AD22VF Brake Upgrade
The N14 pulsar isn't blessed with the best brake set-up in the world (in my opinion). While driving hard on the street I constantly found the limits of my standard brakes with continual fade. This led to some scary moments at times. Fortunately there is a relatively simple, effective and cheap upgrade you can do. You can upgrade your front rotors and
callipers to those of a GTiR, NXR Coupe or N15 pulsar. These three models all use the AD22VF
callipers, which bolt directly onto the N14. If you try and buy new callipers
from Nissan they charge an absolute fortune, so forget about that. The best way to go is to get a set of GTiR stub axles from a wrecker who imports Japanese parts/cars. If you get the stub axles this ensures you will get everything you need for the upgrade
(callipers, rotors, calliper mounts and bolts). Below I'll give a list of all the parts you need to do the upgrade as well as a rough guide on how to install them. Remember though, it is assumed you have some sort of mechanical knowledge. Otherwise it might be best to let someone else do the swap for you. Also note that the standard wheels will not fit over the larger
callipers. You either need to grind a little material off the calliper or get aftermarket alloy wheels.
Required Parts:
- 2 x GTiR Front stub axles (should be around $500).
- Brake bleeder kit (around $15 from Kmart).
- Synthetic brake fluid (I used Valvoline synthetic).
- Set of new brake pads (Just ask for a set to suit an N15 SSS - about $80).
- Brake rebuild kit for the callipers (Around $30 - $40 per side from any auto parts store)
- Misc. tools e.g. socket set.
The first thing you should do once you get your rotors is disassemble
them and clean all the old gunk and brake dust off them. You can use a product called brakeclean, which comes in a spray can. Once you have cleaned them down you will need to rebuild both the
callipers with new seals. You can also buy new pistons for them as well (if you feel it's necessary). You will also notice that the rotors are covered in rust. You will need to take both the rotors and get them machined at a machine shop. Once you've done this you can go about jacking up your car and removing both the front wheels (you can do it one wheel at a time but it's much easier with jack stands). You then need to unbolt your
callipers and remove the pads and shims. Unbolt the calliper mounting bracket (two bolts on the rear hub). You then need to undo the brake line from your
calliper and quickly bolt it onto the new calliper. You need to do this quickly because brake
fluid will run out everywhere. Make sure you put paper down, and if you get any on your hands wash it off, because brake fluid destroys your paint work if you get it on there. Once you have done this on both sides you can swap over the rotors by simply pulling off the old one and putting on the new one. Then bolt on the new
calliper mount bracket on both sides. Fit the new pads, then the shims and then bolt the
calliper on. Now all you need to do is bleed the brake system. It is heaps easier to do this with two people (even with a one man brake bleed kit). All you need to do is get an old plastic soft drink bottle and then run your bleeder hose into it. Attach the other end of the bleeder hose to the
calliper and loosen the bolt slightly. While someone keeps an eye on the brake fluid level in the master cylinder you need to pump the brakes. This will cause the fluid to go through the bleeder hose and into the soft drink bottle. At first you will see the old fluid with air in it. Continue to pump the brakes (while the other person tops up the master cylinder with fresh fluid) until you see the new fluid come through AND there is no more air in the line. Once you've done this tighten up the bleeder screw on the
calliper and repeat on the other side. You will also have to bleed the rear
callipers as well. After that you are all finished. Make sure you bed the pads in properly too.
Some extra pictures supplied by Mic:
