How to Replace Brake Pads in a Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon is equipped with all-wheel ABS disc brakes. The braking system is comprised of brake pads, rotors and calipers with caliper pistons. Toyota recommends regular inspection and maintenance of your Avalon's brakes, including replacement of the brake pads at least every 50,000 miles. You can take your Toyota to a brake service station to have the brake pads replaced, or you can swap the worn pads for new ones yourself and save the cost of labor.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire iron
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 13-mm wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Brake pads
• Brake grease
• 10-mm wrench
• Drip pan
• C-clamp
• Funnel
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Park the Avalon on a flat surface, away from passing traffic, allowing you ample space to work on both sides of the vehicle.

   • 2

     Turn off the engine.

   • 3

     Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire iron.

   • 4

     Place the jack beneath the frame, in the font of the Toyota, and lift the front tires at least three inches off the ground. Place jack stands beneath the axles to support the vehicle.

   • 5

     Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels off.

   • 6

     Remove the two caliper slide pins located on the back of the caliper. Turn each of the pins three full turns with a 13-mm wrench before finishing the removal with your hands.

   • 7

     Lift the caliper from the rotor and caliper bridge and place it on top of the brake rotor or steering arm. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake assembly by the brake line.

   • 8

     Pry the worn brake pads from the caliper bridge with a flat-head screwdriver.

   • 9

     Inspect the caliper bridge and rotor for damage. Remove any rust from the components with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush.

   • 10

     Apply anti-squeal brake grease to the back sides of the new brake pads and slide them into the caliper bracket slots.

   • 11

     Open the brake fluid bleed valve on the caliper with a 10-mm wrench. Place a drip pan beneath the caliper to catch any leaking brake fluid. One-half turn with the wrench will sufficiently open the valve.

   • 12

     Place the C-clamp around the caliper piston and the back of the caliper itself. Squeeze the piston until it is fully recessed within the side of the caliper. Remove the clamp.

   • 13

     Close the bleed valve with the 10-mm wrench.

   • 14

     Place the caliper back over the new brake pads and screw in the caliper slide pins. Tighten both pins with the 13-mm wrench.

   • 15

     Repeat steps 6 through 14 to replace any additional sets of brake pads.

   • 16

     Replace the Avalon's wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

   • 17

     Lift the Toyota with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires back to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.

   • 18

     Start the engine. Press the brake pedal three times slowly to replenish the fluid inside the caliper and reset the caliper pistons.

   • 19

     Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard, on the driver's side of the Avalon. Move to the front of the vehicle.

   • 20

     Lift the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is located on the right side of the motor, near the back of the engine compartment.

   • 21

     Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. Insert the funnel into the container and fill the reservoir with brake fluid, as necessary.

   • 22

     Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Toyota's hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety goggles when working under the car, to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes.