Nissan has fit Sentra models with three main brake systems, each serviced in a different manner. However, rear drum brake assemblies, although relatively easy, contain a few more components that you can easily misplace. Still, using the right approach and the proper tools will help you replace the brake pads or shoes quicker and correctly.
Front Brake Pads
Before replacing the front brake pads, remove at least half the brake fluid from the brake master cylinder using a clean turkey baster. This will avoid spilling fluid when retracting the caliper piston.
After removing the wheel assembly, unscrew the bottom guide pin from the brake caliper and swing the caliper up. Then you can remove the brake pads, retainers and shims.
Before installing the new pads, retract the caliper piston. Place one of the old brake pads against the piston and push the piston into its bore using a large C-clamp. Then install the new pads, shims and retainers.
Before driving your vehicle, depress the brake pedal several times to properly seat the new pads, check the brake fluid level and refill if necessary.
Rear Disc Brake Pads
If you are replacing the rear brake pads, you will need to remove the parking brake cable bolt from the brake caliper first. If the caliper comes equipped with one single bottom mounting bolt, replace the pads as you do with the front pads. Otherwise, remove the bottom and top mounting bolts, lift the caliper off its bracket and secure it to the suspension using a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake hose connected to it. Then take out the pad springs, pads and shims.
To retract the caliper piston into its bore, use a pair of needlenose pliers or a disc brake piston tool. Turn the piston clockwise until the piston seats completely, being careful not to damage the piston boot. Never use a C-clamp on these rear brake calipers or you will damage the system.
Before installing the new pads, coat the pads contact areas on the mounting support with silicone-based grease and reassemble the rest of the components.
After installing the wheel/tire assembly, lower your vehicle, depress the brake pedal several times to properly seat the new pads, check the brake fluid level and refill if necessary.
Rear Brake Shoes
Some Nissan Sentra models come equipped with rear brake shoes assembled under a brake drum. On brake shoes, it is a good idea to remove both wheel drums and then work on one assembly at a time, using the other as a visual reference to properly install the different components. Pay special attention to the springs, which come in different sizes. You need to reinstall them not only in their correct place but in their exact same position for the brake shoes to operate properly.
Depending on your particular model, you can remove the drum by screwing two 8 mm by 1.25 mm bolts on the drum-threaded holes; by removing the center grease cap, cotter pin and wheel bearing nut (1982 to 1990 Sentra models); or by removing the wheel-bearing nut (1991 to 1992 Sentra models).
Whichever model you own, if the drum seems stuck onto the brake assembly, retract the brake shoes through the adjusting hole in the back of the backing plate. To do this, remove the rubber plug from the hole. Then use a standard screwdriver to push the lever off the star wheel on the adjusting screw and use a brake adjusting tool to turn the star wheel until the shoes back off the drum wall.
To remove the brake shoes, unhook the top return spring, bottom adjuster and return springs. Then remove the two hold-down springs and retainer pins on each shoe. Carefully lift the shoes off the backing plate and remove the adjuster lever. Once you remove the shoes, take the parking brake cable and adjusting lever off the rear shoe and install it on the new shoe.
Before installing the new shoes, clean the backing plate with brake parts cleaner and coat the brake shoes contact points on the backing plate with brake grease. Then install the new shoes using the opposite wheel assembly as a guide.
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