How to Change the Brake Pads on a 2002 V6 Toyota Camry

The 2002 Toyota Camry features a 3.0-liter V6 and also a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The V6 came with either rear drum or rear disc brakes as well. The 2002 Camry is the sixth generation of the vehicle, which ran from 2001 through 2006. In that time frame, replacing the front or rear brake pads was universally standardized.

Instructions

1

Remove and discard half of the brake fluid from the Toyota Camry V6 master cylinder using a turkey baster. Replace the cap tightly.

2

Lift the Camry on a car lift and then remove the hub caps (if applicable) from the front or rear wheels--depending on which set of pads you're replacing. Remove the lug nuts using the impact gun and a 21 mm socket. Remove the wheels.

3

Use a 14 mm wrench to remove the caliper mounting bolts. Remove the caliper and then hang it from the suspension using a caliper hanger or hook. Compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore using a C-clamp.

4

Remove the old brake pads from the torque mount. Inspect the brake rotor. Scored, grooved or severely rusted rotors should be considered for replacement. New pads will not break in to compromised rotors well.

5

Clean the pad springs thoroughly using the small wire brush. Apply a coat of silicone brake grease the springs where the pad tabs will contact the springs. Place the new wear indicators onto the new pads and the anti-squeal shims--some replacement pads may have already riveted these components onto the pads. Install the new pads, making sure that the arrow of the wear indicators is pointing in the direction of the wheel rotation.

6

Position the caliper over the pads and rotor. Apply a light coat of silicone brake grease on the non-threaded section of the caliper mounting bolts, align the bolts into the caliper and then tighten them to 25 foot-pounds using a 14 mm socket and the torque wrench.

7

Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds using the torque wrench and then replace the hub caps (if applicable).

8

Repeat this procedure for the other side. Lower the Camry when finished. Pump the foot brake pedal to seat the new pads to the rotor, then check and adjust the level of brake fluid in the master cylinder. Test drive the Camry to ensure the pads are working properly and no noises are emitting from the brakes.