370z Akebono Calipers on the 1995-199 4thgen Nissan Maxima

Credit: Brandy Duncan-Whillock

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the 370Z Akebono brake upgrade on the 4th-gen Maxima:

1. Acquire Necessary Brackets: You must use these brackets: https://www.autosportsengineering.com/products/autosports-engineering-brake-brackets-fits-nissan-altima-02-06-maxima-95-08
2. Modify the Dust Shield: Trim the dust shield behind the rotors to allow for caliper clearance, then bend it back slightly to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the new setup.
3. Avoid 350Z Rotors: Although 13.5” 350Z rotors will technically fit, they leave about a half-inch of pad overhang, which results in incomplete pad contact.
   Use 370Z Sport Rotors: Opt for the 14” 370Z Sport Rotors to achieve full pad contact and perfect fitment in the calipers. (Photo will be posted to show the fit.)
4. For 18” Wheels: You may need to shave down the corners of the calipers to prevent rubbing on the wheel barrel.
   For 19” Wheels: No modifications should be needed, as they offer enough clearance.
   Note: I kept my 350Z wheels and chose to shave down the calipers to ensure clearance. Now there’s just enough space to fit a credit card between the caliper and barrel.
5. Attach OEM Brake Line: The OEM brake line will connect to the 370Z calipers without any additional modifications.
6. Choose Compatible Brake Pads: I used the OEM 370Z pads that came with the calipers, but you can use any 370Z Sport pad compatible with Akebono calipers.

Although this setup may have been done before, I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to upgrade their 4th-gen Maxima brakes with Akebono calipers, as most previous write-ups only cover Brembo installs.