How To Change Brakes Nissan Altima

Is your Nissan Altima's braking performance feeling a little... lackluster? Are you hearing strange noises when you hit the pedal? You're likely experiencing a common issue: worn brake pads and/or rotors. Replacing your brakes is a crucial part of maintaining your vehicle's safety and reliability. Properly functioning brakes are essential for stopping safely and preventing accidents. Neglecting worn brakes can lead to serious consequences, including increased stopping distances, damage to other brake components, and potentially dangerous situations on the road.

Symptoms of Worn Brakes on Your Nissan Altima

Recognizing the signs of worn brakes is the first step toward addressing the problem. Here are some common symptoms you might notice in your Nissan Altima:

Squealing or Screeching Noises: This is perhaps the most common symptom. A high-pitched squeal or screech often indicates that the brake pad wear indicators are making contact with the rotor. This is a warning sign that your brake pads are nearing the end of their life.
Grinding Noises: A grinding noise usually means that your brake pads are completely worn down, and the metal backing plate is now rubbing directly against the rotor. This can cause significant damage to the rotors and requires immediate attention.
Vibration or Pulsation in the Brake Pedal: This can be caused by warped rotors. When you apply the brakes, you'll feel a noticeable vibration or pulsation in the pedal.
Increased Stopping Distance: If it takes longer to stop than usual, your brake pads may be worn, or there could be an issue with the brake system as a whole.
Pulling to One Side During Braking: This could indicate uneven wear on the brake pads or a problem with the brake calipers on one side of the vehicle.
Brake Pedal Feels Spongy or Soft: A spongy brake pedal can be caused by air in the brake lines, a faulty master cylinder, or worn brake hoses.
Visible Wear on Brake Pads: You can visually inspect your brake pads through the wheel (sometimes it requires wheel removal for a better view). If the brake pad material is thin (less than 1/4 inch), it's time for a replacement.
Brake Warning Light: Your car's dashboard may have a brake warning light that illuminates when there's a problem with the brake system, such as low brake fluid or a malfunctioning sensor.

Root Cause: Friction and Wear

The primary cause of brake problems is simply friction. Brake pads and rotors are designed to work together to slow down and stop your vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the brake calipers clamp the brake pads against the rotors. This friction converts kinetic energy into heat, which slows the car down. Over time, this friction causes the brake pads to wear down. The rotors can also become worn, warped, or scored due to the constant friction and heat.

Several factors can influence how quickly your brakes wear down:

Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking, and stop-and-go traffic can accelerate brake wear.
Vehicle Load: Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer puts extra strain on the brakes, leading to faster wear.
Environmental Conditions: Road salt and other contaminants can contribute to corrosion and premature wear of brake components.
Quality of Brake Pads: Different brake pad materials have varying levels of durability. Choosing high-quality brake pads can extend their lifespan.

Consequences of Ignoring Worn Brakes

Ignoring worn brakes can have serious and costly consequences:

Increased Stopping Distance: Worn brakes significantly reduce your vehicle's stopping power, increasing the risk of accidents.
Damage to Rotors: Continuing to drive with worn brake pads can damage the rotors, requiring them to be replaced in addition to the pads. This significantly increases the repair cost.
Calipers Damage: If the brake pads are completely worn, the caliper piston can extend too far, potentially damaging the caliper itself.
Brake Failure: In extreme cases, neglecting worn brakes can lead to complete brake failure, which can be catastrophic.
Compromised Safety: Ultimately, worn brakes compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Recommended Fixes: Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement

The most common and recommended fix for worn brakes is to replace the brake pads and, if necessary, the rotors. Here's a general overview of the process:

Gather Tools and Materials: You'll need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, wrench set, brake pad spreader, brake cleaner, new brake pads, and possibly new rotors. Gloves and eye protection are highly recommended.
Loosen Lug Nuts: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on, but don't remove them completely.
Jack Up the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Inspect the Brakes: Visually inspect the brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear, damage, or leaks.
Remove the Caliper: Carefully remove the brake caliper. This usually involves removing bolts holding it in place. Be sure to support the caliper so it doesn't hang by the brake hose.
Remove the Old Brake Pads: Take out the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
Compress the Caliper Piston: Use a brake pad spreader to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper. This is necessary to make room for the new, thicker brake pads.
Replace the Rotors (if necessary): If the rotors are worn, warped, or scored, remove them and install new ones. This usually involves removing the caliper bracket.
Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket. Make sure they are properly seated.
Reinstall the Caliper: Reinstall the caliper over the brake pads and rotor. Secure it with the bolts you removed earlier.
Repeat on Other Side: Repeat the process on the other wheel if necessary.
Pump the Brakes: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads and restore proper brake pedal feel.
Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the brakes are functioning properly. Listen for any unusual noises and check for proper stopping performance.

Important Note: If you are not comfortable performing brake repairs yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can be dangerous.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of replacing your Nissan Altima's brakes can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the parts used, the labor rate of the mechanic, and whether you replace the rotors in addition to the pads. Here's a general cost breakdown:

Brake Pads: $30 - $100 per axle (depending on quality and brand)
Rotors: $50 - $150 per rotor (depending on quality and brand)
Labor: $100 - $200 per axle

Therefore, you can expect to pay anywhere from $180 to $500+ per axle for a brake job. Getting a few quotes from different shops is always a good idea to compare prices. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the parts and labor costs.

Shop Advice:

Ask about warranty: Reputable shops offer warranties on their brake repairs.
Inquire about brake pad options: Discuss different brake pad options with the mechanic and choose the best option for your driving style and budget.
Check online reviews: Read online reviews of local shops to get an idea of their reputation and quality of service.
Consider replacing rotors in pairs: Even if only one rotor is significantly worn, it's generally recommended to replace rotors in pairs to ensure even braking performance.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Common Failure Mileage

While not specifically related to outright brake failure due to wear, Nissan does issue TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) that sometimes pertain to brake-related noises or performance issues on certain Altima models. It's worth checking with your local dealership or searching online to see if any TSBs apply to your vehicle and the symptoms you're experiencing. These bulletins may offer specific diagnostic or repair procedures that can help resolve the problem.

Regarding mileage, brake pad life can vary significantly depending on driving conditions. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to replace your brake pads every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Rotors typically last longer, often requiring replacement every other brake pad change. Regular brake inspections are crucial to identify potential problems early and ensure your Nissan Altima's brakes are always in optimal condition. Always prioritize safety when it comes to your brakes!