How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes in a Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has one of two braking systems in the rear of the vehicle; disc or drum brakes. If your Altima has rear disc brakes and you need to replace them, follow these instructions. You won't need any special tools other than what you will find in a standard tool box.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of the Altima off the ground using a car jack. Use a torque wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the rear wheels. Take them off and set them on the ground face up.

2

Disconnect the parking brake by removing its cable bracket bolt. Take out the pin bolts and lift off the caliper body. Pull out the rear disc brake pad springs.

3

Rotate the brake piston clockwise into the caliper body. Be careful not to cause damage to the caliper boot.

4

Apply silicone based grease to the mounting support. Pay particular attention to the area that maintains contact with the brake pad.

5

Insert the new brake springs. Attach the new shims to the brake pads. Position the brake pads onto the mounting support.

6

Place the caliper body on the mounting support. Use the torque wrench to tighten the pin bolts between 16 to 23 ft. lb. Reassemble the wheels and lower the Altima to the ground.

7

Verify that the rear disc brakes operate properly when you replace them, and then replace the necessary amount of brake fluid to bring it up to the proper level to complete the job.