How to Repair Disc Brakes on a Toyota Tundra

When you change the disc brakes on the Toyota Tundra, you need to consider whether you should also change the rotor discs. The brake pads and rotors work together and use friction to stop the Tundra. Friction wears both down, though the brake pads will wear much more quickly than the brake rotors. When you change the brake pads on the Tundra, be sure to inspect the rotors. If you put new pads on and the rotors are bad, they will quickly destroy the new brakes.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Turkey baster
• Drain pan
• Wheel chocks
• Automobile jack
• Jack stand
• Caliper piston tool
• Pliers
• Wire brush
• Socket set

1. • 1

     Park the Tundra on a level surface and turn off the key. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Open the engine compartment and siphon about one-half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling. Do not reuse it.

   • 2

     Raise the Toyota with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the truck near the jacking point. Raise the jack stand to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the lug wrench and pull the wheel from the Tundra. Loosen the bolts on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet and pull it from the cradle. Remove the brake pad clip, retaining pins and anti-rattle clip with the pliers. Clean the caliper with the wire brush. Push the piston back into the caliper housing using the piston tool.

   • 3

     Insert the new pads into the brake caliper. Insert the anti-rattle clips behind the brake pads. Install the retaining pins and push them in with the pliers. Push the brake pad clips into place. Place the brake caliper into the cradle and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the Tundra and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

   • 4

     Remove the jack stand from under the Toyota. Lower the truck to the ground and repeat the process on the other wheel.

   • 5

     Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Add to it as necessary to bring it to the proper level. Pump the brakes several times until the pedal is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors.

Tips & Warnings

Always replace all brakes on an axle and never just one side