I'm changing brake pads on my Nissan (04 sentra).

I haven't done this in a while ...and I can't figure out how to get to the damn rear brake pads!!

I took off the 2 14 mm screws (maybe smaller) ...then...there are 2 more bolts that are bigger and hold the pad bracket in place.

Well, I took off all 4 bolts - is the caliper supposed to slide UP?? So, then I can access the brake pads?

I tried sliding it up..but its tight! I looked in the back and see the cylnder if pushing the pads tight against the rotor...

So, what am I spose to do to get this part off?

anyone point me to a sticky or write up??

 

Haynes or Chiltons Manual. You should not be doing brake work without one of them.

 

Yes, get a Haynes or Chiltons manual. Is the parking brake up?

 

Put the two larger bolts for the torque member bracket back in. The caliper comes off with the removal of the two smaller 12 or 14mm bolts you took off first. Make sure the parking brake is off or the caliper wount come off. You may have to gently pry it up a little to get it moving. To get the piston to retract you have to twist it to the right with a special caliper tool or try using a needle nose or goose neck. You can rent the tool from most local auto parts centers.

Don't forget to flush and bleed your brake system. The fluid is hydroscopic which means it absorbs moisture which leads to internal failures of the braking system. Keeping the fluid clean and fresh helps maintain proper system operation and a nice firm pedal.

 

make sure the parking brakes isn't engaged!

 

Guys!!! I had the parking brake ON !!!!

Friend of mine came over to help and he immediately asked me and when I checked - I had the brake on...

Anyway, I got the caliper off and got that side done.

However, on the other side of the rear brakes, I am having one hell of a time putting the 2 bolts back in (the ones that hold the caliper)

I put the news pads in, put caliper back on - but it wont align properly so the bolts dont go in properly - & I eneded up stripping the bolt and the hole where the bolt goes, lol !

So, my friend took it to his work and re-threaded the hole and got a new bolt - hopefully I can put it back in without mishap!

I've done plenty of brake jobs before, but, for some reason, this is one of those 2 hour projects that turn into a 2 day project