2005 Toyota 4Runner Front Brake Removal

The 2003-2009 year model Toyota 4Runner SUV, known as the third generation 4Runner, is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. This is an improvement over the second generation 4Runner, which used less efficient drum type rear brakes. Basic maintenance on your 2005 4Runner's front disc brakes consists of replacing worn pads and inspecting the rotor for damage, neither of which requires you to remove the brake assembly. But if you need access to the axle or a few other parts of the 4Runner, it will be necessary to remove the brake assembly.

Instructions

1

Loosen all lug nuts on both front wheels. Raise the front of the 4Runner with the jack, and support both sides with jack stands.

2

Remove the lug nuts, and take off both front wheels.

3

Drain the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Remove the cap from the master cylinder in the engine compartment. Remove the dust cap from the bleeder valve, located on the inner top side of the cylinder assembly. Attach a length of tubing to the bleeder valve, and place the other end into a container. Use a wrench to open the valve. Direct an assistant to depress the brake pedal slowly; release it, and repeat. Continue, until no more fluid comes out of the bleeder valve. Close the valve.

4

Use a 10-mm union nut wrench to remove the brake line from the inner side of the cylinder assembly.

5

Remove the wire retaining pins from the top and bottom anti-rattle pins, and slide the pins out, towards the front of the cylinder. Use pliers, if necessary. Remove the wire anti-rattle spring from the outer edge of the cylinder assembly.

6

Pull the inner and outer pads and shims out of the cylinder.

7

Use a socket to remove the two bolts from the rear of the brake cylinder assembly, and remove the cylinder from the rotor.

8

Pull the rotor off the wheel lugs. If you intend to reinstall the same rotor, before removal, make a mark on the rotor and the axle hub, so you can realign them during reassembly.

Repeat the procedure on the opposite brake assembly.