How to Replace the Rotor in a Nissan Altima

If the braking performance of your Nissan Altima is suffering but you know that the pads and calipers are in good shape, it may be time to resurface or replace the rotors. Rotors only need to be replaced if they are too worn down to be resurfaced or if they are warped from excessive braking. The process is the same across all Nissan Altima model years and is surprisingly simple.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
1

Purchase a new set of rotors for your Nissan Altima online or at the auto parts store. Never replace rotors individually, as this leads to uneven braking and damages your car.
2

Raise your Altima using a jack and jack stands. Once it's up, remove the lug nuts, tire and front end assembly of the first wheel you need to work on with a socket wrench or an air ratchet with an appropriate adapter.
3

Remove the caliper being careful not to disconnect it from the brake line. Suspend the caliper and brake hose out of the work area with mechanic's wire.
4

Take off the old rotor. For the front rotors, thread two bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor and tighten the bolts to loosen the old rotor. For rear rotors, just pull the old rotor off of the hub.
5

Clean the area around the hub with a damp cloth to remove any debris and corrosion. Apply a coating of anti-seize compound to the hub to keep the new rotor from rusting to the hub. Slide the new rotor onto the hub in the correct position.
6

Replace the caliper and discard the mechanic's wire. Tighten the caliper bolts with a torque wrench to 53 to 72 ft. lbs. (72 to 97 Nm) on front brakes or 28 to 38 ft. lbs. (38 to 52 Nm) on rear brakes. Reinstall the wheel assembly and tire. Continue on and replace each additional rotor.
7

Lower the vehicle after you install the new rotors. Tighten the lug nuts on the tires with a torque wrench. Be sure to pump the brakes and then road test the vehicle to make sure that the installation was successful.

Tips & Warnings

If the brakes feel spongy after the new rotor installation, there may be air in the brake line and you must then bleed the brakes and replace the lost brake fluid with new.