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Brake caliper tool and brake shims?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by CenterKnurl, May 21, 2025 at 7:31 AM.

  1. May 21, 2025 at 7:31 AM
    #1
    CenterKnurl

    #1
    CenterKnurl [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Going to change my front brake pads soon. Mechanically inclined but has free labor from a mechanic shop for a while where I could just take them OEM parts and they'd install them.

    1. Do I need to buy new shims when I replace just the pads? In some YouTube videos it looks like people aren't even using shims at all. I would always buy OEM shim kit from Toyota and take them to my mechanic. Here are the shims: https://autoparts.elmhursttoyota.co...omv2ARrilNgSqQHzZz8pDYIJhQqThoZ_PqsvNKsiIkd3F

    2. In some YouTube videos people are using caliper piston compressing tools. Are these necessary? Worth it for $25 to get the ratcheting piston compressing tool?

    Just changing pads this time - not the rotors.
     
    CenterKnurl, May 21, 2025 at 7:31 AM
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  2. May 21, 2025 at 8:43 AM
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    wayne0

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    wayne0 Well-Known Member

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    I just use a big C clamp.
     
    wayne0, May 21, 2025 at 8:43 AM
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  3. May 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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    t0p_d0g

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    t0p_d0g 私はタコマが大好きです

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    If the shims look good reuse them definitely don’t use OEM disc brake pads and not reinstall the shims. I don’t know about using aftermarket pads never used them.
     
    t0p_d0g, May 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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  4. May 21, 2025 at 9:08 AM
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    TA2016

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    TA2016 Well-Known Member

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    I had a braking vibration at 40K miles on my factory brakes, so I went with PowerStop. Otherwise, I like to stay with OEM. I now have 20K miles on PowerStop and very happy with them. If you have not bought your pads yet, you might consider a front brake kit. PowerStop kit even comes with a packet of brake grease even though I had my own.

    C clamp should work fine compressing the caliper pistons. Just remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir first.
    $212 Power Stop Brake Kit For 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug, 2003-2009 4Runner 12.56" Rotors - Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads & Drilled Slotted Rotors Replacement, K137
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FKS28C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
     
    TA2016, May 21, 2025 at 9:08 AM
    #4
    t0p_d0g likes this.

Products Discussed in

Power Stop Brake Kit For 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug, 2003-2009 4Runner 12.56" Rotors - Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads & Drilled Slotted Rotors Replacement, K137
$211.99
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