How to Replace Front Disc Brakes in a Toyota Camry

Your 2001 through 2004 Toyota Camry offers a comfortable and reliable ride. To continue enjoying that ride, your Camry needs to be maintained. If you've driven 6,000 miles, it's time to change the front disc brakes. Most do-it-yourselfers can complete this task.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and place blocks of wood or bricks in front of and behind the back wheels to prevent the Toyota Camry from rolling. Jack the Camry up and then remove the wheels.

2

Loosen and remove the caliper mounting bolts. Then, remove the caliper assembly, without disconnecting the brake line. Move the brake line out of your way.

3

Slide out the old brake pads along with any anti-squeal shims, springs, pad wear indicators and pad support plates. Install the pad support plates into the torque plate.

4

Install the pad wear indicators on the new pads. Be sure the arrow on the indicator plate is pointing in the direction of rotation. Install the anti-squeal shims on the outside of each pad and then install the pad assemblies into the torque plate.

5

Compress the caliper piston into the bore. Position the caliper back down over the pads. Reinstall and tighten the caliper mounting bolts.

6

Put the wheels back on. Check the brake fluid level and add fluid, as needed. Pump the brake pedal to seat the pads against the rotor. You need to do this until there's resistance.

7

Drive the Toyota Camry at slow to moderate speeds until you're sure you performed the maintenance correctly.