DIY Brakes on a 1997 Toyota 4Runner

The 1997 Toyota 4Runner was the vehicle's second model year. It used mostly the same chassis and specs, including 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and a 4- or 2-door option. The 4Runner was known for its spaciousness and the smoothness of its ride. The 4Runner's disc brakes only need changed every 3 to 5 years.

Instructions

1

Loosen all of the lug nuts on the tires you will be removing 1-1/2 rotations with the tire iron. Place the blocks behind the wheels you will not be removing. Work only on either the front or the rear of the vehicle at one time.

2

Place the jack underneath the axle off the vehicle and raise it up until there is at least 2 inches between the ground and the tire. Secure the jack stand under the same axle for support. Remove the tire.

3

Unbolt the brake mounting bracket with the socket wrench. The bracket is the half moon piece attached to the rotor, located directly behind the tire. When it is unbolted, hang it in the wheel well with the bungee cord.

4

Remove the brake pads from the bracket. The pads are merely set in there and will easily pull out by hand.

5

Compress the brake cylinder with the c-clamp. The cylinder is in the center of the bracket. Place the c-clamp around the bracket so that one end is pressed against the rear of the bracket and the other is against the cylinder. Compress it until it is flush with the bracket.

6

Install the new brake pads. The new brake pads will slip easily into the same nook that the old ones were in.

7

Bolt the bracket back on to the rotor. Set the tire back on the rotor and finger tighten all the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten all the lugs with the tire iron.