Rotors - Show me how to.......

[4Yota]

Hey 4Runner family;

Just had my rotors, pads and calipers replaced. Went with Brembo (Slotted Cross Drilled) on the rotors and calipers and Akebono on the ceramic pads. Had my mechanic replace them for a reasonable price instead of going to the stealership.

My question is: I'd like to learn to do all this the next time around myself so, are there any "free" links/threads or whatever that would demonstrate the process in replacing these parts. Thanks in advance and "Run on Runner!".

 

[rollingthunder]

did you watch the mechanic when he did yours? most knowledge can be gained by just hanging around and asking questions watch, observe and learn

 

[4Yota]

At the time the mech performed the services the vehicle was dropped off so no I wasn't present during the replacing. With that said, anybody got answers? Your comments are appreciated.

 

[hvguy]

its very simple- the rotors slide off with the smack of a hammer and theres only 2 bolts on each caliper.on a good day It would take you about 20 minutes to do all that you described.

Ill make you a how-to tomorrow after I re-assemble my engine.

 

[4Yota]

Thanks HV. Didn't know if job would be a simple-easy or "better get some instructions before you do this-easy .

 

[Kabal]

The only thing i do is jack the tire up, remove the tire and turn the wheels all the way to the left or right depending on which caliper I am removing (gives access to bolts on rear).

From there you can disconnect the brake line and put some form of plug in it and remove the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper.

With this complete, the caliper and brake pads assembly can be removed from the rotor. You can then take off the metal clip that is on top of the brake pads and the wire that secures the rods in that hold on the brake pads. Removing these two rods will let you remove the brake pads themselves.

When removing everything from the caliper for the first time, I just made sure to note where everything went so I could put it back together. In the end, it is really straightforward.

Good luck!

 

[p nut]

4runners.org

Wealth of knowledge there.

 

[Ghostrider]

Why did you replace the calipers unless you wanted bigger ones. Usually all you need to do are the rotors and pads. No need to mess with the brake lines etc. However a few weeks ago I walked by and my neighbor was diving into a brake job for the first time ever. No manual and limited tools. Definately read a howto. There are a few items that have a torque setting. I also took digital pictures so I would make sure what went where.

 

[Kabal]

Why did you replace the calipers unless you wanted bigger ones. Usually all you need to do are the rotors and pads.

Actually, I have had four different sets of calipers on my 4Runner in its lifetime.. two in the last year, luckily the second set of the year was replaced under warranty.

I have also put another set of rotors on, as my originals were looking pretty rough.

 

[4Yota]

Hey 4Runner Fam;

I wanted to thank everybody who responded to this thread and giving me insight on my question. This is what the T4R Nation is all about. Besides now another will gain knowledge through this when they are looking for a similar or like answer.

As far as my calipers are concerned, I just went for a newer look with Brembos' since I had a few extra dollars to play with on my Toy. Definitely a looker now. Come to think of it, should have put it towards pulling the rear drums and replacing with discs instead. Probably a small fortune to convert but hey I can dream right? Has anybody's dream ever come true with this conversion? Probably a question for a new thread.

 

[RunnerUp]

Come to think of it, should have put it towards pulling the rear drums and replacing with discs instead. Probably a small fortune to convert but hey I can dream right? Has anybody's dream ever come true with this conversion? Probably a question for a new thread.

your right about it costing a small fortune...

 

[wizzells]

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/maintenance/brakes/

 

[2000se]

wait... that's a rear axle shot..

gotta tell how much that cost and the difficulty of doing that..

 

[RunnerUp]

Re: wait... that's a rear axle shot..

gotta tell how much that cost and the difficulty of doing that..

your right, that is a rear axle shot.

cost - 500$ for parts and you dont want to know for labor... i tried it myself but the instructions were crap so i got it towed to my local 4x4 shop and they had it for 3 days talking back and forth with all pro trying to figure out how to do it on a 4runner...

here is a link to the kit though

http://www.allprooffroad.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=33

just keep in mind that you lose your parking brake after this

 

[jac100]

My old post

I posted this in SEP 2006 - it covers what I did to replace my rotors & pads.


My 1996 Limited had the same issue of warped brakes. Especially bad when I came down from the mountains.

I wanted a matching set of rotors/pads so didn't go with the Brembo's. Not really sure if it makes a difference, just my personal choice.

I found a matching set from AJ-USA auto parts, I installed them last month and have already put 3,000 miles on them. They're great. They're dimpled & slotted.

Here's the info from my order if you're interested.

EBC Sport Rotors (Dimpled & Slotted)
$220.87
EBC Upgrade SUV/Truck pad
$53.87

I did the replacement with a friend of mine, but it's very easy.
1) jack up vehicle & remove tire
2) Remove the old brake pads from the caliper
3) remove the 2 bolts on back of caliper, they're hard to get off so use some penetrating oil & be prepared to really have to push
4) slide rotors off (honestly, mine just slid off)
5) put new rotors on
6) reattach caliper
7) Install new pads
8) Tire goes back on at this point
9) repeat for other side

Taking the brake pads out of the caliper for the first time was a little odd. I recommend taking this part slow and only doing 1 at a time. There's a thin piece of metal (like a spring, but not wound up) that holds the pins in place to keep the pads locked in that is a little tricky. Not bad once you have one side done.

Sorry I didn't think to take pictures during the procedure.

Hope that helps.