How to replace the front brake pads 2013 – 2018 Nissan Altima

To replace the front brake pads on your Altima it couldnt’ be easier. You will be asked to open the brake fluid reservoir, retract the piston, remove the brake pads and follow the next steps described below. You can follow this tutorial of 15 chapters in 45 minutes. Take your 14 mm socket and your Clamp or iron wire and let’s get started!

Duration

45 minutes

Number of steps

Difficulty out of 5

Average savings

$50

Parts You Will Need

Tools You Will Need

Step-by-Step Installation

Chapter 1:

Open the hood

Step 1/1

Turn off your vehicle’s ignition, set the parking brake, pull the hood release handle and open the hood.

Chapter 2:

Open the brake fluid reservoir

Step 1/1

Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Chapter 3:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/3

Lift the front of your vehicle.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/3

Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 4:

Take off the wheels

Step 1/2

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

Turn the disc outwards, this will facilitate the following steps.

Chapter 5:

Retract the piston

Step 1/3

Insert a flat head screwdriver into the opening of the brake caliper.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/3

Lift it off using the screwdriver as a lever by pulling it towards you.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/3

This will cause the piston to retract, so that the caliper can be removed more easily for the next steps.As the piston enters the brake caliper, brake fluid will flow back into the brake fluid reservoir.Depending on the original level of the reservoir, make sure that the liquid does not overflow.

Chapter 6:

Loosen the slide pins

Step 1/3

With a socket wrench and a 14mm socket, unscrew the lower slide pin.Sometimes you have to keep the locknut from turning by holding it with your fingers or a 19 mm wrench.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/3

Repeat this process with the upper slide pin.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/3

Finish unscrewing by hand.

Chapter 7:

Hang the brake caliper on the strut

Step 1/2

Tip: attach a piece of electrical cable, or a hook, to one of the strut spring coils

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

You can now remove the brake caliper and hand it to the previously installed hook.

Chapter 8:

Remove the brake pads

Step 1/2

Remove the brake pads by prying them out with a flathead screwdriver.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/2

Using the screwdriver, remove the anti-rattle clips.

Chapter 9:

Clean the brake caliper mount

Step 1/1

Using a wire brush, clean the caliper mount to remove any excess rust that could prevent the pads from sliding.

Chapter 10:

Install the new anti-rattle clips

Step 1/3

You can order the pads used in the video on Carparts.com via the link in the description.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

Get hold of the anti-rattle clips supplied in the kit.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

Place the new anti-rattle clips on the caliper mount.

Chapter 11:

Place the new brake pads

Step 1/4

Grab the new pads, and lightly coat the ends with copper grease to help them slide more easily.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/4

Insert the new pads into the caliper mount by sliding them in.

Chapter 11:

Step 4/4

Pay close attention to the position of the pad pressure springs, and how they fit into the anti-rattle clips.

Chapter 11:

Step 5/4

You need to check the sliding of the brake caliper slide pins and the condition of the Caliper slide pin boots.If they look worn, you are advised to replace them with new ones.