How to Replace Front Brake Pads | Toyota RAV4 2013-2019 | DIY Guide, by Toyota Master Tech on YouTube. 6 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground, chock the rear wheels and loosen the front wheel nuts slightly before lifting the car.
Jack up the front of the car and lower it onto jack stands. Never work under a car held only by a jack.
Remove the wheel nuts and pull off the wheel to expose the brake caliper and pads.
Unbolt the caliper guide bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Hang it with a strap or wire so the brake hose is not stretched.
Slide the old pads out of the bracket and note which way the wear indicator clip sits.
Clean the caliper bracket and bolts with a die or wire brush so the new pads slide freely.
Push the caliper piston back into its bore with a C-clamp or piston tool. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap first and watch for overflow.
Fit the new pads with a little brake grease on the backing plate edges and slide them into the bracket.
Refit the caliper, tighten the guide bolts to the RAV4 torque spec and refit the wheel.
Lower the car, pump the brake pedal until it feels firm, then check the fluid level and test the brakes slowly at low speed.
Tips and common mistakes
Pump the brake pedal a few times before driving, or the first press will go to the floor.
Replace pads in axle pairs, not one side only, so braking stays even.
Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose, as it can crack and leak.
Check the rotor thickness and surface while the wheel is off and replace it if scored or below spec.
Questions
Do I need to bleed the brakes after changing pads?
Usually no. If you only pushed the piston back and did not open the hydraulic line, the system stays sealed. Bleed only if the pedal feels soft or you opened a line.
How do I know when the front pads need replacing?
Most pads have a wear indicator that squeals when they get low. Check the friction material thickness, and replace when it is around 3 mm or less.
Can I reuse the old caliper bolts?
Yes, if they are clean and not stretched. Run a die over the threads and apply a little brake grease so they thread in smoothly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
