How to Repair a Toyota Brake Disc
Toyota brake repair does not necessarily need a Toyota service department or even a brake repair shop to repair the disk brake pads. The brake pads are small, wearable parts of the entire brake system that will periodically need replacement, so it is helpful to know how to do it yourself. Considering how many Toyota vehicles are on the road, old and new alike, finding replacement parts is as easy as going to your local auto parts store, or even ordering them online. Ultimately, if you are not able to find the exact part needed, you can get the parts from the dealership and replace them yourself. Brake pads, for most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs will cost less than fifty dollars for a set. While you can not repair a worn or broken brake disc, they are inexpensive enough that it's easier to just replace them. Here is what you will need to do.
Step 1 - Prepare the Vehicle
Park the vehicle on a level surface, put it in gear, and apply the emergency brake. Chock the wheels that you will not be working on. Make sure that the vehicle is secure. With the tire of the side that you will be working on still on the ground, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. Jack the vehicle up at the point indicated in the owner's manual, far enough to lift the wheel off the ground, and insert a jack stand next to the jack. Jack the jack stand up so that it is also supporting the vehicle. Remove the jack, if desired.
Step 2 - Remove Brake Boot
There is a metal boot that fits over the brake rotor and holds the disk break pads close to the rotor. This is typically affixed with two or four bolts. Using the socket set or wrenches, find the right sized socket or wrench and remove the bolts. Slip the boot off of the rotor. The brake pads are inserted and secured with metal tabs, that when the pressure on these tabs is released, the pads will pop out. Remove the old pads. Insert the new pads in the reverse order that you removed the old ones.
Step 3 - Reinstall the Boot
Adjust the piston that controls the grip of the brake pads. There are two types, a straight compression and a turnable piston. Typically, if you are working on a rear wheel, it will need to be turned to disengage it far enough to fit the boot back on the rotor. This may actually need to be done to even get the new brake pads on. You can do this using a pair of needle nosed pliers, turning it counter-clockwise. If the piston needs to be compressed, uncap the brake fluid in the engine compartment. Using a large C clamp, compress the piston in the brake boot. Have another person watch the level of the brake fluid and draw off any excess as the compression happens. Compress only enough to get the boot back on. Rebolt the boot with the new pads in it's original place, and reinstall the wheel. repeat the process on the other side of the vehicle.