Nissan Repair: Brake Problem?, power bleeder, parking brake cable

Question
Hello again Von. You have always given me accurate information on my 2000 Maxima. Now, I have a possible brake problem.

This has happened now 2 days in a row. I went to leave work last night and heading down our company driveway. When I went to stop, my brake peddle wouldn't work! I had to almost stand on it to get my car to stop. I backed up out of the road and pumped the brake a few times. I could hear a small clicking sound on my emergency brake handle. After pumping it a few times, it worked again.

This morning, I went to leave for work and I pushed on the brake to put the car in reverse to go down my driveway. When I went to push on the brake at the bottom of the hill, it stuck again. This happened again this evening when I left work. Seems like after I get it "unstuck" it's fine.

Its been really cold here lately but no more than usual. Any ideas?

Answer
Tracy,

Couple of things here.  First, have the brake system bled with Ford High Performance Brake Fluid.  This brake fluid is awesome as it has twice the boiling point of normal DOT 3 brake fluid.  Second, the parking brake sounds like it is sticking.  Have the rear pads changed if they have not already been changed recently.  Then have the parking brake cable loosened a couple of turns to keep the rear brakes from sticking.  A common problem on 2000-2003 Maxima cars.  If the brake pedal was soft and went down more than normal that would mean the master cylinder is in need of replacement.  You did say after you pumped the brakes they worked again.  When the master cylinder is replaced they have to bleed the system so use the Ford Stuff.  Do not let them power bleed the system as most shops never clean their power bleeder.  Plus excessive pressure on system components that are this old can fail as a result of using a power bleeder.  If the front pads are recently new do not bother with a replacement.  I always use Nissan pads on my cars as they work better than most aftermarket pads.  But, if you like Autozone sells Performance Friction Carbon Metallic and they are great.  About $45 bucks for pads for the front and another $45 for the rear and I do not know what your master cylinder is going for these days.  Something like $100 to $150 if memory serves me right.  Three cans of Ford High Performance Brake Fluid for $5 bucks a can/bottle.  You have to go to a Ford Dealership and specifically ask for it since their parts guys have no idea...  Black label with a Ford GT40 race car lable.  If you get the blue bottle it is the regular stuff so do not bother.