The V6 Toyota Camry comes equipped with front disc brakes and pads. The rear brakes on the Camry may either come as drum and shoe brakes or rear disc brakes and pads. Changing the front and/or rear pads is quite similar despite the rear pads being significantly smaller. Most brake installation facilities recommend replacing or resurfacing discs/rotors when replacing brake pads, but if you're replacing the pads on your own, you should at least inspect the rotor to determine if it should be replaced.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the hubcap (if applicable) and then crack the lug nuts loose on one tire using the lug nut wrench.
2Lift the corner of the Camry with a floor jack and position the jack stand underneath the appropriate frame rail. Finish removing the lug nuts and then remove the wheel. Set it aside.
3Use a 14-mm hand wrench to remove the upper and lower caliper mounting bolts. Set them aside. Remove the caliper. If it is stuck in place, use the screwdriver to pry it off of the pads and rotor from the bottom of the caliper housing. Position the caliper aside without allowing it to dangle from the brake hose.
4Pry the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket using the screwdriver if necessary.
5Inspect the rotor for scoring, uneven grooves, or rust buildup on the face plate where the pads contact it. If the rotor appears smooth and the braking system in the Camry has not been experiencing a pulsation, you can forgo the rotor replacement procedure if desired.
6Apply a light coat of silicone brake lubricant or anti-seize compound to the caliper bracket where the rattle clips sit using an artist paint brush, and then snap the new rattle clips into place. Apply another more liberal coat on top of the rattle clips where the pad tabs contact the clips.
7Install the pad wear indicators onto the pads, if not already pre-installed by the manufacturer. Make sure the arrow on the indicator plate is pointing in the direction of rotation. If not already installed by the pad manufacturer, install the anti-squeal shims on the outside of each pad and then install the pads into the caliper bracket.
8Compress the caliper piston into the bore slowly using a large pair of channel locks. Replace the caliper over the pads and rotor and then replace the caliper bolts and tighten. Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts firmly, then lower the Camry and re-tighten the lug nuts with the torque wrench and a 21-mm socket to 80-foot pounds. Replace the hubcap.
9Pump the foot brake pedal until the pedal feels firm and then repeat the process for the other side.
