How To Change Brakes On Nissan Altima

Are your brakes squealing like a rusty hinge, or feeling spongy when you press the pedal? If so, it’s highly likely you need to replace your brake pads, and possibly your rotors. Addressing brake issues promptly is critical for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Driving with worn brakes significantly increases your stopping distance and can lead to a dangerous accident. This guide will walk you through the process of changing the brakes on your Nissan Altima, helping you determine if it's a DIY project or if a professional mechanic is the better choice. We'll cover the symptoms, causes, risks, and solutions, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Recognizing the Signs: Brake Problem Symptoms

Before diving into the replacement process, it's important to accurately diagnose the problem. Here are the common symptoms of worn or damaged brakes on a Nissan Altima:

Squealing or screeching noises: This is often the first and most obvious sign. Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that makes a high-pitched squeal when the pad material gets too thin.
Grinding noises: This indicates that the brake pads are completely worn down, and the metal backing plate is rubbing against the rotor. This is a serious problem that can damage the rotors.
Spongy or soft brake pedal: If the pedal feels like it's sinking further than usual before the brakes engage, there might be air in the brake lines or a problem with the master cylinder. While pad replacement might still be needed, this symptom points to a more complex hydraulic issue.
Vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel or brake pedal: This is often a sign of warped brake rotors. The uneven surface causes the brake pads to grip intermittently, resulting in the vibration.
Longer stopping distances: If it takes longer to stop your Altima than it used to, it's a clear indication that your brakes are not performing optimally. This is a major safety concern.
Pulling to one side during braking: This could be due to uneven brake wear, a sticking caliper, or a problem with the brake lines.
Brake warning light on the dashboard: This light indicates a problem with the braking system. Consult your owner's manual for specific meanings, but it often signifies low brake fluid, a faulty ABS sensor, or other serious brake issues.
Visible damage to brake pads or rotors: Inspect your brake pads for excessive wear (less than 1/8 inch of pad material remaining). Check the rotors for deep grooves, cracks, or warping.

Understanding the Root Cause: Why Brakes Fail

Brake pads wear down over time due to friction. Every time you apply the brakes, the pads press against the rotors to slow down or stop your vehicle. This friction gradually wears away the pad material. The rate at which your brakes wear down depends on several factors, including your driving habits (aggressive braking wears them down faster), the type of brake pads installed (some materials are more durable than others), and the conditions in which you drive (city driving with frequent stops wears them down faster than highway driving).

Rotors can also wear down or become damaged. Over time, they can develop grooves, cracks, or warping due to heat and friction. Warped rotors are a common problem, especially if you frequently brake hard or drive in stop-and-go traffic. The heat generated by braking can cause the rotor material to expand and contract, eventually leading to warping.

Furthermore, brake calipers can malfunction. Calipers are responsible for pressing the brake pads against the rotors. If a caliper sticks or seizes, it can cause uneven brake wear, pulling to one side during braking, and overheating. Caliper issues are often caused by corrosion or debris buildup.

The Consequences of Neglect: What Happens if You Ignore Brake Problems

Ignoring brake problems can have severe consequences. The most obvious risk is increased stopping distance, which can lead to accidents. If your brakes are worn, it will take longer to stop your vehicle, especially in emergency situations. This can result in collisions, injuries, and property damage.

Furthermore, worn brake pads can damage the rotors. Once the pad material is completely gone, the metal backing plate will rub against the rotor, causing deep grooves and potentially ruining the rotor. Replacing rotors is more expensive than replacing brake pads alone, so addressing the problem early can save you money in the long run.

Ignoring brake problems can also lead to more serious brake system failures. A sticking caliper can overheat, potentially causing brake fluid to boil. This can lead to brake fade, where the brakes become less effective or even fail completely. In addition, a faulty master cylinder or brake lines can cause a loss of braking power, putting you and others at risk.

Finally, driving with faulty brakes is illegal. Law enforcement officers can issue citations for driving with unsafe brakes, which can result in fines and points on your driving record.

Recommended Fixes: Replacing Your Brakes

The recommended fix for worn brakes is to replace the brake pads. In many cases, you will also need to replace the rotors. Here's a general overview of the process:

DIY or Professional?

