How to Change Toyota Tundra Brakes

The Toyota Tundra's braking system consists of brake pads and the rotors that provide a smooth surface against which the pads are squeezed. The surface of the rotors should be smooth to provide a consistent platform for the brake pads in order for the brakes to perform consistently and effectively. Toyota recommends replacing the brake pads every 40,000 miles. During the pad replacement, check the rotors for damage or scoring. If heavy scoring is found, replace the rotors at once.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire iron or lug wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 10 mm socket wrench
• Hammer
• Rotor
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Cloth towel
• Brake grease
• Channel-lock pliers or C-clamp
• Brake pads
• Funnel
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Park to Tundra on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Turn the engine off and pull the hood release lever located on the driver's side of the truck, under the dashboard. Move to the front of the vehicle, lift and support the hood.

   • 2

     Remove the master cylinder cap, which is to the left of the engine, near the back. Lay the cap on top of the master cylinder container. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench or the tire iron from the Toyota wheel maintenance kit.

   • 3

     Lift the truck with the jack and place jack stands under the wheel axles. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off. Remove the caliper slide pins with a 10 mm socket wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly and lay it carefully on top of the steering arm above the brakes. Be careful not to strain the connected brake line.

   • 4

     Slide the two brake pads from the inner sides of the brake caliper. Remove the brake rotor from the wheel bolts by pulling it straight from the wheel bolts and the wheel hub. Tap the center section of the rotor with a hammer if it is stuck to the steering knuckle or rusted to the wheel bolts.

   • 5

     Clean the area behind the rotor and the wheel bolts with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Clean the new rotor with a cloth towel and brake cleaner to remove the packaging oils. Slide the disc onto the wheel bolts and push it flat against the steering knuckle.

   • 6

     Squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a pair of channel-lock pliers or a C-clamp. Do not damage the rubber sleeve surrounding the piston; the sheath keeps moisture from the pistons and prevents seizing from rust.

   • 7

     Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Replace the caliper onto the rotor and screw on the caliper pins. Remount the wheel and screw on the lug nuts.

   • 8

     Lift the Tundra with the jack and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the Toyota's tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench or tire iron.

   • 9

     Slowly press the brake pedal to the floor. Release the pedal and repeat the depressions until the pedal response stiffens to a normal response level. Move back to the engine bay. Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel inside the container. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and secure the cap on the master cylinder. Close the Tundra's hood.