Nissan Frontier - Lower Ball Joints, Pads, Rotors & Calipers

[@TheBry_Guy]

I had my very own hoist delivered to my home yesterday and a neighbour I've barely talked to wander up while I'm trying it out for the first time and started quoting Mr. O. I picked up on it right away and we both giggled. Both of us are quite new DIYers, but long time SMA watchers! side note, it's sad to say, but the money I saved by fixing my recently inherited car myself ONCE, paid for most of my hoist. Rotors and pads front and back (plus boot kit), 1 headlight assembly, tie rod end. quoted over $3000 for the work. bought the parts for $500. Second time in my life I've done a brake job but it felt like I've done it 100 times thanks to Mr. O. Thanks again for all you do "my guy"!

[@SouthMainAuto]

This made me smile😁Thanks!

[@scottzehrung4829]

“If I can do it, you can do it”.

[@leftyo9589]

the basics are pretty simple, you can do it!

[@MrHunt1701]

This should be PINNED :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

On a side note, if you want more friends than you will get with just a lift, go and buy a car trailer. You'll have so many friends you won't know what to do!

[@99andrianmonk]

The trifecta - Big Nasty, Little Big Nasty and Brake Kleen.... Brings back fond memories of old. Never get tired of good old smash and bash videos.

[@repro7780]

Almost carnage! We need an old school wheel bearing beat down!

[@brianburns7211]

No brake cleaner chime though.

[@RagnarokCo]

Also Sheeba!

[@marent4145]

I love the fact that Big Nasty had his own heavy metal music intro!!!😂😂 All Hail Big Nasty!

[@kahrnivor]

You could jackhammer concrete with that thing.

[@sanchocloset5987]

⬆️That's what she said😂

[@colinkuntz7907]

No Fluid Film when putting the CV shaft back in the bearing. Miss the sound when using it before rotor.

[@brnmcc01]

@@colinkuntz7907 Baaa

[@onsencriss4172]

😂😂

[@manual6speed]

What a morning, an SMA, Pine Hollow, and a Rainman Ray video. Only way it would get better is a "I do cars" video 😆 😆

[@bigjay1970]

😅

[@dangleebols]

Check out "Jimmy making it work" then you will have the full set 😁

[@maxrx7]

Easy there fella, pull your pants up, hide the lube and walk away from your laptop

[@uenragedbro]

Or vgg

[@aderi31415]

The other Eric has been pretty consistent with Wednesday videos lately. They just don't get posted as early in the day.

[@jimclifford1241]

When you let us know it's going to be a "smash and bash video," I immediately pause the video, get a nice big beverage and some snacks, and settle in. I love it.

[@JBotAlan]

"You wanna see my ribs?" cracked me up. Love watching you two interact.

[@rbailey225]

I'm telling Mr. O the whole time I'm watching....this looks like a job for the Big Nasty. You never disappoint sir!

[@johnaclark1]

For anyone as curious as me, after considerable time searching I finally found that socket/extension protector tool...it's a Schley Products 15950 kit or you can get the 15900 kit for a bit less. I ordered both! I have beaten the snot out of way too many sockets and extensions.

[@goldenhazeduster]

You sir are a true hero.

[@SteelheadTed]

Thanks!

[@johnbircher3513]

I went to a hardware store and did my business and before I was to leave I gave the store the onceover and found a nice little chainsaw on the go-back shelf. It was a bit dirty but the price was right, $10! I did not have, or need a chainsaw but from the looks of it, it was running before the previous owner brought it back. The chain bar was heat discolored but undamaged. I took my fine, slightly used "new tool" home, turned the chain around and have been using it for the past 40 years. Chain saws cut soo much better when the chain is moving with the sharp edge into the wood. I'll bet the other guy's arms were so tired after he cut his wood by the abrasion method. The backside of the teeth are fairly dull.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

It's Happened More Than Once! LoL 😂😆

[@ShainAndrews]

I worked for a very short time at a farm supply store. Yeah a whole lot of people put chains on backwards. Sad part it wasn't the customers that ran me off... Management.

[@zcvyvyan]

The rotors with the made in USA tag are made by Waupaca Foundry here in Wisconsin.

[@Georgiaboy9009]

Mr. O you forgot the number 1 rule when screwing in a fitting by feel, you need to close your eyes so you can feel it better.

[@kthwkr]

Your brake job videos are always unique because every car has it's own crusty character.

[@stuartdwight8191]

What a way to show love ❤️ to the neighbor, but to ignore him.

[@steptoeandson3554]

I Use a lazy leg on brake pedal to close off master cylinder outlets to stop brake fluid loss when opening a pipe. These trucks front suspension are virtually the same as D40 or Pathfinder in Europe, I've changed lower ball joints using two lengths of suitable diameter tube, a concrete floor and a large hammer.

[@floorpizza8074]

"I went to put on my socks, now I'm disabled." Man, I felt that. First time a nerve pinch hit my neck, I was lifting my hands to put them on the steering wheel. Pain hit so hard it took my breath away. Finally got tired of fighting it, had a cervical disc fusion. Easiest surgery in the world, and it was 100% relief. Got rid of the numbness/weakness in my fingers/thumb, too. Get feeling better, Mr. O.

[@LesReeves]

Yeah I feel you I have severe rheumatoid arthritis every day getting out bed every joint hurts.(reason I quit mechanical work.)

[@troubleis5271]

You and Mrs O together are comedy gold! Thanks for sharing with us

[@darkerbinding6933]

Always love your interaction with Mrs O. 😂 Fabric vision....

[@BigDipper79]

I absolutely love that trick with the caliper. Putting the lower bolt in first and then swinging it up so those clips stay put. Thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Glad it helped!

[@williampotratz6247]

Thank you so much for this! My dad and uncle were struggling on replacing the lower ball joint on my 06 frontier and this helped A LOT!!

[@GS-lh2nx]

I miss the music and sound effects that fluid film, big nasty, and brakekleen used to get all the time. Nice to have one of them back. Great video as always.

[@alwhitesell4023]

I woke up Monday April 14th with a sore/stiff neck, it is now April 23rd and it's just starting to feel better. So I feel your pain. I work as an industrial mechanic in an ethanol plant, and I totally agree that it just takes everything out of you, because every time you barely turn your neck you get pain.

[@CraigArndt]

That’s how you blow up a chainsaw. A Dull chain. Great video! Never expected the chainsaw in the video, mower yes, chainsaw no.

[@DerDuckPond]

Comment sparking comment…SMA convinced me it was OK to gently clamp a brake line on a pair of caliper swaps, and saved me much hassle and time.

[@glassvial]

Haven't seen Sheba in ages, such a pretty doggo!

[@whatsthatnoise954]

This is my exact old Frontier but one year newer (I have a 2023 now). Bought the 2014 only 4 years used but it had been pretty well abused those first years on the road. Basically had to replace everything Eric worked on here and more, but in my driveway. Reminds me 100% of that job. It was a lot to do, but honestly, these trucks are pretty easy to work on. Thanks for the video, Eric.

[@rickjljr11]

Same situation except mine was a 2013. 220,000 and gave it to my son. Not happy with the 2023 SV. Annoying electronic garbage that doesn't do anything. Plant based plastics the animals like to eat. $15 g more expensive.

[@99andrianmonk]

@@rickjljr11 Could not agree more with you. I just "dumped" an new Colorado I purchased in favor of an older, but well maintained Tacoma. Got rid of the crappy GM electronics that kinda worked for good old reliable transportation. Yeah, need a key to start it and have to hold the window switch to lower the window but vehicle drives like it should.

[@porkchop4604]

A classic SMA today! Love it.....and we opened up with a pinched hose and a Mother Lover. Rust flying and Uga Duga showing her stuff! God bless America man!

