I was told that I have about 20% of my front brakes left. The dealer wants about $350 to replace. I think that I can do the job myself but I was wondering, do I have to turn the rotors and do I have to bleed them after replacing the pads. Thanks.

 

I believe my Haynes says not to turn the rotors, they're too thin turn down. I just replaced mine, it's cheap enough considering they're the only thing preventing you from going splatting on a wall.

Yes, you will have to bleed your brakes because you have to remove the calipers to get to the pads. Pretty easy with 2 people. (At least this is how I did it)

Steve

 

Around here Auto Zone will turn rotors for free if there is enough left to do so. When the dealer says you have 20% left it usually means 20% of the pads. Try to get them to measure the rotors also so you know if they need to be replaced.

Edit: 20% is a lot to work with still. When they get down to about 10% then replace them to get your money's worth out of the current pads unless there are other problems like warped rotors or squeal that are bothering you.

 

brakes were replaced on my mustang for around 220$ with one of the rotors replaced and the other turned. I'll see if I can find the paperwork where the guy had the brakes replaced in my truck right before I got it.

 

Why do you have to remove the caliper completely? I normally leave the brake line attached and hang the caliper from a suspension part by a wire. I've done it this way on two cars, an american and a japanese auto. Is the 4Runner different?

Chris

 

On an old nissan maxima thats my project car when I replaced the front two all I needed was a c-clamp and a few wrenches...i just loosened one bolt and swung the caliper up and just tied the caliper to the spring/coil and hung it there while I put in new pads. I only had to bleed the brakes when one of the rear calipers was frozen in the piston and i had to put a new caliper on. I didnt turn the front rotors either. brakes work like a charm now. pads are about 30$ for the front 30$ for the rear at pep boys. of course 4runner has drum brakes and they are also about 30$. Havent attempted them yet. so no you shouldnt have to bleed the brakes. Im not sure if this works for your year 4runner you have but here...http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runne...enance/brakes/

 

Thanks guys for the info, I now think that I could do it myself. One other question though, should the wheel bearings be repacked at this time or are they sealed units. Is it an easy or difficult job to do? Thanks again.

 

If this is for a 92 runner then it is easy. If you just want to replace pads, just remove the tire, unclip the wire holder and spring from the caliper, remove the 2 pins. I then take a large adj. slip joint plier and squeeze the pad backing plate to mash in the pistons. you can use a screwdriver too. Takes a little practice to get it done easly. Some people will allow fluid to bleed out when doing this to make it easier, or to keep the fluid resivoir from overflowing. When the pistons are fully seated back, then remove the old pads and install the new. If you need to do bearings, then I still do them without bleeding the brakes. To remove the caliper, I unclip the C clip from the rubber hose and pull the slide shim. Then I remove the pads, and the caliper bolts. I then just work the steel tube attached to the caliper, and the caliper in such a way that I clear the caliper from the rotor while the tube is sliding free in its holder. I then hang the caliper from the vehicle. Dont turn the rotors if they are not warped, and then if they are, it might be best to replace. I would repack the bearings every 30k to 40k miles. I just let mine go too long and burnt one. it was over 40k miles though.

Use a manual if you repack the bearings. You will need a large 2.25" socket for the big nuts. The first time I did it, it took me all day. Now I can do 1 side in about 1 to 1.5 hrs. Just replacing the pads is almost a no brainer. If you have to pull the rotors for replacement or bearing repack, then it is a bit of a process for a 1st timer. I have 2 toyotas so I learned quickly and as a must cause a bearing repack is about 240.00 from the dealer. There may be a writeup on off-road.com or on outdoorwire.com. I dont think there is a writeup here yet. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and buy 2 hub gaskits from toyota. You may need one if you tear the others. This is a 4x4 isn't it? If not, then 2 wheel drives may be easier.