Just a quick video showing how to Replace Front Brake Pads on a 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS.
I decided to not turn the rotors this time, even though they are a little glazed over as you will see in the video. I was in a hurry and will probably just replace them the next time it needs new brake pads.
You will need:
Screwdriver or small pry bar
Possibly a C Clamp or similar caliper compression tool
14mm wrench or socket
Sil Glyde Brake grease
First you will need to push the caliper piston back inside the caliper.
I usually just use a large screwdriver to pry between the rotor and pads which pushes the piston back in.
On this particular job, I wasn’t able to push it back in far enough to make room for the new pads, so I had to use a C-clamp in addition to the screwdriver prying method. I also have this handy brake tool:
which does the same thing as the C-clamp, but I couldn’t find mine at the time I made this video. I highly recommend you pick one up if you don’t already have one.
With the caliper piston pushed back in, you can loosen and remove the lower caliper installation bolt. This will require a 14mm socket and/or wrench. With the lower bolt out, you should be able to pivot the brake caliper upwards so that you can remove the existing brake pads. I had to re-use the squealer clip which lets you (and everyone else) know that you need to change your brake pads.
I bought the brake pads for this job locally, but these Ceramic Wagner pads look like a great price, and come with the hardware including the little metal squealer clip:
Before installing the new brake pads, I usually coat the backing plates and the metal ‘ears’ or ends the backing plate with a small amount of Sil Glyde brake grease.
Here’s the one I have:
This really helps cut down on the brake noise, and prevents the pads from binding up in the caliper support brackets.
Now, you can put the caliper back down over the new brake pads, reinstall the lower caliper installation bolt and torque it to 25 ft. lbs.
Just make sure that you check the fluid in the brake master cylinder, and step on the brake pedal a couple times to push the piston back out so that the pads will easily grab the rotor.
And you’re done! Pretty easy job, just make sure to put the wheels back on before you try to drive off.
Music in video used by permission:
Black Walnut Productions
Produced & Arranged by: Sam Newbold
tortuga
we’ve made it this far
Track 16: Drift Away
https://samtortuga.bandcamp.com/album/weve-made-it-this-far