Need A Repair Shop?
Find local automotive repair shops in your area.
CarZone Auto | Nissan and Infiniti Service Center
Do-It-Yourself Nissan Tutorials Home | Nissanhelp.com DIY DIY
 
Altima
 
Suspension, Brakes & Tires
 
Front Brake Pads Replacement
Project: Front Brake Pads Replacement
Models:
  • 2002 Nissan Altima
  • 2003 Nissan Altima
  • 2004 Nissan Altima
  • 2005 Nissan Altima
  • 2006 Nissan Altima

Information:
Front brake pads provide up to 70% of vehicle stopping power. In general, front brake pads wear out twice as fast as rear brake pads, 2 to1. Disc brakes have a definite braking power advantage over drum style brakes and performance is not compromised as much when wet. Some disc brakes utilize cooling fins in-between the braking surfaces to maximize cooling efficiency. Replacing brake discs can vary depending on the make and model of car or truck, two wheel or four wheel drive. Always replace brake rotors with top quality or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) brake rotors, some less expensive brake rotors can squeak and not dissipate heat as well because of there inferior metal quality. (Always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)

Removal:

- If shims are rusted or show peeling of the rubber coat, replace them with new shims.

- Whenever the brake pads are replaced, the inner shim, the outer shim and the shim cover have to be replaced as a set.

1. Remove master cylinder reservoir cap.

2. Locate caliper mounting bolts, apply wrench pressure counter clockwise to remove the bolt.

Nissan Altima Front Brake Pads Replacement

Nissan Altima Front Brake Pads Replacement

3. Suspend the cylinder body with wire. Then remove pads with retainers, inner and outer shims and pad return springs.

Nissan Altima Front Brake Pads Replacement

Installation

1. Attach the inner shim and shim cover to the inner pad and attach the outer shim to the outer pad.

2. Apply grease to the contact surface of pad retainer with the pads, then attach the pad retainer, pads and pad return spring to the torque member.

3. To install the new brake pads you must retract the brake caliper piston. Install C clamp tool and gently tighten clamp until caliper piston is fully depressed.

- Use old brake pad to protect the caliper piston.

- Do not compress the caliper piston with the other caliper removed.

4. Install the cylinder body to the torque member.

5. Insert a main pin bolt (on the lower side) and tighten it to specification.

6. Check the brakes for drag.

Nissan Altima DIY Projects
Modifications
Nissan Modification
Engine & Transmission
Nissan Engine and Transmission
Air Bag & Body Exterior/Interior
Nissan Air Bag, Body Exterior and Interior
OEM Accessories Installation Guides
Nissan Altima OEM Accessories Installation Guides
Electrical & Audio
Nissan Electrical and Audio
Heater & Air Condition
Nissan Heater and Air Condition
Suspension, ABS, Brakes & Tires
Nissan Brake and Suspension
Engine Control System
Nissan Engine Light
Nissanhelp.com Knowledgebase
Nissan Altima Bulletins Nissan Altima Campaigns/Recalls Nissan Altima Reference Specifications Tips & Articles
Nissan Altima Service Manuals Nissan Altima Owner's Manuals Nissan Altima Navigation System Manuals Nissan Altima Towing Guides
Nissan Altima Warranty Booklets Nissan Altima Detailing Tips and Articles Nissan Altima Maintenance Schedules Nissan Altima Forums
Nissan OBDII Code Chart Find a Shop Glossary of Automotive Terms Fuel Consumption Estimator