How to Change the Brake Pads & Rotors on a 1999 Avalon

The brake rotors on the Toyota Avalon are made from cast iron. Brake pads are made of a variety of materials, depending on the grade that you buy. For instance, semi-metallic brake pads, called lifetime pads, will last much longer than standard pads. Regardless of whether they are lifetime pads or not, they still wear and you will eventually need to change them. They do, however, last much longer than the standard brake pads. If you are use your brakes a lot, the semi-metallic brakes may be the better value for you.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and drain on-half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. Put the fluid into the drain pan for recycling. Place some wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Toyota. Lift the car with the automobile jack on the side where you are starting. Place a jack stand under the car close to the jacking point and raise it to the frame.

2

Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Pull the tire away from the Toyota. Loosen the bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket using a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the bracket. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Push the piston back inside the caliper housing. You can do this with your hands by pushing on the piston as you twist it back into the housing.

3

Secure the caliper to the strut using a wire tie. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the hose or you will stretch and damage it. Pull the brake rotor from the wheel hub. Clean the wheel hub using the wire brush. Make sure you clean it thoroughly, or it may cause uneven wear on the brake rotors. Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Cut the wire tie holding the caliper to the strut with the pliers.

4

Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Reinstall any shims that may have been installed with the old brake pads as well. Place the brake caliper on the mounting bracket and tighten the retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel back on the Toyota and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Avalon. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the procedure on the other wheel.

5

When the project is complete, add fresh brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed. Pump the brake pedal several times until the pedal is firm. This seats the brake pads on the rotors and ensures that the brakes are ready when you need to stop.