2017 Nissan Altima Brake Pads: The Ultimate Owner's Guide to Replacement, Maintenance, and Safety
Replacing the brake pads on your 2017 Nissan Altima is a critical maintenance task that ensures your vehicle's safety and performance. This comprehensive guide provides all the practical information you need, from identifying wear signs and choosing the right pads to executing a do-it-yourself replacement or making an informed decision for professional service. Based on expert automotive knowledge and designed for clarity, this resource will help you maintain your Altima's braking system effectively, save money where possible, and prioritize safety above all.
Understanding Brake Pads and Their Role in Your 2017 Altima
Brake pads are a fundamental component of your car's disc brake system. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake caliper to clamp the brake pads against a rotating metal disc called the rotor. This friction converts the kinetic energy of your moving vehicle into thermal energy (heat), slowing and stopping the car. The 2017 Nissan Altima typically uses a front and rear disc brake setup, though some base models may have rear drum brakes. This guide focuses on the disc brake pads. The performance, noise level, dust production, and longevity of your brakes are directly influenced by the type of brake pad material you choose.
There are three primary types of brake pad materials available for the 2017 Nissan Altima. Organic brake pads, also known as non-asbestos organic (NAO), are made from materials like glass, rubber, and Kevlar. They are generally quieter and produce less dust on your wheels, but they wear faster and can degrade under high-temperature, high-performance driving. Semi-metallic brake pads are composed of 30% to 65% metal, such as steel, iron, or copper, mixed with organic materials. They are durable, perform well in a wide temperature range, and are often cost-effective. However, they can be noisier, produce more black dust, and may cause increased wear on the brake rotors. Ceramic brake pads are made from a dense ceramic material embedded with copper fibers. They are the premium choice, offering quiet operation, very low dust, excellent performance in most conditions, and longevity. Their main drawback is a higher initial cost. For most 2017 Altima drivers, ceramic or premium semi-metallic pads offer the best balance of performance, comfort, and value.
Recognizing the Signs of Worn Brake Pads on Your Altima
You should not wait for a scheduled maintenance interval to check your brakes. Being proactive about these signs can prevent costly rotor damage and ensure your safety. The most common indicator is an auditory warning. Many brake pads have built-in wear indicators—small metal tabs that contact the rotor when the pad material is nearly gone, producing a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound when you brake. This is a distinct, metallic sound. A grinding or growling noise is a more severe warning. This indicates the pad material is completely worn away, and the metal backing plate of the pad is now grinding directly against the brake rotor. This causes immediate and expensive damage that requires rotor resurfacing or replacement.
Physical performance changes are another clear sign. If you notice that your brake pedal feels softer and travels closer to the floor before the car slows, or if the pedal pulsates or vibrates when applied, your braking system needs attention. A longer stopping distance is a critical safety red flag. Visual inspection is straightforward. Look at the brake pad through the openings in your wheel. A new pad has a thick friction material layer, typically around 10-12 millimeters. If the material looks thin (3-4 mm or less), it's time for replacement. You can also monitor the brake dust on your wheels. A sudden change in the amount or color of dust can signal pad wear or a different pad composition. Modern 2017 Altimas also have a brake pad wear warning light on the dashboard, but it is not a substitute for physical checks.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing 2017 Nissan Altima Brake Pads
Before beginning any work, ensure you have a safe, flat workspace like a driveway or garage, and use wheel chocks. Gather all necessary tools and parts: new brake pads, a lug wrench, a jack and jack stands, a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, a socket set, brake cleaner spray, a torque wrench, and gloves. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle-specific information. If you are not comfortable with any step, consult a professional mechanic.
Step 1: Preparation and Safety. Park the car on level ground, apply the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you are working on (e.g., front driver's side) by about a quarter-turn while the car is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely.
Step 2: Lifting and Securing the Vehicle. Use the factory-recommended jack point (clearly marked on the vehicle's frame) to lift the corner of the car until the tire is clear of the ground. Place a jack stand under a secure structural point, such as the designated frame rail, and lower the jack until the car rests securely on the stand. The jack is for lifting only; the jack stand is for secure support. Now, completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Step 3: Removing the Old Brake Pads. Locate the brake caliper. It is the clamp-like assembly that surrounds the brake rotor. You will typically need to remove two main caliper guide pins or bolts that hold the caliper in place. Use the appropriate socket. Once these bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper housing off the brake rotor and old pads. Do not let the caliper hang by the flexible brake hose; suspend it from the suspension spring or frame with a piece of wire or a bungee cord. The old brake pads can now be removed from the caliper bracket. You may need to wiggle them free.
Step 4: Compressing the Caliper Piston. Before installing new, thicker pads, the caliper piston must be pushed back into its bore to make room. Insert a C-clamp or a dedicated brake piston tool. Place one end of the C-clamp against the back of the piston (often with the old brake pad in between to distribute force) and the other end on the rear of the caliper. Slowly tighten the clamp until the piston is fully retracted. On some models, the piston may need to be rotated while being pressed in; a specific cube tool or needle-nose pliers in adjustment holes can do this. Important: If your car has an electronic parking brake integrated into the rear calipers, special service procedures or a scan tool may be required to retract the piston. Consult a service manual.
Step 5: Installing the New Brake Pads. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to the back plates of the new pads (where they contact the caliper piston and bracket) and to any metal clips or shims. This prevents noise. Do not get lubricant on the friction surface of the pad or the rotor. Install any new hardware clips that came with your pad set into the caliper bracket. Then, slide the new brake pads into place in the bracket.
Step 6: Reassembling the Caliper. Carefully place the caliper housing back over the new pads and the rotor. It may require a bit of force to fit over the thicker pads. Align the caliper with the bracket and re-install the two guide pins or bolts. Tighten these bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque, which is crucial. For the 2017 Altima, this torque is typically between 25 and 35 ft-lbs, but you must verify this.
Step 7: Finishing the Job. Before putting the wheel back on, it is a good practice to clean the brake rotor surface with brake cleaner spray to remove any oil or grease from your hands. Reinstall the wheel, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the vehicle to the ground using the jack. Once the tire is firmly on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque (typically 80-100 ft-lbs for the Altima). Repeat the entire process for the other wheels as needed.
Step 8: Bedding-In the New Pads. This final step is critical for performance and longevity. New pads need to transfer a thin, even layer of material onto the rotors. After ensuring the area is clear and safe, drive at a moderate speed (about 45 mph) and apply the brakes with medium pressure to slow down to about 20 mph. Do this 5 to 6 times, allowing about 30 seconds of cool-down driving between cycles. Avoid coming to a complete stop during this process. Then, drive gently for the next 100-200 miles, avoiding hard braking when possible, to complete the bedding-in process.
Choosing the Best Brake Pads for Your 2017 Nissan Altima
Selecting the right brake pad involves balancing performance needs, budget, and driving habits. For the typical daily driver seeking quiet, clean, and long-lasting performance, ceramic brake pads are the top recommendation. Brands like Akebono, Bosch Blue, and Wagner ThermoQuiet offer excellent ceramic formulations specifically for the Nissan Altima. They provide smooth stopping power with minimal noise and almost no visible dust on alloy wheels. For drivers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and robust performance, perhaps in varied conditions, a high-quality semi-metallic pad is a strong choice. Brands like Wagner, Raybestos, and Power Stop offer reliable semi-metallic options. Avoid the very cheapest economy pads, as they may wear quickly, produce excessive noise and dust, and compromise safety.
When purchasing, always ensure the parts are specified for your exact model: 2017 Nissan Altima, and confirm the correct trim (e.g., 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 3.5 SL) as brake components can vary. It is also a best practice to inspect or replace the brake rotors if they are worn, scored, or below minimum thickness specification. Resurfacing (turning) rotors is an option if they are thick enough, but for optimal performance and simplicity, new rotors paired with new pads are often recommended. Always buy from reputable auto parts stores or online retailers that source quality components.
Long-Term Maintenance and Cost Considerations
To maximize the life of your 2017 Altima's brake pads, adopt smooth driving habits. Avoid aggressive, last-minute braking. When possible, anticipate stops and decelerate gradually. Reducing vehicle weight by removing unnecessary items from the trunk can also lessen brake workload. Have your brakes inspected by a professional or perform a visual check yourself at least every 6,000 miles or during every oil change. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir periodically. If the fluid is dark or low, it may indicate a leak or moisture contamination, requiring a flush, which should be done every 2-3 years.
The cost of brake pad replacement varies widely. If you perform the job yourself, parts costs for a set of quality ceramic front brake pads for a 2017 Altima range from 50 to 150. Rotors, if replaced, add 100 to 300 for a pair. Tools are a one-time investment. For professional service at a dealership, expect to pay 300 to 600 per axle for pad replacement, and 500 to 800 per axle if rotors are also replaced. Independent mechanics typically charge 20-40% less. While DIY can offer significant savings, the value of professional service includes warranty on parts and labor, proper disposal of old parts, and the expertise to diagnose other potential issues in the brake system like stuck caliper slides or worn fluid.
Addressing Common Brake Issues and FAQs
Even with new pads, issues can arise. A common concern is brake squeal after installation. This can be caused by lack of lubrication on the pad backing plates, high-frequency vibration, or a layer of glaze on the rotors. Ensure proper lubrication during installation and follow the bedding-in procedure. Light squealing in damp conditions is also normal for some pad materials. If you experience a pulsating brake pedal, it usually indicates warped or unevenly worn brake rotors that need resurfacing or replacement. A soft or spongy pedal often points to air in the brake hydraulic lines, requiring a brake system bleed.
Frequently asked questions include how often to change brake pads. There is no fixed interval; it depends entirely on driving conditions, habits, and pad material. A typical range is 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Can you change only the front or rear pads? It is possible, but for balanced braking performance and safety, it is highly recommended to replace pads in axle sets (both fronts or both rears at the same time). Is it necessary to replace brake hardware? Yes, the metal clips, springs, and shims that come with a quality pad kit are designed to reduce noise and ensure proper pad positioning; reusing old, worn hardware is not advised. What about the brake fluid? Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion. A complete brake fluid flush is a separate but important maintenance item, typically recommended every 2-3 years.
By understanding the components, recognizing warning signs, following precise procedures for replacement, and adhering to a sensible maintenance schedule, you can ensure the braking system on your 2017 Nissan Altima remains reliable and safe for years to come. Whether you choose to undertake this task yourself or hire a professional, being an informed owner is the key to cost-effective and secure vehicle operation.