Changing the brake pads

As I have stated before, I do not know how to do a lot of automotive work, just the basic oil change. But I have always wanted to know how to change my own brake pads. I have always been nervous because the brakes are a very important to have installed correctly.

Would anyone mind writing instructions? I would sure like to save the extra cash. Not sure how entailed that would be so if it would be too tedious I would fully understand.

Also when you change your brakes how do you know if your rotors need to be machined?

 

I was cruising around and found this old thread. Did anyone help this guy?

 

yea im wondering too. is the a DIY anywhere?

 

talk about timing... i was wondering this too


also...when you need new brakes is it necessary to change the rotors too if they aren't damaged?

 

WARNING: The following are just a general way I have done things. In no way should you attempt this if you feel they are unsafe. Brakes are a pretty, ummmm, vital component of your truck. This is not an actual HOWTO for a tacoma, as I have not done tacoma brakes yet. Take these with a grain of salt!

I am new to tacomas, but here is what I used to do on my ole' 93 chevy and many others, even my wifes '01 outback:

1. Use a big C-clamp to release any pressure on the pads. A big pair of channel-locks works also.

2. remove the bolts that hold the caliper to the bracket. And lift the caliper off of the rotor. I like to use a piece of strong wire to hold the caliper while I do the rest of the work, so I don't have to worry much about messing up a brake line or anything or dropping the caliper. Wrap one end to your springs or a-frame or something. The other end somewhere on the caliper.

3. Remove old pads and compress the piston all the way. Swap out the pads. There is usually a metal, keeper that holds the inner pad on the piston. Use a small screwdriver to pop it off of the old inner pad and snap it back on the new pad.

4. There are some bushings on the caliper where the bolts go through that need to be pushed back into the caliper. Slide the caliper back over the rotor and then align bolts and tighten.

5. Start the vehicle pump the brakes a few times.

I sure wish the tacos had rear disks.

DISCLAIMER: These are just general reference tips. Please consult with someone who has worked on taco brakes before attempting.

 

On the 1-year aniversary of the OP, I'm glad this was revived... I've been thinking about getting to the point where I'm capable of replacing my own brake pads.

flatlander's post looks good for general info, but it'd be SUPER if somebody could do a write-up w/ pictures on a Tacoma. (Chris4x4... whatcha doin' this weekend???)

 

flatlander's post looks good for general info, but it'd be SUPER if somebody could do a write-up w/ pictures on a Tacoma. (Chris4x4... whatcha doin' this weekend???)[/quote]


lol yea...come on Chris. Don't you need new brakes by now?

 

you dont have to unless you wore the pads to metal to metal

 

the tacomas have some of the simplest pad changes i have ever seen. if you are just changing the pads...........jack up truck,put on jack stands. remove tires.......there is a cip the slides thru the pins holding the pads in...remove the clip, then remove the pins. then you'll remove the big clip....then the pads just slide out. when you install the new pads, you may need to slightly loosen the bleeder valve to relieve pressure on the caliper, but then close it back quickly...all you gotta do is crack it open for a second.

as far as rotors go...the way i look at it, i turn the rotors anytime im installing new pads..................and im going off of a set of pads lasting close until they are done. now, that said....if you just dont like the stock pads, and there arent that many miles on the pads(under 15/20k or so), just replace the pads without turning the rotor, then break the pads in as instructed to do. also, anytime you see pits or cuts in the rotor, they will need to be turned or replaced, depending on how many miles are on them/if they have been turned already.

 

...please explain this "turned" action you speak of




i guess its pretty obvious i've never changed brakes before

 

when you have the rotors "turned"....they machine them/shave off the uneven or worn part of the rotor, so you have a fresh surface for the new pads.

 

I was thinking the EXACT same thing as I read.

Thanks, good to know.

 

so i would have to take them off and bring them somewhere?


many places that do that?
expensive?
takes a while?

 

yeah, they need to come off the truck....and thats easy too. couple of bolts to remove the caliper, then slide the rotor off.

quite a few places will do it.......some small tire/fix it shops will do it really cheap, pep boys and o'reilly's does it, and it isnt too expensive....maybe $15 or so a rotor, and it doesnt take too long either....just depends on how busy the place is really.

 

damn... i don't have a driveway so i may have to do all this in the parking lot of pepboys

 

go for it man, or find a buddy that has a drive way. its really easy to do.

 

Oriely auto parts stores will turn rotors and drums. Not sure how much it costs though. Another note on turning rotors, some places will not turn the rotors if they are too warped or already too thin. The idea being that if they turn them, they will no longer meet the minimum thickness spec.

Just something that may come up.

 

is there anything to worry about as far as uneven wear? will i have to potentially adjust angles or something?

 

nah......just get the pads in and make sure everything is tight, then follow the pad break in procedure, and you'll be good to go.

 

What is the brake pad break-in procedure? Does it vary between different pad types?

Sounds like something I need to pay attention to.


TIA