Steps to Replace Drum Brakes on a Nissan Sentra Yourself

How to Change Drum Brakes on a Nissan Sentra

Changing drum brakes on a Nissan Sentra can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, patience, and this step-by-step guide, you can successfully complete this task yourself. Regular maintenance of your brake system is vital to ensure safe driving. Here’s how to change the drum brakes on your Nissan Sentra.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all necessary tools and materials. You will need

1. Jack and jack stands 2. Lug wrench 3. Brake drum puller (optional, but helpful) 4. Socket set 5. Screwdriver 6. Brake cleaner 7. New brake shoes 8. Brake hardware kit (if necessary) 9. Torque wrench 10. Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Park Safely Park your Nissan Sentra on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and ensure the vehicle is in gear or in 'Park' mode. 2. Loosen Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Do not remove them completely.

3. Lift the Vehicle Using the jack, lift the rear of the car and place jack stands under the vehicle for safety. Remove the rear wheels completely.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drums

1. Inspect the Assembly Before removing the brake drums, visually inspect them for any signs of damage. If the drums appear damaged, replace them.

2. Remove the Brake Drum Gently tap around the circumference of the drum with a rubber mallet to loosen it. If the drum is stuck, a brake drum puller may be helpful. Be careful not to damage the drum or the wheel hub surface.

Step 3 Remove Old Brake Shoes

1. Take Pictures Before removing the old brake shoes, take pictures of the assembly. This will help you remember the correct order for reassembly.

2. Remove Springs and Retaining Pins Use a screwdriver to carefully disconnect the springs and remove the retaining pins holding the brake shoes in place. Exercise caution because the springs are under tension.

3. Take Out the Brake Shoes Once the hardware is removed, take out the old brake shoes. Pay attention to how the shoes are positioned for proper reinstallation.

Step 4 Install New Brake Shoes

1. Clean the Brake Assembly Use brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the brake backing plate and other components in the drum area. Remove any dust and debris.

2. Install the New Brake Shoes Refer to the pictures you took earlier to position the new brake shoes correctly. Attach the new shoes to the backing plate and secure them with the springs and retaining hardware from the new brake hardware kit.

3. Adjust the Brake Shoes Make any necessary adjustments to the brake shoes to ensure they are aligned correctly. There should be a slight drag when you turn the drum by hand.

Step 5 Reassemble and Test

1. Reattach the Brake Drums Once the brake shoes are securely in place, slide the brake drum back on. Ensure that it rotates freely.

2. Reinstall the Wheels Place the rear wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

3. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the jack.

4. Tighten Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten all lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 6 Final Checks

1. Test the Brakes Before taking your car on the road, pump the brake pedal several times to seat the new brake shoes properly.

2. Check for Any Issues Listen for any unusual noises when you drive, and monitor brake performance. If you notice any issues, review your installation or consult a professional.

Conclusion

Changing the drum brakes on your Nissan Sentra is a manageable DIY task that can save you money. Following these steps will help ensure your brakes function correctly and safely. Remember, if at any point you feel unsure, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic. Safe driving begins with well-maintained brakes!