2024 Nissan Altima Brake Pad Replacement
Complete guide to 2024 Nissan Altima brake pad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Brake Pad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2024 Nissan Altima. This repair involves replacing the damaged brakes component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement brakes part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
Open the trunk and locate the rear brake light housing on the side where the bulb is burnt out.
The brake light assembly is usually held in place by a few screws or clips that you’ll remove in the next step.
Step 2:
Use a trim remover tool to remove the interior trunk panel clips that cover the back of the taillight assembly.
Be gentle when prying up the clips—plastic trim pieces can crack if too much force is used.
Set the clips aside to use for reassembly.
Carefully peel back the trunk lining from the area you will be working.
Step 3:
Use an 8 mm wrench to remove the screws (or unclip the fasteners) securing the brake light housing.
Keep the screws or clips in a small container so they don’t get lost.
Step 4:
Carefully pull the entire tail light housing straight back from the car.
Wiggle it slightly if it feels stuck.
It should pop free without excessive force.
Don’t pull too far—wiring for the bulb sockets is still connected.
Step 5:
Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it.
Pull it out of the housing.
It may take a gentle turn to release—don’t force it.
Step 6:
Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
Insert a new 7443 dual-filament bulb firmly into the socket until it clicks into place.
Avoid touching the glass of the bulb, as oils and salts from your hands can create hot spots and cause it to burn out more quickly.
Step 7:
Reinsert the bulb socket into the housing and twist clockwise to lock it.
Align the tail light housing with the car body and push it back into place.
Secure it with the screws or clips you removed earlier.
Double-check that all clips are firmly seated and the housing sits flush with the car body.
Step 8:
Start the car or turn the ignition key to “On.”
Press the brake pedal (or ask someone to help) and check that the new light illuminates properly.
If the light doesn’t work, make sure the bulb is seated correctly and the socket is fully connected.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $90-$180)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($150-$300)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2024 Nissan Altima instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5895 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2024 Nissan Altima generates 5900 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 5 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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