[@andydugan1911]

Mr. O . thanks for such a great job on every job you do. Yer detailed ways, and humor are great! Appreciate it!

[@robertfitzgerald3432]

Ditto that !

[@cotyluckett]

I’m a tech down here in the south, (Georgia) and I promise you I’d sell everything I own and change careers if I moved to the north and fought everything like yall do. No way, jose.

[@prevost8686]

Yeah but that’s why them Northern and Rustbelt guys make the big money. We southern hillbillies work for peanuts compared to them. 👍

[@terencehawkes3933]

You sure have developed some serious skills to deal with rusty bits! Major respect!

[@danlemke6407]

Scared the chit out of me with the brake clean. Good for my heart. Thanks, Eric.

[@majack82]

One time about three years ago I sat down one morning to put my socks on. There was a pop in my back when I sat down. I was disabled for two weeks after. It really does happen!!

[@44R0Ndin]

For me it's not the "pinching off the hose" that's annoying, it's the way it's done that makes all the difference. You did it the right way, use the hose pinching pliers which are designed to not damage the hose, and only pinch it off hard enough to stop the fluid flow. I've seen some hacks just take a pair of vice grips, crank them down, and clamp them on with the same level of force that you'd use if the hose was instead a bolt that needed to get heated to get removed. That second way is the wrong way, that's the way I'd get angry at someone for. But you did it right!

[@paulcochran1721]

Another great tutorial! With real added sound effects, Mrs. O, and Sheba. And all with neck pain - Thanks for your effort!

[@NLaertes]

Always nice to see Mr. O bring out the full impact artillery to get the job done

[@stu8575]

I was thinking as you were whaling on that bolt, with your other hand in the line of fire, that you might be about to forget all about your sore neck! Luckily everything turned out OK! Loved the sound effects with "Big Brother"! You'll have to do that more often.

[@WhiteKnight5775]

Love watching / listening to you. As I sit I anticipate your next moves. Your interaction with Mrs. O and the pup is genuine. You and Watch Wes Work are my two favorites. Keep'em coming!!!

[@MikeTerry1969]

Pinched brake hose? WHAT THE WORLD?!? Love the channel, thanks for the good times.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Great video & a Mrs O appearance! Thanks for sharing!

[@BradKuznicki]

I used to machine rotors in Saginaw Michigan until the plant closed down in 2014 it was a great job

[@onryboy2264]

I've used the setup rubber silicone in the tips of the squeez tubes as a pull through plug on the break hose unless I was changing the fluid out completely.

[@billschafer4147]

Lol, had me giggling today with your many comments. Working on the rest belt vehicles seems like a whole different animal. Surprised you don't use more penetrating oil than you seem to. I enjoy your channel, thx.

[@notsureigaf]

Akebono supplies a lot of Napa's brake gear, a Japanese company but with production facilities here in Murica.

[@davidgriffin14]

I love it when you finally get to work on a Nissan.

[@SteelheadTed]

Me too, I have a Frontier, these videos are great. And since the Frontier hasn’t change since the Victorian era, the video applies to all years.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I finally got to see this video! Kitchen remodel going on here complete with the known and unknown problems! Good one Mr. O. Nice to see Mrs. O!

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Awesome 👏🏼 training ! Thanks !! I was expecting blood to come flying into the videography frame from the guy outside !! 😲 . Get your first aid kit ready !

[@calholli]

Just for fun... If you can remember: Take an old brake line and make a clean cut off, and then squeeze that rubber right at the end so we can see a cross section of what it looks like when that rubber hose is squeezed. Could be a fun experiment; maybe we can learn something new

[@springfield4522]

Got the lawn mowed, my Red Stag dessert, and SMA.. what could make it better? Big Nasty, BrakeKleen and sound of the noon siren. Oh, okay, a visit to the kitchen and a chat with Mrs O.

