I would like to change my brake pads, particularly the front brakes, I just checked them and they need to be replaced soon. They look kind of complicated, not like my old 92' Camry. Have anyone replaced their brake pads or know where can I find information about doing so? : Do you really have to re-surface your rotors
every time you do your brakes?

How many miles do you have on them? It seems like front pads on an '03 shouldn't have worn out so soon! Might want to have the dealer check, see if you have a problem under warranty.

I have almost 20,000 miles. I got my 4Runner at the end of October 2002. I was wondering if it is because is a V8, the brakes would wear faster than the V6 due to the fact that it's a little heavier. I do get into a lot of stop and go traffic after work. It's the first time that I hear my brakes squeak a little, and they basically don't do it all the time.

You should probably inspect the rear brake linings too. If they show little or no wear I would consider having a pro look at the braking system. It could be that something is preventing the rear brakes from actuating properly.

Can't help ya on the lining replacement as I haven't done mine yet (less than 10K miles). If it's like most other Toyotas, it should be pretty straightforward.

Rotors don't absolutely have to be turned at every pad replacement. If the rotors are scored or glazed, then they probably should be turned. If the brake pedal is pulsating now, or after the pad change, then the rotors will need to be turned.

On one of my old cars (a 1995 T-bird) I used to have the rotors turned at every other pad change.


Good luck!

The rear pads are fine, they show signs of wear, the front brakes were not completely worn out but the sensor was beginning to produce that annoying squeak. It also made sounds at certain speeds, not all the time. What's the normal wear in terms of mileage for the front pads? The rotors look fine too, they are no glazed. I saw some pictures of a 4Runner's installation and it looked easier, they only took out the pins and the pas came off right away. The only thing I was trying to figure out was how to push the caliper cylinders.

With 15k on my truck my pads look new, you must be a heavy braker the front brakes have the same setup as 2nd and 3rd Gen 4Runners, cake to replace do a search on yotatech

Easy to push pistons back. Crack the bleeder screw loose. Use a screw driver and wedge it in between the pad and rotor. You may have to use a hammer to get it initially started. Pry the pad back a little and let go. Push the screw driver in some more and repeat until pistons are back. Then use something to hold the pistons on the first side then do the other. After the new pads are in bleed the brakes a little bit and you are done. I reccommended bleeding the brakes to give it a little flushing. If there are any particles in the fluid it won`t screw up the ABS although this is highly unlikely to happen.