 work...and yes i have looked around alot thats why i got alot of questions

[UNISA JECS]

I got a noob question. I have the q45 complete brake conversion, which I bought used locally. But, I was wondering, can I use z32 calipers, with the q45 rotors? I'm thinking of picking me up some z32 aluminum calipers, just for that extra stopping power, and brake pad selection. Will this work?

Q45's will yield you more brake torque = more braking power thank Z32 FYI but better pad selection for Z32 ofcourse. But with all the extra brake torque gained by just upgrading to either of these brakes, unless your tracking the vehicle or something even el cheapo pads will be fine.

[TanaMU]

+1 for q brakes.. but i installed the pistons myself. not very hard.

I'd like to see what they're like with a z32 bmc though, because i can still put the pedal to the floor if i really push. of course, the brakes are locked up way before then anyway..


also, my friend with z32 brakes and i traded cars for a bit and test drove them.. neither of us could tell the difference..

[ka-turbo]

so basically the q45 is cheaper and better it being bolt right up but do you need the brake caliper shoe (i think thats what it is not (not the caliper itself right)) but what bout the bias and cost of parts? copmared to each other. and with people who brake pedal travel did you ahve that before you cahnged the rotor and calipers because i know alot of ppl need to adjust their bmc. and what all is needed for the rear swap for q45 or they just bolt on like ive been hearing. it sucks i just bought these rotors from 88rotors but now i want to buy the q45 rotors:ugh: so im stuck on which will be less work, easiest, and least expenssive and how will they feal with braking and brake bias

[pwhitersxs]

Q45 and the 26mm 300zx rotors are the same. The 30mm 300zx rotors are difference because of the thickness. All 3 rotors are 11 inch diameter.

Not the same. Early Q45 rotors are 280x28mm. While the z32 came in 280x26mm and 280x30mm

[spooled240]

what kind of pads to you guys recommend? I got some nice d/s rotors for the q45 brakes and I don't want pads that will eat rotors. Is it true that you need special pads for d/s rotors? I'm not a noob to cars, but products lol.

[SoguRacing]

You can't get any cheaper that doing the q45 upgrade. come on guys. junkyard at 50% off days..its like a 90 upgrade with good pads. I've actually got J30 calipers but they're the same thing (essentially the same thing). I've got a couple BM44 BMC's for sale that's the 15/16 size for 60 bucks. :) q45 rule!!!

[coupe13]

ok im doing the q45 swap and i want to do the 5 lug swap also but i cant find any links showing how to do this steep also can anyone help..........

[FusionR240sx]

they're 90-96, my wheels get so narsty from taking the dust shield off.

[spirit]

I run q45 w/ Hawk HPS HB415F583 Pads, love em.

Socal/Hesperia:

These guys CNCed my rotors to 4lug; brought them a stock s13 rotor too, so they could get the measurements. Mc Custom Products (http://www.mccustomproducts.com/)
Dunno what they charge, because they did it free for me (:keke: hommie hookups). Anyways if you want something done perfect, there ya go.

P.S. Their shop moved, dunno if the website is updated, but its RIGHT behind OSR shop/tuner guys now.

[mehsilvia]

they're 90-96, my wheels get so narsty from taking the dust shield off.

I run q45 w/ Hawk HPS HB415F583 Pads, love em.

Socal/Hesperia:

These guys CNCed my rotors to 4lug; brought them a stock s13 rotor too, so they could get the measurements. Mc Custom Products (http://www.mccustomproducts.com/)
Dunno what they charge, because they did it free for me (:keke: hommie hookups). Anyways if you want something done perfect, there ya go.

P.S. Their shop moved, dunno if the website is updated, but its RIGHT behind OSR shop/tuner guys now.

Hey guys, the original thread/conversation has been over a few months now (check the OP dates)


ok im doing the q45 swap and i want to do the 5 lug swap also but i cant find any links showing how to do this steep also can anyone help..........
To the new post'r who resurected this.

Q45 brake upgrade and 5-lug Swap are two seperate things.

Seach for 5-lug swap and you get all the info you need. It can be as easy as a set of 5-lug hubs (purchased as a kit - Ichiba & Circuit Sports are most common choices)

Once you have 5-lug conversion, you may want to consider this Q45 brake upgrade. Makes a great combo.

Hope that helps. Search around or PM me if you need any details.

[spacedog]

only five lug? if i redrill the rotors, will i be able to fit them on s13 se's like the z32?

yes, and q45 brakes will fit under steelies aswell.

[FusionR240sx]

Hey guys, the original thread/conversation has been over a few months now (check the OP dates)



didn't see that... just saw that the thread was on top of the tech so i posted my baaaaad :confused::ugh:

[ka-turbo]

did the op say also that he did all 4 rotors with calipers i havnt really been able to find any straight answer on the rear calipers for q45/j30 calipers installation

[The Inflicted]

I think I paid $50 or so to the junkyard for my Q45 rotors and calipers. I actually had the parts for over a year without installing them, since I was waiting until I got a drill press to modify the rotors to 4-lug. Eventually I got fed up and bought a set of aftermarket rotors from eBay for $100 and had the dust shield cut off and the new parts on in 2 hours.
Rather than powdercoating, I just bought a cheap can of caliper paint from Autozone
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6783/240sxcompleted2013kg8.jpg and gave them 2 coats.
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/7669/lakephotos010zz8.jpg

[theslows13]

ohhhh boy, is that yellow ever such a classy color! woooweee.


seriously dude? and you painted the small boots and rubber endcaps too...

[flawlessflo3190]

can i use stock 5 lug s14 rotors with q45 brakes?

[The Inflicted]

can i use stock 5 lug s14 rotors with q45 brakes?

Nope, diameter is too small and the stock rotors may be too thin as well.
There are some Altima rotors that are rumored to work, but I'm not sure which years. Try Google.