'99 Maxima rear brake problem

[buubird]

I have a 99 Maxima with about 85,000 miles on it. I drove it about 500 miles this weekend without any probs but as soon as I was in the home stretch and turned off of the main highway I started to hear a REALLY LOUD metal on metal sound coming from the rear of the car. It screached so loudly that I stopped in at a local auto center where they told me my right rear caliper would have to be replaced.
I have since called for several estimates and have been told many different things...listed below. I don't know which one is true, please advise:
1. I can just replace the right rear caliper ($150)
2. I have to replace the right rear caliper and also replace the brake pads with it ($270)
3. I have to replace the right rear caliper with the rotor and the pads ($300)
4. Meineke stocks calipers that have it all in one piece (rotor, caliper and pads) and want to do both right and left rear ($500)
5. Nissan Dealership said it was ok to just replace the single right rear caliper while 3 other places said I have to do both.

Please help...

[jmd102]

Did the brake pad separate from the backing?? Did the grinding happen all of a sudden? If so that may have happened... Don't see huge caliper problems on these cars as long as the pistons in the calipers rotate back AND the slider pins aren't siezed ( a common problem).
If the above is OK, I'd replace the pads, thoroughly service the calipers and replace both rotors. Nip it in the bud so to speak. What was wrong with the caliper that warrants its replacement anyway? Have a good one!
Mark

[buubird]

I was told that the slider did in fact seize and tha the caliper had to be completely replaced. However, I was also informed that the rotors and pad did not need to be replaced...yet. They still have some good mileage on them and that I should replace them at my next brake service. I know zilch about cars so thanks for the insight. I just hope the mechanic is being honest with me.

[jmd102]

Find out exactly which part he /they want to change. The caliper mounts to an "anvil support" which in turn holds the caliper in place to the car. The anvil may have a pin attached to it the slides into the caliper. Usually with a bit of heat and patience they'll come apart...not a huge deal. Seeing your car is a 99, they should be able to save these parts. Pretty rare to have to replace a caliper on a 4 year old car. You need to take the car to a reputable shop and have them physically look at things to determine what's needed. I doubt the caliper is toast, probably with some time and patience and the right guy working on it, you can get this resolved for a reasonable price.
In the meantime drive around get some good input from friends etc. and find an honest shop. Lemme know how things work out.
Mark