Replacing a brake caliper in a Nissan Sentra, or any other vehicle, is a task not to be taken lightly. Such maintenance is best recommended for a trained mechanic. Should you look to replace a caliper yourself, consult such an expert before taking on such a job.
Take the wheel off of the vehicle once it is securely raised on the jack stand. Use the "five-star" pattern to remove the lug nuts, removing the nut across from the one previously removed.
Disconnect and plug the brake hose from the caliper, discarding the washers on the bolt. Remove the parking brake cable and the lock spring if it's a rear caliper. Remove the caliper pin bolts.
Remove the caliper, pivoting it upward away from the rotor and sliding it off the pin sleeve. Remove the pads, shims and pad springs.
Install the replacement caliper with new pads, new shims and the pad retainers. Torque the pin bolts to 16 foot pounds to 23 foot pounds.
Connect the hose with new washers, tightening the flare nut to 12 foot pounds to 14 foot pounds. Connect the lock spring and the parking brake cable back onto a rear caliper.
Bleed the brake system by opening the bleeder valve and having another person depress the pedal to remove air. (Use a clear vinyl tube on the valve.) Top off the master cylinder afterward if needed.
Reattach the wheel and lower the vehicle. Test the brakes for firmness. Don't do so on the road until after they feel firm while stopped.