[@anthonybenanti9240]

A rubber valve stem will fit in mist brake line holes. A cool trick to stop the fluid without having to pinch on the hose ! Both ways work just a thought

[@bbnskb]

That's a new record - laughed out loud 6 times during this video while wearing my crocs with socks, shorts and a muscle shirt. 😂

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video - thank you! "We're not sending it to the moon" If Eric O. had worked for NASA in 1970 Jim Lovell would have been the 5th man on the moon (and nobody would know who he is). Paul (in MA)

[@Tevildo]

Actually, Eric should have worked for North American in 1968. That's where the oxygen tank which caused the explosion was damaged, but still passed for flight. Any resemblance to contemporary aviation quality control is entirely coincidental. 😺

[@jimpantherdrivervickers5439]

I know how ya feel, I've pulled my neck/back just driving my truck...terrible getting older.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

15:16 Alfred Hans Rzeppa, an engineer at Ford Motor Company, developed the outboard joint as used today in 1926. Typical Rzeppa joints allow 45°-48° of articulation, while some can give 54° Tripod joints, as used at the inboard end of car driveshafts came much later, as used today. The joints were developed by Michel Orain, of Glaenzer Spicer of Poissy, France. 1960s

[@jazbah2194]

After my first year leaving in the midwest and working on a car from here... I understand the need and use for every tool you use. The Rust Belt is strong with this one.

[@tomoakhill8825]

They are cotter pins. Here is why. In 1970 I worked as an inspector on the Final Assembly Line at the General Motors Oldsmobile factory. Attached to each car was a paper inspection card with a long list of items to be inspected. Each inspector had a uniquely shaped paper-punch. As I inspected the line-items I was responsible for I used my paper-punch to make a hole next to each if it was good. Some of the items I inspected were the "left upper A-frame front cotter pin", "left upper A-frame rear cotter pin", "left lower A-frame front cotter pin", "left lower A-frame rear cotter pin", and "left front axle nut cotter pin." I then passed the inspection card across the car to the right side inspector who inspected the "right upper A-frame front cotter pin", "right upper A-frame rear cotter pin", "right lower A-frame front cotter pin", "right lower A-frame rear cotter pin", and "right front axle nut cotter pin." TEN COTTER PINS, not one "split pin." The card also had line item for "trunk lid fitment" and "hood safety latch", not "boot" not "bonnet". So stop with the "correction" about those being "split pins". They are cotter pins in the United States of America.

[@schlp7566]

. Y favorite kind-of video. Actual mechanical work and not a computer class.

[@TedSchoenling]

every time I see a crusty car like that I'm thankful I am in the south.. and it reminds me to ALWAYS check to see if any used car I'm about to buy ever lived up north....

[@Yawwee]

Yes, a video that ends when my coffee cup is at its last sip !!!! Very informative, nice to see the "" Big Gun "" tools at work !!!!! Mrs. O. is a pretty good brake pedal operator !!!! Only quality work being done !!! On to the next job !!!!!

[@PhillipBailey]

One of the best investments I've made over the years is a brake bleeder ball and adapters. I'm a one man show so I often don't have a beautiful helper to push the brake pedal. I've also found, especially on older vehicles that pedal bleeding moves the master cylinder pistons into an area where they haven't been in a long time. On more than one occasion this has resulted in a spongy pedal due to the seals bypassing. Good video!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yeah Honda actually has a bulletin on that. Plus Mrs o knows not to push the pedal past halfway 😉

[@PhillipBailey]

@@SouthMainAuto I figured she would know that.

[@MrAmorti]

Same for motorcycles!

[@Vincent_Sullivan]

Phillip Bailey: I am a DIYer who only works on my own vehicles and one person brake bleeding is an issue as you noted. I had an "Air Lift" vacuum filler for cooling system work and it occurred to me that this was the solution. I made an adapter out of an old glass jam jar and a piece of vinyl tubing and use it to vacuum bleed the brakes. Totally easy to do and works very well!

