Replacing Rear Brakes on a 2004 Infinity FX45

The 2004 Infiniti FX45 is equipped with both front and rear disc brakes. Disc brakes stop the vehicle by using a hydraulic piston to press two brake pads against a flat, metal rotor to create friction. This friction is what stops the vehicle. The friction also wears away the brake pads. Eventually, you will have to replace the pads. You'll know it's time when you begin to hear a squealing sound when you press the brake pedal. Do not ignore the sound. If you wait too long, the worn pads will damage the rotors, making the repair much more expensive.

Procedure:
1. Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle using the jack. Support both sides by lowering the vehicle onto jack stands.
2. Remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels.
3. Place a drip pan under the brake assembly. Spray the entire assembly with brake cleaner to remove the brake pad dust. Let the brakes air dry.
4. Use a socket wrench to remove the upper sliding pin bolt located on the rear of the brake caliper.
5. Rotate the cylinder body down off the rotor to access the brake pads in the torque member. Use a piece of wire to secure the cylinder body to prevent damage to the brake hose.
6. Slide the old pads out of the torque member. If necessary, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to lift the pad retainers, but be careful not to bend them.
7. Apply a coat of high-temperature silicon-based grease to the rear of the new pads. Attach the new shims to the back of the pads and put a coat of grease on the back of the shims.
8. Place the pads back in the torque member. Make sure the pad retainers are fully seated in the torque member.
9. Use a large C-clamp to press the piston back into the cylinder body.
10. Rotate the cylinder body back onto the torque member. Replace the lower sliding pin and use the torque wrench to tighten it to 32 ft.-lbs. of torque. Repeat the procedure on the other rear wheel.
11. Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Drive the vehicle for a few miles. Make several quick stops from approximately 40 miles an hour. This will seat the pads and condition the surface of the brake pads for maximum efficiency.