How to Do Brakes on a 2002 Nissan Altima

The 2002 Nissan Altima comes equipped with all wheel disc brakes. Nissan recommends that you inspect the components of the braking system frequently to recognize and service brakes that are in disrepair before they pose a safety risk. When doing routine brake pad replacement, inspect the rotors for scoring and replace them if they are significantly scored or warped. Brake calipers should also be monitored regularly; cracks or other damage to the caliper should be fixed immediately.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Tire blocks
Lug wrench
13-mm wrench
15-mm socket
Ratchet
Brake pads
Chain lubricant
Rotor
Brake fluid

Step 1
Place tire blocks behind the rear wheels of the Altima. Apply the parking brake.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Lift the Altima with a lifting jack and place jack stands under the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
Step 3
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels from the wheel bolts. Remove the caliper slide bolts with 13-mm wrench.
Step 4
Pull the caliper from the rotor and caliper bridge, and place it on top of the steering arm. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bridge.
Step 5
Remove the caliper bridge bolts with a 15-mm socket and ratchet. Slide the caliper bridge from the rotor.
Step 6
Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. Spray the rotor and steering knuckle with chain lubricant if the rotor is stuck to the wheel bolts.
Step 7
Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it clean and dry before installing it. Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts with the top hat section facing outward. (The top hat section is the side of the rotor that has the raised inner ring.)
Step 8
Replace the caliper bridge onto the new rotor and screw in the caliper bridge bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the new brake pads into the caliper bridge, on either side of the rotor.
Step 9
Place the caliper over the brake pads and screw in the caliper slide bolts with the 13-mm wrench.
Step 10
Place the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
Step 11
Lift the Altima to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
Step 12
Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
Step 13
Lift the hood of the Nissan and remove the cap to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is located on the left side of the vehicle, near the windshield. Apply brake fluid as necessary.