[@justj2729]

0:50 lol, you know us so well on pinching the brake hose

[@shinyredcobra]

Love love love that Big Nasty has its own heavy metal theme song 🎸

[@josephdangelo1503]

So it's the female portion of the pin but the male portion of the plug. I just love South main Auto, once you watch you are at Eric O's Mercy. The man with the plan!!!

[@StopDropandLOL]

It's been so long since we've seen Sheba, was great to see her. Speaking of which, how is Chloe doing? Haven't seen her in forever either!

[@karencary3312]

Know the aching body. Pain-free was fun while it lasted. Wish i could say it gets better but this 72 y.o. can tell you it doesn't. ❤❤

[@jlancaster7482]

Always makes me laugh that our guy Josh is like Mr. Wilson. You never see his face.. ha ha

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

When big nasty comes out that's the best..the music..great segment of your videos..always makes me smile

[@wesleypulkka7447]

Eric, I wanted a brake and you gave me two! Thanks!

[@dwd3416]

Ahh, the sweet sound of the chain saw. I thought that I tuned in on the Red Green Show with Eric O.

[@stanleytownsend1886]

Be grateful you remembered to put your socks on. Oh, and check to see if you hit all your belt loops and your belt is`nt twisted. Rust never sleeps.

[@spudth]

When I get the sore neck it can be from socks or the shower. I swear, a back spasm/strain releases a squirt of something to poison the whole body for a week! 1. Had a new 2005 pathfinder. Was bubling paint before paid for and had 3 big recall repairs. 2. On the assembly missing the ball joint, Eric, you have two kids, we know you find the hole eventually. How many kids if you always hit it first time? 3. Brakekleen, well, Rainman Ray keeps us up with it-that man loves you! I sure wish we could see a returning brake job to see how they fare but many times you probably provide their last one. I just did my 2nd brake job on our 2016 F150. It came a bit early due to a seized rear caliper. Did all 4 corners anywho.

[@deneweric]

A company called Advics/AISIN makes brake parts for NAPA very close to where I live (Ohio, USA).

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Its starting to catch up with ya brother. About 10-15 years before I retired (mechanic) started getting pain in the neck and shoulders (from working with a lift) then the hands and lower back (bending over the hood). Finally the feet from 10 hours a day on concreate. Still do plenty of my own projects and an occasional customers whip. Take care of yourself my friend...🤓

[@juanmendoza9475]

Excellent you make look easy, especially with all that rust and grime, that is called being a professional congrats.

[@frankiehensley2928]

Always love the nuts and bolts vids, reminds me what I need to do with my 95 Camaro upper and lower ball joints, keep up the great work and keep your customers happy.

[@gregsidel3557]

Very good, Eric. I understand you're aching pains real well, Thank you for the video Good job

[@thomaschristensen755]

I think you like to tease the Internet! I love it.

[@cycleguy666]

"If the guy wasn't such a prick I would go help him!!" Hahaha!! I was laughing so hard I almost fell off the couch 🛋!! Hahaha!! I can only imagine!! Good one Mr O!!

[@fascistpedant758]

@14:00 On cordless drills, you can also set the collar behind the chuck to the appropriate torque setting not to break the drill bit.

[@Mike_Engel]

Love it when Eric Hits a Trifecta!!!!!!!!! Thanks Eric O. !!!!

[@LesReeves]

Yeah I agree that poor little chainsaw the bar is probably glowing red hot because he sure sounded like he see sawing it big time .Good job by you though ,Cheers Mr O.

[@joeworley1065]

Chainsaw bit was hilarious. His name is not Eddie by chance. 😂

[@James_Hough]

I thought that I lived in a place with real winter, but when I saw the shower of former Frontier falling to the ground with every hammer strike and use of the air hammer, I knew that NY just hits different.

