How to Troubleshoot the Brake Caliper on a 1997 Toyota Corolla

The brake calipers on the 1997 Toyota Corolla are the main braking components that house the brake pads. The calipers are designed to press the outboard brake pad against the brake rotor when the brake pedal is pushed in. Once that the caliper piston pushes the outboard brake pad against the inner side of the brake rotor, the pressure will allow the inboard brake pad to compress against the outer side of the brake rotor. If the brake caliper is not working properly, the brake pads will not be able to compress against the brake rotors properly.

Instructions

1

Park the 1997 Toyota Corolla on a flat surface and set the parking brake.

2

Loosen all of the lug nuts from both front wheels about one-quarter of a turn counterclockwise with a tie tool.

3

Jack the front end of the 1997 Toyota Corolla up and place the jack stands underneath the proper front jacking points. Lower the Corolla onto the stands and leave the jack in place.

4

Finish loosening all of the lug nuts from the front wheels. Pull the wheels off and place them flat down on the surface. Begin the brake caliper troubleshooting process on the front driver-side brake caliper.

5

Shine the flashlight through the access hole on the front of the brake caliper to ensure that the inboard brake pad and the outboard brake pads are the exact same distance from both sides of the brake rotor.

6

Loosen and remove the two upper and lower caliper mounting bolts on the back side of the brake caliper with a ratchet and a metric socket. Insert the end of a flat-head screwdriver between the brake rotor and the outboard brake pad. Pry the outboard brake pad back and forth against the caliper piston until there is enough slack to remove the caliper from the rotor.

7

Pull the caliper off of the rotor and hang the caliper to one of the suspension components behind the wheel hub assembly with a bungee cord. Pull both brake pads out of the inside of the brake caliper. Inspect the caliper piston and the rubber piston around the piston for cracks and tears. Also check to ensure that there are no cracks or breaks inside or outside of the caliper. Check the rear brake line to the caliper and ensure that the brake line is tight and not leaking.

8

Have someone else crank the engine and push the brake pedal inward. Inspect the caliper piston to ensure that it comes out of the caliper housing with no restrictions. Have the helper release the brake pedal. Inspect the caliper piston as it is retracting to ensure that there are no restrictions that are keeping the caliper piston from retracting. Have the other person turn the engine off.

9

Slide both brake pads back into the inside of the brake caliper. Remove the bungee cord from the caliper and slide the caliper back over the side of the brake rotor. Screw the two rear caliper mounting bolts back through the rear of the caliper. Tighten the bolts down tight with the ratchet and socket. Have the other person crank the engine again and push the brake pedal in and out to ensure that both pads are compressing and retracting against the sides of the brake rotor. The outboard brake pad will only retract about one-eighth of an inch. Have the other person turn the engine off.

10

Slide the wheel back onto the hub and screw the lug nuts on tight. Move to the front passenger side brake caliper and repeat the same process as outlined above to troubleshoot the front passenger side brake caliper. Then, slide the wheel back on the hub and screw the lug nuts on tight. Jack the 1997 Toyota Corolla back up and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack. Finish tightening the lug nuts down tight with the tire tool. Test drive the car in a safe location to make sure that the braking operation is working properly.