brakes revisited - how to? / pointers?

[kpaske]

1) should i expect any surprises with this project? (i.e. need for special tools, dealer-only access to parts etc.)

Nothing I can think of - the braking system is big and fairly simple. Make sure you have some good high-temp grease to lube everything up real well when you put it back together.

2) would like to avoid weakening the rotors - is it really necessary to have them turned. (the rotors appear to be in good condition with no 'real' grooves)

Replacing the pads without turning the rotors is known as "pad slapping". I've done it a bunch of times on older vehicles, but the VX deserves better than that. Since you can usually only "turn" a rotor once before having to replace it anyways, you'd save a few bucks and some trouble by not turning them, but you'd shorten the life of your new pads as well as sacrifice some stopping power. Getting the rotors turned is usually pretty cheap - $10-15 each - but takes a little more work to remove them, drop them off, have them turned, and reinstall them. The choice is yours...

3) re: bleeding - is it safe to do? any adverse effect to the ABS system or lines? any inexpensive pumps required or can one do it manually?

Absolutely, it's safe, and highly recommended. It can be done manually "the old fashioned way" with one person underneath holding the bucket and another person pumping the pedal, OR you could invest in some speed bleeders from Independent4x. These are basically one way valves that make it possible to bleed brakes by yourself, without assistance. Pretty slick idea, but I personally didn't have much success with them (though I know several other members swear by them).

[Chopper]

If it's been more than a couple of years, pull all that brake fluid out of there. Use a baster, or an extractor, ( a $20 syringe) and empty the res./refill and then bleed the system. Begin at the wheel farthest from the ABS module, and work your way around to the closest. Keep an eye on the res- don't let it run dry.

[2K1 1K2]

gentlemen, thank you.

sounds as though it shouldn't be too difficult to handle. i used to enjoy tinkering on my other cars but have, yet, to really do anything myself to the vx. i am sooooo tempted to start, though. guess, i'm afraid to hurt her. the dealership (mancari's) and the vx's tech (steve) have been great. hence, i've taken it there.

nothing beats mechanical quality time with your ride, though. who knows, this may be the beginning of it.

i was concerned about the bleeding, as my wife's Xterra calls for a specific procedure/sequence (if i recall correctly), in order to avoid damaging the ABS system. great to hear that the vx can handle the 'old fashioned way, as kpaske said. that's exactly what we've done when working on brakes.

gracias, again!

-jose