🔧 Front Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

You'll be replacing the front pads and rotors together so the new pads seat properly and you get even braking. This job is straightforward on your Sentra, but the caliper bracket bolts are tight and the rotor may need a little persuasion to come off.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Front brake work does not require battery disconnect.
• Let the brakes cool first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Keep all removed parts organized side-to-side.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Take the wheel off and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Do not let it hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on install: 137 Nm (101 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor is stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver to back off the small retaining screw if equipped.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is seized, tap it gently from the back side or use penetrating oil around the center hub.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush so the new rotor sits flat.

Step 5: Prepare the new rotor and pads

• Spray both sides of the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the new rotor on the hub.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points on the hardware kit.
• Keep grease off the friction surface.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper bracket and pads

• Install the caliper bracket using the 14mm socket.
• Torque to 137 Nm (101 ft-lbs).
• Install the new pad hardware and new pads in the bracket.

Step 7: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back in.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing.
• If the fluid is near the top, remove a small amount before pushing the piston in.
• Push slowly and evenly.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts with the 14mm socket.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and install the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Do the same steps on the other front wheel.
• Replace brake parts in pairs so braking stays even.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm before moving the car.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test drive at low speed first and confirm there are no noises or pulling.
• For the first 200-300 miles, avoid hard stops so the pads bed in properly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$390 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.