Over time, the brakes on your Toyota 4-Runner will wear down and need replacing. The rotors are the most expensive part of the braking system, but with some basic mechanical skills, you can remove them yourself, saving you a sizable vehicle repair bill.
Preparation
Park your truck on a completely flat surface and engage the parking brake to ensure the truck will not move. Use the Toyota-supplied jack to lift up the appropriate wheel for the rotor you are removing. If you have access to jack stands, slide them underneath the axle for added safety. Remove the six lug nuts using the Toyota lug wrench, and take off the wheels to expose the braking hub.
Removal: Part 1
Attach a 12 mm socket to an impact wrench and remove the six bolts that hold the hub cover on. There will be six cone washers with a slit that are located around the hub bolts. Insert a tapered punch into the slit and gently tap the punch with a hammer. The pressure will cause the cone washers to expand and pop out. Repeat this process for every cone washer.
At the end of the hub there will be a hub dust cap that is held on with friction. Insert a flathead screwdriver behind the hub and gently pry it off to expose the end of the axle. Equip a 12 mm socket to a ratchet and remove the bolt and washer from the end of the axle.
Removal: Part 2
Take two 8 mm bolts and thread them into two opposite holes on the hub cover. Pull on the bolts with equal pressure to remove the hub cover. After the hub cover is removed, the axle and retaining nuts will be exposed. Use a 2-1/8-inch socket or crescent wrench to remove the two large retaining nuts. Remove the washer and bearing that is located behind the retaining nuts using a flat head screwdriver to gently pry them out. Attach a 17 mm socket to a ratchet and remove the two 17 mm bolts that are located on the back of the brake caliper. Slide the caliper off and move it out of the way, ensuring that the brake line is not stretched or damaged. Use a small cardboard box to support the caliper to prevent it from touching the ground and getting damaged. The brake rotor should now be free, and it can gently be pulled off the axle.
