This is a general guide; specific steps may vary slightly depending on your Sentra's trim level. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions and diagrams specific to your car.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Crucial for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: You'll need various sizes, likely including metric sizes.
* C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool: This is essential for compressing the caliper piston. A C-clamp can work, but a dedicated tool is safer and easier.
* Wrench or socket to remove caliper mounting bolts: Check your repair manual for the correct size.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): Helps loosen rusted bolts.
* New brake pads: Make sure you get the correct pads for your 2002 Nissan Sentra.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
* Torque wrench: Highly recommended for tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Steps:
1. Safety First: Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the rear wheels.
2. Lift and Secure: Use the jack to lift the front of the car and securely place it on jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
4. Expose the Caliper: You should now see the brake caliper, brake rotor, and brake pads.
5. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use the C-clamp or caliper compressor tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This creates the space needed for the new, thicker brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston seal. You may need to rotate the piston as you compress it.
6. Remove the Old Brake Pads: There are usually pins or clips holding the brake pads in place. Remove these and take out the old pads. Take note of how they are oriented – often there is a wear sensor wire attached.
7. Install the New Brake Pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper, ensuring they are correctly oriented. Reattach any retaining clips or pins.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back onto the brake rotor. Reinstall the caliper mounting bolts, and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Don't overtighten them at this stage.
10. Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car to the ground using the jack.
11. Final Tightening: Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. A torque wrench is essential here.
12. Test the Brakes: Pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure. Take the car for a very short test drive to check the brakes. If you feel anything unusual, immediately stop and re-examine your work.
Important Considerations:
* Rotor Condition: Inspect the brake rotors. If they're excessively worn, scored, or warped, they need to be replaced or resurfaced.
* Brake Fluid: You may need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads, especially if you had to fully compress the caliper piston. This is an additional step that requires specific tools and knowledge.
* Wear Sensor: If your old pads had a wear sensor, you'll need to install it on the new pads (if provided) or deal with the warning light in your car's instrument cluster.
* Consult a Repair Manual: This guide is general. Your vehicle's service manual will provide specific torque specifications and detailed diagrams.
This is a complex procedure with potential safety implications. If you have any doubts, seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can lead to serious accidents.
