Question -- Highlander Brake Pads

[Koz]

STAY WITH OEM PADS! You got 78K out of the originals, why would you ruin a good thing. You can get a repair manual and change the pads yourself. It's a walk in the park. If the rotors were not pulsating/throbbing and they look smooth, I would not turn them. Why would you take life out of the rotors if they are stopping fine? What you should do if they are in good shape is just rough them up a little with medium sand paper. Bleeding the brakes will need someone who knows how. I would recommend flushing the brake fluid.

Koz

 

[Bluto]

You can probably replace the pads by removing one caliper bolt. I've done it on other vehicles.

It is easy: Open the fluid reservior, remove one bolt, turn caliper, drop out the old pads, compress the piston, put new pads in, put the bolt back in.

It takes more time just to get the wheel off.

 

[Koz]

Most calipers don't have to be moved/rotated; the pads usually can be installed by just removing a couple clips/pins.

Koz

 

[toybox]

Just a note but I just bought the Toyota OEM pads for my 4Runner from partznet for $38. You just can't beat that!

Also I priced rotors and they were $140 a piece for OEM and at Autozone the Bendix were $100.

I can do both sides of my truck from beginning to when the wheels are back on the truck in 1 hour. That and the $38 for the pads equals a steal compared to any shop.

And lastly, as Koz said, if the brakes aren't pulsating and the rotors are relatively smooth then I don't see any need to resurface them.

 

[NCSCOTT]

I agree with Koz and Toybox about turning the rotors. Why take metal off a straight rotor??? That means there will be less metal to disipate heat. Heat warps rotors. I never turn them. If they are pulsating I replace them when the pads are changed.

It is a realtively easy job to do yourself. I have not done my 4Runner yet but I have done brakes on countless vehicles.