Quick Overview
- Once the wheel is off the ground, use your wheel wrench to fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or a brake pad removal tool to pry the pads out of the caliper.
- Use a C-clamp or a brake piston compression tool to slowly compress the piston back into the caliper.
Are you looking to save money on car maintenance and gain a sense of accomplishment? Changing your Nissan Sentra’s rear brakes yourself is a great way to do both. While it may seem daunting, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it a manageable task for even novice mechanics.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Before you dive in, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- New rear brake pads: Always buy pads specifically designed for your Nissan Sentra model year.
- New rear brake rotors: If your rotors are worn or damaged, you’ll need to replace them as well.
- Brake cleaner: This will help clean the brake components before assembly.
- Torque wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the proper specifications.
- Jack and jack stands: For lifting the car safely.
- Wheel wrench: To remove the wheels.
- C-clamp: To compress the brake caliper piston.
- Hammer (optional): For tapping the caliper piston back into the caliper.
- Socket set: Various sizes for removing bolts.
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Gloves: Keep your hands clean and protect them from brake dust.
Prepare Your Work Area
Safety is paramount when working on your vehicle. Choose a well-lit and level work area with a concrete or paved surface. Park your Sentra on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Make sure the car is in “Park” if it’s an automatic transmission.
Remove the Wheel
1. Loosen the lug nuts: Use your wheel wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel you’ll be working on. Don’t remove them completely yet.
2. Raise the car: Place the jack under the designated jack point on your Sentra’s frame. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct jack point location. Slowly raise the car until the wheel is off the ground.
3. Remove the wheel: Once the wheel is off the ground, use your wheel wrench to fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Inspect the Brake Components
Now that the wheel is removed, you can inspect the brake components:
- Brake pads: Check the thickness of the brake pads. If they are worn down to less than 1/4 inch, they need to be replaced.
- Brake rotors: Inspect the rotors for excessive wear, grooves, or rust. If the rotors are damaged, they need to be replaced.
- Caliper: Check the caliper for leaks, sticking pistons, or excessive wear. If the caliper is damaged, it should be replaced.
Remove the Old Brake Pads
1. Remove the caliper bolts: Locate the two bolts that hold the caliper to the brake bracket. Use your socket set to remove these bolts.
2. Remove the caliper: Carefully remove the caliper from the brake bracket. Be sure to support the caliper to prevent it from hanging on the brake hose.
3. Remove the old brake pads: The brake pads are held in place by spring clips. Use a flathead screwdriver or a brake pad removal tool to pry the pads out of the caliper.
Compress the Caliper Piston
To install the new brake pads, you need to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper.
1. Clean the caliper: Use brake cleaner to clean the caliper piston and the inside of the caliper.
2. Compress the piston: Use a C-clamp or a brake piston compression tool to slowly compress the piston back into the caliper. Be careful not to damage the piston or the rubber boot.
3. Lubricate the piston: Apply a small amount of brake grease to the piston to prevent it from sticking.
Install the New Brake Pads
1. Install the new brake pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper, ensuring they are correctly seated in the caliper.
2. Install the caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back onto the brake bracket and tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Install the wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.
Final Steps
1. Lower the car: Lower the car to the ground.
2. Test the brakes: Test the brakes by gently applying them to ensure they are working properly.
3. Check for leaks: Inspect the brake system for any leaks.
4. Clean up: Clean up any tools and debris.
Time for a Test Drive
Now that your rear brakes are replaced, it’s time to take your Nissan Sentra for a test drive. Make sure to brake gently and gradually at first to ensure the new pads have bedded in properly.
The End of the Road: A Final Check
Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed your Nissan Sentra‘s rear brakes. Take a moment to admire your work and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Remember to keep an eye on your brake pads and rotors. Regular inspections will help you detect any wear and tear early on, ensuring your brakes are always in top condition.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How often should I change my rear brake pads?
A: The lifespan of brake pads varies depending on driving habits and road conditions. However, most brake pads last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles.
Q: Can I replace only the brake pads or do I need to replace the rotors as well?
A: If the rotors are still in good condition, you can just replace the brake pads. However, if the rotors are worn, grooved, or rusty, you’ll need to replace them as well.
Q: What are the signs of worn brake pads?
A: The most common signs of worn brake pads are:
- A high-pitched squealing noise when braking
- A grinding noise when braking
- A spongy brake pedal
- A longer braking distance
Q: What happens if I don’t replace my brake pads?
A: If you don’t replace your brake pads, they will eventually wear down to the metal backing plates. This can cause damage to the rotors and even lead to a complete brake failure.
Q: Is it safe to drive with worn brake pads?
A: No, it is not safe to drive with worn brake pads. Worn brake pads can significantly reduce your braking ability, increasing the risk of an accident.