How to Change Brakes on a 2001 MR2 Spider

Toyota recommends checking the brake pads on your 2001 MR2 Spider every 15,000 miles. You should also check them whenever you notice unusual braking noise or vibration. Installing the replacement brakes in your MR2 Spider will take about 15 minutes per wheel. You can purchase replacement brake pads from most auto-parts stores. Unlike many vehicles, these pads will come with replacement retainer clips. The clips should be replaced whenever the pads are.

Instructions

Front Brakes

1

Loosen the front lug nuts. Lift the front of the vehicle with a floor jack placed under the front frame crossmember. Place a jack stand under each of the support points marked by a pair of notches behind the front tiress. Lower the car onto the stands, and remove the front wheels.

2

Unbolt the caliper from the torque plate. Pull it off the rotor, and suspend it with a piece of wire so it's not hanging from the brake hose. Remove the brake pads, shims and wear indicators from the caliper. They are held in place by a pair of support plates. Remove these plates as well.

3

Install replacement support plates on the caliper, followed by wear indicators, shims and pads. Press the caliper piston in with a hammer handle to open it. Slide the caliper over the rotor, and bolt it back in place, torquing to 25 pound-feet. Repeat on the other front side of the vehicle.

4

Install the wheels, and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lift the front slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Finish tightening the nuts.

Rear Brakes

5

Loosen the rear lug nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle using the jack pad under the axle beam. Place the vehicle on a pair of jack stands using the support points ahead of the rear tires and marked by a pair of notches. Remove the rear wheels.

6

Unbolt the bracket holding the flexible brake hose in place. Remove the lower bolt from the caliper. Lift it, and suspend it with a piece of wire.

7

Remove the brake pads, shims and supporting plates. Install the replacements into the caliper. Lower it into place, and bolt it in. Torque the bolt to 14 pound-feet. Bolt the brake hose bracket back in place. Repeat on the other rear side.

8

Install the wheels, hand-tightening the bolts. Lower the vehicle, and tighten the nuts fully.