[@calholli]

When my neck hurts I just lay down and let my kids walk on my back.. They're good at getting up on my shoulders and neck and popping my back, etc.. Feels like a deep massage and usually hurts while they're doing it.. but then I get up from it and always feel relief

[@johnboywaltonbeard4699]

Eric O’…Thanks for another Great Video! Mrs. O’ can stand in front of the Camera anytime she wants. You need a “Tool” section under your Comments. Trying to find that Impact thingy to allow hammering on my Sockets. I think you said S&P Tools??? Took me a while But I Found it!! Schley Tools - 15900 Called Drive Extension protector. Includes Male and Female for about $50.

[@chrishartley1210]

That's a useful tip about leaving the chuck a little loose, I can't count the number of drill bits I've broken when they grab.

[@FullFaithRepair]

Ok well color me impressed with what that air hammer will do....and not even any solid surface under the control arm!

[@Spillmansgarage]

We got the Frontier, it’s got the big 4.0, it’s got the felony Forrest.

[@guymanicone7921]

I have a 2012, same model and color. I would love to bring my Virginia vehicle to Mr. O to shock him with the lack of rust. I love my Frontier. 110k miles, have barely had to do any repairs.

[@andrewszaflarski5379]

Eric's MeeMaw is a smart lady.

[@Lennymogen]

Do you like to shoot targets ? You can use those crusty rotors ! They make a nice sound when you hit where your aiming !!

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I had one of those Polish chain saws it was a Poulain. Sorriest piece of garbage man could own. That Mrs. O - she's a good sport !

[@rjb6327]

There has to be a worse word than "crusty". How about "newyorky"? 😀 Always nice to see Mrs O.

[@bobberndt9744]

X-Ray You Tube vision. What a concept ! 👀

[@NickMyers1]

One of Nissan's products that isn't a complete rolling trashcan 🙂 The customer is lucky to be in your area - never has to worry about poor workmanship. Look forward to using my 4980 with a proper sized compressor someday. The little Milwaukee compressor was not up to the challenge. Blasting out ball joints seems more entertaining than pressing. Is chainsaw guy still cutting? haha. Nice work as usual!

[@RS-qp4bp]

The lovely Mrs O is so helpful.

[@ssboot5663]

I WISH I had the strength in my body I had when I was 40ish or younger. At least you are a thin person. That helps a LOT!! Stiff neck, sore body, arthritis vision, hearing.........YEP! I MISS MY YOUTH! HA! CHAIN SAW GUY with a hand saw motion !!!HA! >Mrs.O makes the show!< Its EYE opening to me about how much UNDERBODY RUST you folks have to deal with over in the east coast. WE must have a different less corrosive road salt in our neck of the woods. We typically get 5-6 months of salted snowy roads.

[@wk7060]

You’ve been getting all the Gravy jocs, like exhaust work!

[@johndickerson9328]

I think that when you do a Big brake job like this one, that you should automatically include a brake system flush as part of the job. 😊

[@pastblast1664]

For years in the 70's and 80's, I also would crimp brake lines - never had a problem until I did. I could not get a left front caliper to bleed. Turns out the inside of the rubber line broke and plugged the line - had to replace it. Never crimped again. At least that's why I freak out.

[@johnchambers12]

They must not sell chain saw blades near you, Nissan with American made rotors , what a concept. Selective X-ray vision is good for you how is that working , with or without glasses ? But i can’t get over the safety crocks and sox across the street! Always entertaining and informative. My neighborhood had the mechanic with the cordless drill to change the headlights on the old Lincoln Continental, but we list that entertainment when he moved.

[@user-eq1kg6bd4z]

Nissan still makes the Frontier in Canton, Mississippi. It's better selling rival, the Tacoma, moved production for the American market to Mexico a few years back.

[@AnthonySmith-hr2kp]

Yep. Liked it before I watched it. Great video Mr O. Nice to see Big Nastey come out!!!!