1
Park and prep
Park on flat, level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
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2013–2019 Nissan Sentra
2013-2019 Nissan Sentra — Brake Pad Replacement
🔧 Easy
1-2 hours
Quick Video Tutorial
Parts You Need
Total Cost
$62.00
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Ceramic Brake Pad Set | D1393 | $62.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
2
Loosen the lug nuts
With the car still on the ground, break the front wheel lug nuts loose counterclockwise with the lug wrench. Do not remove them yet.
3
Lift and support
Jack up the front of the Sentra and set it down securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
4
Remove the wheel
Finish removing the lug nuts and take the front wheel off to expose the brake caliper and rotor.
5
Turn the wheel for access
Turn the steering wheel toward the side you are working on so the caliper bolts are easy to reach.
6
Remove the lower caliper bolt
Remove the lower 14mm caliper bolt and swing the caliper upward off the bracket. Pull the old pads out of the caliper bracket, using a flathead screwdriver if they are stuck.
7
Compress the caliper piston
Open the brake fluid reservoir cap under the hood. Place an old pad over the piston and push it back into the caliper with a C-clamp or brake spreader tool. Keep an eye on the fluid level so it does not overflow the reservoir.
8
Hang the caliper safely
Remove the upper 14mm caliper bolt and lift the caliper off the bracket. Hang it from the strut or coil spring with wire or a bungee cord. Never let the caliper dangle by the brake hose.
9
Clean and grease the slide pins
Pull the slide pins out of the caliper bracket, wipe them clean, and apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease before reinstalling them. Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush. Wear a dust mask; brake dust is harmful to breathe.
10
Install the new pads
Set the new front pads into the bracket in the same orientation as the old ones, with the wear indicator tab positioned where the old one sat.
11
Reinstall the caliper
Seat the caliper back over the pads and reinstall the two 14mm bolts, tightening them firmly. Factory torque values for the B17 Sentra caliper bolts were not available from a verified source, so tighten to a firm, even seat without over-torquing.
12
Reinstall the wheel
Put the wheel back on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car off the jack stands, and finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern.
13
Pump the brake pedal
Close the reservoir cap, then pump the brake pedal several times until it firms up. This seats the new pads against the rotor. Do this before driving, or the pedal will sink to the floor.
14
Bed the pads in
Take a short test drive with several gentle stops to bed the new pads in. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir afterward and confirm it sits between the min and max marks.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Driving off without pumping the brake pedal back up after compressing the piston.
- • Letting the caliper dangle from the brake hose instead of hanging it from the strut.
- • Forcing the piston back with the reservoir cap closed, pushing fluid over the max line.
- • Installing new pads without cleaning and re-greasing the slide pins, which causes uneven wear and noise.
- • Skipping the rotor check: deeply grooved, warped, or under-thickness rotors will destroy new pads quickly.
- • Compressing the piston without watching the fluid level, letting it overflow the reservoir.
More Nissan Sentra Repairs
2004-2006 Nissan Sentra - Rear Strut Replacement
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2007-2012 Nissan Sentra - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement
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2004-2006 Nissan Sentra — Front Brake Pad Replacement
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2004-2006 Nissan Sentra — Rear Brake Shoe Replacement
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2007-2012 Nissan Sentra — Cabin Air Filter Replacement
2007–2012
2007-2012 Nissan Sentra — Oil and Filter Change
2007–2012