How to Replace Rotors on a 2000 Nissan Altima

The 2000 Nissan Altima came equipped with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The main components of disc brakes are the rotors, which are smooth metal discs connected directly to the wheels of the vehicle. The brake pads are squeezed against the rotor to slow and eventually stop the Altima during braking. Brake pad wear indicators grind into the surface of the rotor, causing scoring. Scored rotors will wear brake pads prematurely and compromise the stopping power of the anti-lock braking system. While there is the option of resurfacing scored rotors, warped rotors must be replaced as soon as possible.

Instructions

Park the Nissan Altima in an area that will allow you to safely work on both sides of the vehicle. Put the transmission in park, and engage the parking brake.

Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench or 21 mm socket and breaker bar.

Raise the Altima with a lifting jack so that the tires are completely off the ground, and place jack stands beneath the frame of the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels from the wheel bolts.

Remove the two caliper slide bolts on the side of the caliper farthest from you with a ratchet and 13 mm socket.

Remove the caliper from the rotor and caliper bridge and place it on top of the steering arm. Remove the brake pads by pulling them from the front and back side of the rotor. The brake pads rest in the caliper bridge on either side of the brake rotor.

Remove the two bolts on the caliper bridge with a ratchet and a 15 mm socket. Pull the caliper bridge from the rotor.

Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. Spray chain lubricant on the wheel bolts to loosen the bond of rust holding the rotor to the wheel.

Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner. Wipe all of the surfaces of the rotor clean before installing it.

Replace the caliper bridge onto the new rotor. Screw in the caliper bridge bolts with the ratchet and 15 mm socket.

Inspect the brake pads for wear. Replace the brake pads if necessary. Insert the brake pads onto the caliper bridge, on either side of the rotor.

Place the caliper over the caliper bridge and screw on the caliper slide bolts with the ratchet and 13 mm socket.

Place the wheel onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.

Remove the jack stands, and lower the Altima to the ground with the lifting jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.