How to Change the Rear Brakes on a 2002 Nissan Altima

How to Change the Rear Brakes on a 2002 Nissan Altima

The Altima is Nissan's mid-sized sedan. It received a few upgrades for 2002, including a slightly larger body, a V-6 engine and increased horsepower. It comes with 2-wheel drive and all-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. The brakes should be good for 4 to 8 years, based on frequency of use.

Instructions

    1

    Loosen the lug nuts with the tire iron 2 full rotations counterclockwise. Place the wood blocks in front of the front tires.

    2

    Jack up the car so that the tires clear the ground by 2 inches or more. Remove all the lugs and the tires.

    3

    Remove the bottom bolt from the brake caliper mounting bracket. Hang the bracket with the rope from the undercarriage of the car so that there is no pressure on the brake line.

    4

    Remove the brake pads from the bracket by removing the steel clips that hold them in. Note the orientation of the pads in order to install the new ones properly.

    5

    Compress the brake caliper with the c-clamp. Place an old brake pad over the caliper and clamp it down until it is flush with the bracket.

    6

    Install the new brake pads in the same manner that they were removed.

    7

    Re-bolt the mounting bracket to the rotor. Attach the tire and lugs, then lower the vehicle.