If you're an import specialist technician reading this magazine, you're very familiar with brake repair and service. Although the nuts and bolts have changed little over the years, it's never a bad idea to look at even the most routine job, since ABS has certainly redefined the problems we encounter as well as the changed the way in which we maintain this important system.

While we'll be taking a look at the brake systems on the Nissan line of cars and trucks in this article, the good brake maintenance and service practices that will be outlined can apply to any vehicle. You can't argue with the success that Nissan has had in this country. With a well-deserved reputation for building good, reliable vehicles, underlined with an eye toward performance, the car maker has been able to maintain a strong position in the marketplace, giving us plenty of vehicles to service.

Like any repair job, brake work starts with the customer's call to make an appointment. My first reaction to a request for brake service is to ask "why." With the brakes being the most important safety system on the car, it's important to know the type of problem the customer is experiencing for two reasons. You need to figure out where this job can fit into your schedule, but you don't want your customer to drive an unsafe vehicle. What is obvious to us is often a surprise for the car owner. They look to us for advice.

Brake problems will present them...