How to change rear brake pads on a Nissan Altima. Brake pads are an important part of the brake system of your Nissan Altima. They are the replaceable friction pads that squeeze the brake disc or drum when the brake is depressed. You should replace them before they wear out more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) or endangering the brake discs of your Altima.

You will need

• Blocks
• Cat
• Wheel nut wrench
• Suction bulb
• Allen wrench or hex head
• Tweezers
• New brake pads
• Silicone lubricant
• Brake Fluid

Instructions

Remove the old brake pads

1. Park your car on a level surface. If you own a car with gear lever, make sure the car is in neutral. Do not put the hand brake. Place blocks in front of the front so the car does not move while you work on it wheels.
2. Open the hood of your car and locate the master cylinder. If necessary, remove brake fluid until the level of the container is less than half. A good tool to do this is a suction bulb. Place the brake fluid in the plastic container and motor oil.
3. Raise the rear end of your car with a jack. Remove the rear wheel or rear assembly.
4. Remove the parking brake cable from the rear of the caliper. Use the pliers to remove the cable clamp (clamp mount).
5. Use the key tubular to remove the upper mounting bolt caliber. Utilizes a small elastic or wire hanger for hanging the calibrator in the wheel cavity. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose.
6. Remove the springs of the brake pad out of the caliper. Remove the brake caliper.

Install the new brake pads

1. Rotate the caliper piston in the direction of clockwise to retract into its cover. Apply thin layer of lubricant to the parts of the pads that contact the caliper.
2. Insert the brake pads, tacos and spring into the caliper. Slide the caliper into place and use the key tubular to adjust the retaining bolts 16-23 lb ft (22-31 Nm).
3. Replace the parking brake cable. Use the pliers to adjust the fastening clamp.
4. Replace the wheel assembly (tire). Lower the car to the ground.
5. Press the brake pedal a few times to seat the pads. Do it before you try to move your car.
6. Add fluid to the master cylinder container to replace what you have removed before removing the old brake pads.
7. Test the brake pads to brake gently when handling the first week after installing the new. Try not to slam on the brakes during brake test.

Tips and Warnings

• The master cylinder is a metal cylinder located behind the wheel in the coverage of metal that separates the engine of the car body. On the cylinder is a plastic container containing liquid to the brake system. When you work on the brakes, adjust the liquid level so that the container is full below half.
• Parking brakes are operated by a long steel wire running from the handle of the cockpit to the rear wheels. The parking brake cable is the cable that goes from the caliper support plate to the car body. The brake cable is very thick and covered with rubber. Be careful. The brake cable can be easily confused with the brake hose, which is a steel tube connected to the car body with a small rubber hose. Use tongs to remove the parking brake cable. This is held in place with retaining clips.
• The calibrator is alloyed iron piece arcuate, brake rotor attached. Usually found at the top rear brake rotor. The caliper bolts are located on the back of the gauge. Use an oil penetration in said back. Use it to loosen the bolts, if necessary.
• Be careful when using brake fluid. It is irritating to eyes and dangerous to ingest. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling brake fluid. If liquid touches your eyes, clear and current applied immediately wash your eyes water for 15 minutes. If your eyes still irritated after washing them or swallow brake fluid, seek medical assistance immediately.
• Be careful when you manipulate used brake parts. Dust and dirt in these parts may contain asbestos fibers that can be dangerous to your health if inhaled.
• When you clean these parts, always use a damp cloth instead of air compressed, wire brushes, steel wool or anything else that could move the particles of dust and dirt. Get rid of any material you use to clean away dirt and dust and sealed in a waterproof container. For more information, visit the library or enter online to see the guidelines and procedures of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, for its acronym in English) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, for its acronym in English) for handling and disposal of anything containing asbestos fibers.