02-06 Nissan Altima Rear Brakes *Detailed* How to Replace Pads & Rotors

Published on March 29, 2021
Duration: 25:36

This guide details the process of replacing rear brake pads and rotors on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima. It covers removing the wheel, caliper, and bracket, then replacing the rotor and pads. Key steps include dealing with seized bolts, adjusting the emergency brake, compressing the caliper piston, and properly torquing components. The guide emphasizes safety and proper re-seating of the brake pedal after installation.

Quick Summary

To replace rear brake pads and rotors on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima, remove the wheel, caliper, and bracket. Clean the hub and new rotors. Install the new rotor and pads, then compress the caliper piston using a C-clamp. Reinstall the caliper and bracket, torque all bolts to spec (bracket bolts 38 ft-lbs, caliper bolts 25-28 ft-lbs), and torque lug nuts to 90 ft-lbs in a crisscross pattern. Finally, pump the brake pedal until firm before driving.

Chapters

  1. 00:27Intro & Vehicle Fitment
  2. 01:18Wheel Removal
  3. 01:47Caliper & Bracket Removal
  4. 04:05Accessing Caliper Bolts
  5. 05:52Removing Stuck Bracket Bolts
  6. 07:48Dealing with Stuck Caliper Bolts
  7. 09:02Caliper Removal & Support
  8. 09:37Brake Pad Hardware Issues
  9. 10:25Rotor Removal
  10. 12:09Emergency Brake Adjustment
  11. 14:33Brake Pad Installation
  12. 15:05Cleaning New Rotors
  13. 17:49Rotor Installation
  14. 18:48Compressing Caliper Piston
  15. 19:52Reinstalling Caliper & Slide Bolts
  16. 20:59Torquing Caliper Bolts
  17. 21:12Wheel Reinstallation & Lug Nut Torque
  18. 23:16Post-Installation Brake Pedal Check

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common bolt sizes for the rear brakes on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima?

The caliper mounting bolts are typically 14mm, while the caliper bracket bolts are 3/4 inch. It's important to use the correct size sockets and wrenches for these components to avoid stripping the bolt heads.

How do you adjust the emergency brake shoes on a Nissan Altima when replacing the rear rotors?

When replacing the rear rotors, you may need to adjust the emergency brake shoes. This is done by accessing a small gear through a port on the rotor hat and turning it to retract the shoes, allowing the old rotor to be removed and the new one to be installed.

What is the correct torque specification for the caliper bracket bolts on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima?

The caliper bracket bolts on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima should be torqued to 38 foot-pounds. Proper torque is essential for the secure mounting of the brake components.

Why is it important to pump the brake pedal after replacing rear brake pads and rotors?

After replacing rear brake pads and rotors, the caliper piston will be compressed, creating a void. Pumping the brake pedal slowly and repeatedly until it firms up re-seats the piston against the new pads and ensures proper brake function, preventing a soft pedal or potential system issues.

What is the recommended lug nut torque for a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima?

The lug nuts for a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima should be torqued to approximately 90 foot-pounds. It's crucial to tighten them in a multi-step, crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly and to prevent rotor warping.

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