datsunfreak Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 To be clear they are '84 Maxima struts and brakes not exactly zx but built on the same platform. And will have the same problems. ;) I figured the pads had a long way to go for any trouble. Maybe the easiest fix is to just get new pads for now. That or bumpsteer spacers. But swapping sides is the "right" way to fix it. Other than possibly a quick brake bleed, it's not really much more work. It's 5 bolts and one hose per side. Do it right. :cool: Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Weather's the problem this spring freak. I agree swapping sides is the correct way....... and I will. But easier to just put new pads in. It doesn't pull hard to the left just a slight tug? and only when you stab the pedal. I'm hoping this is it. I'll see this weekend but calling for possible snow tonight and then rain. Quote Link to comment
Laecaon Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 I like the RCA solution. Because you are lowering the car with the struts, might as fix your roll center/bumpsteer. 1 Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Weather's the problem this spring freak. I agree swapping sides is the correct way....... and I will. But easier to just put new pads in. It doesn't pull hard to the left just a slight tug? and only when you stab the pedal. I'm hoping this is it. Turn the wheel all the way to the right, reach your had around the back side of the wheel, and feel where the caliper comes closest to the tie rod. See if there's a gap. If there isn't one, that's most likely your problem. Bear in mind, even with new pads the gap is only about 1/4". Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 I like the RCA solution. Because you are lowering the car with the struts, might as fix your roll center/bumpsteer. In my personal experience with this combination of parts, those cause more bumpsteer than they fix... ^_^ Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Will do. Hope it is, not knowing is worse. 1 Quote Link to comment
CableDroid Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 This It's the tie rod that it runs into, and it's not just the 510. It's everything that's not a Z/ZX. If you run them with the calipers on the rear side, when you get down to about half pad depth your brakes will go away completely. Took a lot of people throwing away pads only half worn before me, and independently a few Aussies, figured out they would just swap side-to-side. :rofl: Before, the go to fix was bumpsteer spacers, which would give you just enough clearance. Got my 280zx struts converted to coilovers, installed, went to swap calipers side to side, the lower bolts are running into the tie rod ends and not allowin me to get the bolts started. Also, any trouble getting the brakes bled since the bleeder screw is lower with the calipers swapped? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 There sure will be. Place a block of wood in to simulate the rotor and bleed with the bleeder upright, then install them. Quote Link to comment
thisismatt Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Uhh, you do want to swap the entire struts left for right, while keeping the calipers on their original sides. Quote Link to comment
CableDroid Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Uhh, you do want to swap the entire struts left for right, while keeping the calipers on their original sides. That's not what I was told a few days ago I. This very thread.... Quote Link to comment
thisismatt Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 That's not what I was told a few days ago I. This very thread.... Yeah...first time I've seen the thread, though. Quote Link to comment
CableDroid Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Digging up an old thread... I am about to do 280zx struts with coilover setup on my 510. Should I swap the struts side to side while I am there? Any other thing I should know? Thanks!! They are left and right so..... no. You can swap the calipers Uhh, you do want to swap the entire struts left for right, while keeping the calipers on their original sides. Yeah...first time I've seen the thread, though. So who is right here folks? I need to get the brakes bled and this thing driving. Quote Link to comment
thisismatt Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 This It's the tie rod that it runs into, and it's not just the 510. It's everything that's not a Z/ZX. If you run them with the calipers on the rear side, when you get down to about half pad depth your brakes will go away completely. Took a lot of people throwing away pads only half worn before me, and independently a few Aussies, figured out they would just swap side-to-side. :rofl: Before, the go to fix was bumpsteer spacers, which would give you just enough clearance. Re-read this. He doesn't say it clearly, but it's inferred that you swap the struts side-to-side, left for right, right for left. Sorry, you would let the calipers stay with the struts as well. I wasn't thinking clearly and said you could leave them on their original sides, but then they would be upside down. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Yeah, I was wrong to say that. Would have been obvious if you think about it, or as soon as you start the swap. This requires the two struts to be removed, new pads looks a lot easier now. Quote Link to comment
thisismatt Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Yeah, I was wrong to say that. Would have been obvious if you think about it, or as soon as you start the swap. This requires the two struts to be removed, new pads looks a lot easier now. Two knuckle bolts, 3 top hat bolts, brake line fitting...rinse & repeat :P Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 I know, sigh. I built these struts 5 years ago with split collars. Just love the brakes, best upgrade ever. I remember (now) knowing to swap them both, just forgot about it. Well, it's March and warming up I guess. Thanks for the catch Matt. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Got my 280zx struts converted to coilovers, installed, went to swap calipers side to side, the lower bolts are running into the tie rod ends and not allowin me to get the bolts started. Also, any trouble getting the brakes bled since the bleeder screw is lower with the calipers swapped? Wow. You did a lot of stuff wrong. ^_^ 1. Not sure what's going on there, need pics. The lower bolts are nowhere near the tie rod. 2. Sounds like you have the calipers on backwards/upside down. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Edit: Sorry, didn't read all the way through before replying... Guys, you literally just unbolt the entire strut assembly and put it on the other side. Don't even unbolt the calipers. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 you do want to swap the entire struts left for right, while keeping the calipers on their original sides. This is incorrect. Re-read this. He doesn't say it clearly, but it's inferred that you swap the struts side-to-side, left for right, right for left. Sorry, you would let the calipers stay with the struts as well. I wasn't thinking clearly and said you could leave them on their original sides, but then they would be upside down. That is better. :thumbup: Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 If you don't swap the calipers and struts together the caliper bleeder will be pointing down and you can't get the air out. Quote Link to comment
CableDroid Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 Snowing today, but I will swapping the struts side to side. I ordered a 280z 7/8" master cylinder too. I think the 280zx 15/16" piston might be too stiff with a manual brake setup. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 5, 2017 Report Share Posted March 5, 2017 I ordered a 280z 7/8" master cylinder Good choice. I think the 280zx 15/16" piston might be too stiff with a manual brake setup. It is. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted March 6, 2017 Report Share Posted March 6, 2017 And the zx had rear disc which will really mess up you brake proportioning with drums in the rear. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 6, 2017 Report Share Posted March 6, 2017 And the zx had rear disc which will really mess up you brake proportioning with drums in the rear. Master cylinders do not control brake proportioning. B) It has a bigger piston (due to the rear discs) which will just make your pedal too stiff. Quote Link to comment
Laecaon Posted March 6, 2017 Report Share Posted March 6, 2017 I thought the 7/8ths was too stiff. I liked my 3/4". Probably would have gone to the 620 13/16th if I was still driving my car. 1 Quote Link to comment
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