How to Replace Front Brakes on 1998 Camry

The brake pads on the Toyota Camry work along with the brake rotors to stop the car with friction. The friction wears the brake pads down until you have to replace them. If you allow the brake pads to wear beyond the recommended minimum thickness, the rivets will begin to cut grooves in the rotors, creating a more expensive repair for you to deal with. It only takes about half an hour to complete each wheel.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and siphon about one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling later. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Camry. Raise the car with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under it and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheel away from the car.

2

Loosen the caliper bolts with a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the rotor assembly. Remove the old brake pads and anti-squeal shims. Pull the backing pates from the assembly. Clean the entire assembly thoroughly with the wire brush. Insert the caliper tool and force the piston back into the caliper housing.

3

Place the backing plates on the assembly. Put the new brake pads on, followed by the anti-squeal shims. Place the brake caliper back onto the mounting cradle. Tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Camry. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

4

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed to bring it to the proper level. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm, to seat the brake pads on the rotors.