2003 4runner rear disc pad replacement--how?

[yugiho]

Hello,
I've been lurking for a while, but this is my 1st post. I couldn't find the info I needed by searching.

I've done brake jobs before, but never on rear disc brake. Do I need a special tool to push back the piston on the caliper? How do I adjust the parking brakes?

If someone can outline the specifics of a rear disc brake job, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[toybox]

Hello,
I've been lurking for a while, but this is my 1st post. I couldn't find the info I needed by searching.

I've done brake jobs before, but never on rear disc brake. Do I need a special tool to push back the piston on the caliper? How do I adjust the parking brakes?

If someone can outline the specifics of a rear disc brake job, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Someone just did a little write-up on this and the parking brake adjustment. I printed the thread out but it is at home and i forget the forum member who posted it. Maybe search for parking brake adjustment and see if you come up with it. Otherwise I can find it tonight.

 

[sharp4runr]

I've used C-clamps in the past to push back the pistons, same when doing it on the front pads.

Also those locking pliers with a C thingy at the end are the best way if you ask me:

<img src="http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1523700_lg.gif">

 

[yugiho]

sharp4runr,
Are you saying that the pistons on the rear calipers can be treated like the front calipers? I've done tons of front disc brake jobs and they're very simple.

I always had the impression that a special tool was required to push back, or screw in the pistons of rear brake calipers due to the attachement of the emergency brake cable.

 

[TechWrench]

sharp4runr,
Are you saying that the pistons on the rear calipers can be treated like the front calipers? I've done tons of front disc brake jobs and they're very simple.

I always had the impression that a special tool was required to push back, or screw in the pistons of rear brake calipers due to the attachement of the emergency brake cable.

The rear calipers on the '03 are nothing more than a smaller version of a standard front single piston caliper. The emergency brake cable doesn't involve the caliper at all. You can use a standard 'C' clamp to push the piston back in place once the caliper has been removed. As for the parking brakes, they are a small set of brake shoes inside the inner area of the rear disc. There are a set of small (1/2") holes in the front of the disc which you can see once the wheel is removed. Rotate the disc so one of these holes is at the six o'clock position, and you have to use a thin straight blade screwdriver to rotate a star wheel, about an inch and a half in, to loosen or tighten the brake shoe adjustment.
Once you remove the caliper, and mounting bracket, you should be able to remove the rear disc and see the parking brake shoes.
If you have any experience with standard drum brakes, the parking brakes should not be a problem. Just be aware that there is no self-adjusting mechanism with these parking brakes. You will have to put the disc back on, and hold it in place with a couple of lug nuts in order to make the final adjustment of the parking brake.

 

[yugiho]

Thanks for the info TechWrench.