Changing brakes is a task that many competent DIYers can handle, but it requires the right tools, knowledge, and attention to detail. If you're comfortable working on cars and have experience with basic automotive repairs, you may be able to do it yourself. However, if you're not confident in your abilities or lack the necessary tools, it's best to take your Altima to a qualified mechanic. Improper installation can lead to brake failure and serious accidents.

Tools and Materials:

New brake pads (front or rear set, depending on which needs replacing)
New brake rotors (if needed)
Brake cleaner spray
Caliper grease
Socket set
Wrench set
Torque wrench
C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool
Jack and jack stands
Wheel chocks
Gloves
Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Instructions (General Guide):

Disclaimer: This is a general guide only. Consult your Nissan Altima's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. Safety is paramount. Always use jack stands and disconnect the negative battery cable before working on your vehicle.

Prepare the vehicle: Park the Altima on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on.
Raise and secure the vehicle: Use a jack to raise the vehicle and then securely support it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Remove the wheel: Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
Inspect the brakes: Visually inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear and damage.
Remove the brake caliper: Locate the caliper bolts (typically two bolts on the back of the caliper). Remove the bolts and carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose!
Remove the brake pads: The brake pads should slide out of the caliper bracket. Note the position of any shims or clips and reinstall them in the same way on the new pads.
Compress the caliper piston: Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This is necessary to create enough space for the new, thicker brake pads.
Remove the rotor (if necessary): If you're replacing the rotors, remove the caliper bracket (usually held on by two bolts). Some rotors may be held in place by screws; remove these screws. If the rotor is stuck, you may need to tap it with a hammer to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the hub.
Install the new rotor (if applicable): Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove any manufacturing oils. Install the new rotor and secure it with the screws (if applicable). Reinstall the caliper bracket.
Install the new brake pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure to reinstall any shims or clips in the correct position.
Reinstall the brake caliper: Carefully slide the caliper over the new brake pads and rotor. Reinstall the caliper bolts and torque them to the manufacturer's specifications.
Repeat on the other side: Repeat the process on the other wheel.
Bleed the brakes (if necessary): If you opened the brake lines or suspect air in the system, you will need to bleed the brakes. This is a more complex procedure that requires a helper and specific tools.
Reinstall the wheels: Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Lower the vehicle: Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
Test the brakes: Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure that the brakes are working properly. Take the vehicle for a short test drive, starting slowly and gradually increasing your speed. Listen for any unusual noises and check for proper braking performance.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of replacing brakes on a Nissan Altima can vary depending on several factors, including the type of brake pads and rotors you choose, the labor rate of the mechanic, and whether you need to replace the calipers or other components. As of late 2024, here's a general estimate:

DIY: Brake pads (front or rear) can range from $30 to $100 per set. Rotors can range from $50 to $150 each. So, a complete front or rear brake job (pads and rotors) could cost between $130 and $400 for parts.
Professional Installation: A brake pad replacement at a shop can cost between $150 and $300 per axle (front or rear), including labor. A complete brake job (pads and rotors) can cost between $300 and $600 per axle, including labor. Caliper replacement can add another $100 to $300 per caliper.

Shop Advice: When choosing a mechanic, get quotes from several shops and compare their prices and services. Ask about the quality of the brake pads and rotors they use. Look for shops that offer warranties on their work. Also, read online reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experiences.

Credibility and Common Issues

The Nissan Altima, particularly models from 2007-2012, and even some later models, have been known to exhibit issues with premature brake wear. While not a widespread recall, some owners have reported needing brake replacements more frequently than average. Online forums dedicated to Nissan Altimas are a great resource for understanding common problems and getting advice from other owners. Some aftermarket brake pad brands are specifically formulated to address concerns about premature wear and noise.

While no specific TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) directly addresses *general* brake pad wear for all Altimas, it's always wise to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any recalls or TSBs related to your specific model year. These bulletins often contain valuable information and recommended repair procedures from the manufacturer. A TSB may exist addressing a specific braking-related problem applicable to your Altima's year and trim.

Typically, brake pads on an Altima should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions. Rotors may last for two or more brake pad replacements. Regularly inspecting your brakes is crucial to identify problems early and prevent costly repairs.