how to change brakes on nissan altima

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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16-01-2025

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Changing your Nissan Altima's brakes is a significant task, best left to professionals unless you have mechanical experience. This guide provides a detailed overview, but it's crucial to prioritize safety and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions relevant to your Altima's year and model. Improper brake replacement can lead to dangerous consequences.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. This list may vary slightly depending on your Altima's year and model:

• New brake pads: Ensure you purchase pads specifically designed for your Nissan Altima's year and model.
• New rotors (likely): Rotors often need replacement when changing pads. Inspect them carefully. If they're scored, warped, or excessively worn, replace them.
• Wheel chocks: Essential for safety.
• Jack and jack stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
• Socket wrench set: Various sizes will be needed.
• C-clamp (optional but recommended): To compress the caliper piston.
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (optional): A more professional tool for compressing the piston.
• Wrench for caliper bolts: Size will vary.
• Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): Helps loosen stuck bolts.
• Gloves: Protect your hands.
• Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
• Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Incorrect torque can damage components.
• Shop rags or paper towels: For cleaning.

Safety First!

• Engage the parking brake: This is paramount.
• Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones you're working on.
• Work in a well-lit, level area: This ensures visibility and stability.
• Use jack stands: Never rely solely on a jack to support the vehicle's weight.

Step-by-Step Brake Pad Replacement

1. Preparing the Vehicle:

• Securely chock the wheels.
• Raise the vehicle using the jack, placing it at the designated jack point under the vehicle (consult your owner's manual).
• Securely position jack stands under the vehicle's frame near the wheel you're working on. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

2. Removing the Wheel:

• Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Do this before raising the vehicle.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

3. Removing the Caliper:

• Locate the caliper mounting bolts and carefully spray them with penetrating oil.
• Use the appropriate wrench to remove the caliper bolts.
• Carefully remove the caliper and support it with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose. This prevents damage to the hose.

4. Compressing the Caliper Piston:

• Use a C-clamp or a specialized compression tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This creates space for the new, thicker brake pads. Turn the piston slowly to avoid damage.

5. Removing the Old Brake Pads:

• The old brake pads should now be easily accessible. Remove them.

6. Installing the New Brake Pads:

• Carefully install the new brake pads into the caliper.

7. Reinstalling the Caliper:

• Carefully reinstall the caliper onto the caliper bracket.
• Tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your owner's manual).

8. Reinstalling the Wheel:

• Mount the wheel back onto the studs.
• Tighten the lug nuts by hand.

9. Lowering the Vehicle:

• Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
• Once the vehicle is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts securely using the lug wrench, following a star pattern.

10. Checking and Completing:

• Double-check that all bolts are properly tightened.
• Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the pads are making contact with the rotors.
• Test drive the vehicle to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly.

Rotor Replacement (if necessary):

If your rotors are worn, scored, or warped, they'll need replacing. This process usually involves removing the caliper and brake pads as described above, then removing the rotor (often with a special tool, depending on your Altima model) and installing the new rotor. Professional installation is highly recommended for rotor replacement.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and torque specifications for your Nissan Altima's year and model. Brake work is critical for safety; if you're unsure about any step, seek professional assistance. Improperly installed brakes can lead to serious accidents.