How to Change Disc Brake Pads on a 2002 Toyota Tacoma

The 2002 Tacoma comes in engine sizes varying from 2.4L to 3.4L with 4 cylinder or V-6 engines. It has short cabs, crew cabs and extended beds. This truck is fully customizable and is a great ride for its cost. It has a really good fuel economy for pickups and can hold its own against comparable trucks. The Tacoma comes equipped with disc brakes, which make changing brakes for the at-home mechanic simple. Brakes should be changed every 3 to 6 months or sooner if you notice a sign of wear such as squealing or grabbing.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts. Rotate the lug nuts turn counterclockwise to loosen them. Do not remove them. Place wood blocks behind the rear wheels of the car.

2

Raise the pickup. Place the floor jack beneath the support strut that runs along the edge of the underside of the frame. Raise the truck enough to allow the tires to come off. Place the jack stands underneath the same struts that the jack is using.

3

Remove the tires. Finish removing the lug nuts and then completely remove the tire.

4

Remove the brake pads. The brake pads are held in by metal clips that can be pulled off of the caliper. Make sure to note the orientation of the clips before removing them so you may reinstall them correctly.

5

Compress the caliper. The caliper is the cylinder in the center of the brake mounting bracket. To compress it place the handle of the hammer against it and push. If it doesn't move, you can compress it using the c-clamp.

6

Install new brake pads. The new brake pads fit in where the old ones were removed from. Slip them in and then put the clips back on.

7

Put the tire back on and lower the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts.