How to Change the Brakes on a Scion tC

The tC is a sporty coupe from the Toyota spin-off division, Scion. The Scion tC is equipped with all-wheel anti-lock disc brakes that offer a greater braking performance over vehicles that are equipped with rear drum brakes. The brake assembly is comprised of components that need to work in concert for the brake system to perform properly. The brake pads and rotors endure the most wear of all of the components. The pads should be replaced when they have worn enough that their wear indicators become exposed, to prevent gouging of the brake rotors. The rotors require less frequent replacement, but the first sign of warping or severe scoring should prompt replacement.

Instructions

1

Park the Scion on a flat stretch of road, away from passing traffic. Put the transmission in "park" and leave the parking brake disengaged.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding with the brakes you are planing to replace. Use the lug wrench in the Toyota tire maintenance kit located in the trunk of the tC.

3

Lift the vehicle with a jack and rest the frame of the Scion on jack stands.

4

Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off.

5

Remove the caliper slide pins located on the back side of the brake caliper with a 13 mm wrench. Turn the front wheels to gain better access to the bolts. Use a ratchet and 13 mm socket for the rear brake caliper pins.

6

Lift the caliper up and away from the rotor. Pry the brake pads from the inside of the caliper with a flat screwdriver. The metal clips on the pads hold them to the sides of the caliper. Force the clips outward with the screwdriver or other pry tool.

7

Take the rotor from the wheel bolts with two hands, pulling opposite sides of the disc. The rotor will slide straight from the hub. Tap the back side of the rotor if you cannot remove it by hand.

8

Clean the new rotor thoroughly with brake parts cleaner and a cloth towel. Place the rotor onto the wheel bolts.

9

Place an old brake pad (or thin block of wood) against the caliper pistons. Clamp the pad and the back of the caliper with a C-clamp. Screw the C-clamp handle to force the pistons back into the side of the caliper to make room for the new brake pads. Remove the clamp and pad once the pistons are fully retracted.

10

Clip the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Fit the caliper clips over the sides of the caliper.

11

Replace the caliper over the rotor and screw in the caliper slide pins.

12

Place the wheels back onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.

13

Lift the Scion and remove the jack stands before lowering the vehicle to the ground.

14

Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.