Upgrading the braking system on your Nissan 240sx is a popular and effective modification, especially for enthusiasts looking to improve performance for track days or spirited driving. One common and cost-effective upgrade is to utilize rear brake components from a Nissan 300ZX (Z32). This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on performing a 300ZX rear brake conversion on your S14 Nissan 240SX.
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary parts for a smooth and successful conversion. A comprehensive kit, like those available from Z1 Motorsports, is highly recommended to ensure you have all the essential components, particularly for the parking brake mechanism. Sourcing individual parts might lead to missing crucial elements, potentially requiring expensive new parts from Nissan. It’s also worth noting that some older Infiniti Q45 models share similar parking brake designs, which could be a potential source for compatible parts.
While the 300ZX hubs are included in many kits, they aren’t strictly necessary as you can reuse your existing S14 hubs. However, the 300ZX backplates are essential and often not sold separately. Purchasing the complete assembly and selling off the unneeded 300ZX hubs to 4-lug 240SX owners can be a practical approach.
Pay close attention to the parking brake components. These often overlooked pieces are critical for a functional parking brake system after the conversion. Double-check that you have all springs, clips, and adjusters. Even a missing spring can render the parking brake ineffective.
For optimal braking performance, consider upgrading your rotors. Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) 4000 Series slotted rotors are an excellent choice. These rotors are designed for motorsports applications, featuring high carbon iron construction for increased thermal capacity and resistance to warping compared to standard rotors. This is particularly beneficial for spirited driving and track use where brake temperatures can rise significantly.
The correct parking brake cables are crucial for this conversion. For S14 Nissan 240SX models (’95-’97), R33 Skyline parking brake cables are required. These cables are longer than the 300ZX cables and are the only ones that will properly fit the S14 chassis with the 300ZX brakes. S13 240SX owners (’89-’94) might find that 300ZX cables can work, but they are known to be a very tight fit. Investing in R33 cables is highly recommended for S13 owners as well to avoid potential issues. While they can be purchased from Nissan parts suppliers like thenismoshop.com, they are often out of stock. Checking Nissan 240SX forums and communities might be a faster way to source these R33 e-brake cables.
Now, let’s proceed with the step-by-step installation process. Begin by safely lifting your Nissan 240SX and securing it on jack stands. Ensure the parking brake is disengaged and the rear wheels are removed before starting the brake disassembly.
The first step is to remove the axle nut. Start by removing the cotter pin that secures the axle nut. Then, use an impact gun to loosen and remove the axle nut. A 27mm socket is typically the correct size. If an impact gun isn’t sufficient, a breaker bar might be necessary to overcome the torque.
Before removing the brake caliper, disconnect the parking brake cable. There are two methods to do this. You can either remove the cable along with its bracket, as shown, or attempt to detach the cable from the bracket by popping off the retaining clip. If the cable is seized within the bracket, especially in regions with harsh winter conditions and road salt, removing the entire bracket might be easier.
Next, carefully loosen the brake hard line connection to the caliper. It’s recommended to just crack it loose at this stage and not fully remove it yet. This minimizes brake fluid loss once the caliper is detached.
Now, remove the bolts securing the brake caliper to the bracket. Once the bolts are removed, you can detach the caliper from the rotor and bracket. At this point, fully disconnect the brake hard line, being prepared to catch any dripping brake fluid.
Finally, remove the brake rotor. It’s common for rotors to rust and seize onto the hub. A rubber mallet or a heavier hammer (BFH – Big Friendly Hammer) can be used to persuade the rotor to come loose. Apply firm but controlled strikes to the rotor hat until it breaks free from the hub.
Continue with the installation of the 300ZX brake components, following the reverse order for assembly, ensuring all bolts are tightened to the correct torque specifications, and properly bleeding the brake system after completing the conversion. This 300ZX rear brake upgrade will significantly enhance the braking performance of your Nissan 240SX, providing improved stopping power and heat dissipation for more demanding driving conditions.
