Tips on Changing the Brakes on a 1998 Nissan Altima

Nissan released the Altima in the 1993 model year as the replacement for the Nissan Stanza. A total of four generations has passed for the Nissan Altima as of 2011, and it still continues strong. The 1998 Nissan Altima was the first model year of the second generation. The 1998 Altima came fitted with a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced 150 horsepower. Changing the 1998 Altima's brakes is something the do-it-yourself can do at home, and there are a few tips that help get the job done quickly and correctly.

Just One Bolt

After removing the tire and when attempting replacement of the brake pads, first remove the caliper to get to the brake pads. There is no need to completely take out both bolts from the caliper and pull it from the vehicle. Simply take off the lower bolt and loosen the upper bolt, then pivot the caliper upward to expose the brake pads.

New Hardware

The brake pads are held in place by thin metal shims inside the caliper bracket. Replacing these shims helps keep the brake pads in the proper position and eliminate noises after replacing the pads. The shims simply pull out and push into the caliper bracket.

Making Space

You may notice that the brake pads are too thick to fit between the caliper and the rotor. This is due to the caliper piston being extended outward to contact the old, worn brake pads. Use an 8-inch C-clamp to press the piston back into the front caliper, making room for the new pads. The rear caliper requires a special tool to rotate the piston while pressing it; this tool is available to rent at most parts stores.

Rotor Thickness

The rotor -- the metal disc that the pads contact -- has a set of specifications that must be within tolerance for the system to operate properly. The front rotor must be at least 0.787 inches thick and the rear must be at least 0.315 inches thick. If the rotors fall below this specification, they require replacement as well.

Machine or Not

Machining or cutting the rotors takes thin amounts of material off the rotor to eliminate imperfections. The rotors only need machined if they have gouges, a mirror-like shine or greater than 0.003 inches of run-out variance in thickness from the thickest point to the thinnest point of the rotor. Keep in mind to machine the rotors only if they are greater than the minimum thicknesses listed above.

Torque

Proper torque on all bolts loosened or removed when performing the brakes is imperative to your safety. The caliper bolts require 16 to 23 foot-pounds of torque and the lug nuts require 90 foot-pounds of torque. Always tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern so all of the lug nuts receive an equal amount of torque.