自己动手 Toyota Camry- How to change front brake pads

DIY- How to change front brake pads of Toyota Camry 4cyl.

Applied to 02-06 Camry 4cyl, and ? other Toyota too.

Why? Need replaced if less than 1/4 inch thick, or every 30k-60k mile or braking noise suggesting worn-out pads scratching the rotors.

Time needed once experienced: about 1 hour.

Parts and tools Required:
1. Front brake pad set (4 pieces) and grease, about 20 to 40 dollars. I used ceramic, quiet and high performance.
2. 16 inch breaker bar, about 15 dollars. Or use the torque bar in your trunk.
3. Ratcheting wrench and socket set
4. 4 or 6 inch C-clamp for compressing caliper
4. Working gloves.
5. or could be replaced by dealer or repair shop for 200 to 500 dollars.

Step-by-step:
1. Park the car in flat and well-lit area and don't block driveway or traffic. Don't let kids running around. Make sure trans in P position and hand/parking brake very tight. Using wheel blocks is good idea. First, loosen the nuts of both front wheels using breaker or torque bar.

2. Then raise the front of car using car jack under the middle point of front steel chasis(NOT plastic part, radiator or oil pan etc), till both wheels just off the floor. Make sure car is steady. Now you can remove all nuts and take out both wheels.

3. Now you'll see the caliper sitting on top of rotor. Remove two (top and bottom) nuts which hold the caliper. Now loosen and remove just caliper but not brake line. Put it on the top the rotor to avoid to stretch the connected brake line.

4. Now you'll see worn-out brake pads in the snap-in holders at both sides of rotor. Take out and compare the thickness of old and new pads. Take out the clamp from old pads and put onto new pads. Put some grease on the back of pad to prevent noise, and then snap back into brake pad holders all the way till pads in tight contact with rotor.

5. Unless you have very strong hands, use c-clamp to open up the caliper, as brake pads is now too thick to put caliper back on. Make sure caliper in good correct position, and compare to the other side if you are not sure. Then put back those two nuts and tighten up.

6. Put back the wheel and tighten the nuts. You are done for one side!

7. Repeat above for the other side. It'll be much easier.

8. Lower down your car and re-tighten wheel nuts. Get into car and turn on the engine and step on brake several times till pressure buildup. I recommend to re-tighten the nuts after test-drive for 10 miles, although most people don't do it.

9. Enjoy your good job.

Refernces
1. Superson, www.wenxuecity.com
2. www.autozone.com
3. www.advanceautoparts.com