Hey... my first post here!

As a former happy owner of a '97 SR-5 4WD, I convinced my mother-in-law to buy a '00 SR-5 2WD.

Now, as a favor to her, I am going to change her front brakes. I sold mine with 45,000 miles, so I never had a chance to replace the pads - so I have a couple questions (and I couldn't find any answers in the archives)...

I noticed they are four-piston calipers and the pads can be removed without pulling the calipers (thank you Toyota!). What do I need to remove to get to the pads (clips, springs, etc...)? Do the pistons retract straight (I've seen some Japanese imports where the pistons spin back)?

Thanks for all of your help!

 

here's a great writeup:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runne...enance/brakes/

Dunno about doing that w/o removing the calipers. I've yet to do my brakes yet....but, inquiring minds want to know...!


~aaron

 

I think those calipers are a bit different. In any case, it does help a bit.

I will take some pics and post my experience for future brake jobs...

 

I'll get to experience the joy of doing this job for the first time within the next month or 2. I think my rotors are shaped more like boat propellers than rotors, i've been waiting for the squeak to begin, it finally has. I look forward to having flat rotors again after 3 years of warped ones courtesy of Just Brakes and their 17 year old techs.

If you want it done right do it yourself is my new motto.

 

Good news: The brake job was very easy.

Bad news: I didn't have my camera with me!


In a nutshell, it was the easiest brake job I have ever done. I only replaced the pads since the rotors were barely showing wear.

To ease access, I turned the wheel out (so the caliper was out of the wheelwell).

The four-piston calipers have a large flat spring on the top. Pry it off with a screwdriver gently from the bottom. Now, on the the inboard side, there is a thin wire spring. Press it out from the center (use a small screwdriver) then you can unhook it from the pins. Use the same screwdriver to push the pins out... and the old pads will slide out! It takes all of three minutes.

Before you push the pistons back in, drain some fluid from the brake reservoir (keep it off the paint). I used a large flat screwdriver to gently push the pistons back - one at a time. Go slowly, so the bellow (seal) folds back on itself. You'll notice the piston on the same side may actually move out again, so you may want to block it off with a piece of wood. In any case, get enough room to insert the new pads (install the shims on the pads before installing them)... put in the pins, flat spring, then wire spring (in that order).

Press on the brake pedal a few times, then check your fluid level.

Enjoy!