How to Change Front Brake Pads on a 2002 Toyota Echo

In terms of safety on the road, the brakes are one of the most essential components of vehicle operation. The front brakes bear most of the load of stopping the vehicle, and therefore the brake pads will need to be changed more frequently than in the rear. On the 2002 Toyota Echo, brake pad replacement is simple, and for someone fairly familiar with routine car maintenance, the job should only take about an hour using common tools.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires. Jack up the front end of the vehicle and set the jack stands under a secure part of the Echo's frame.

2

Lower the car on to the jack stands. Remove the front tires.

3

Locate the two bolts in the rear of the brake caliper holding the brake caliper in place. Remove them using the ratchet and appropriate-sized socket.

4

Pull the caliper off the rotor. Suspend the caliper from the car's frame with a bungee cord or length of wire. Do not allow any of the caliper's weight to be held by the brake line, since this can cause a rupture or leakage of brake fluid.

5

Remove the brake pads from the caliper assembly. Do not throw away the support plates or the anti-squeal clips on the pads. You will reuse these on the new pads.

6

Check the rotor for any significant grooving or warping. If you notice any problems, you'll need to replace the rotor as well as the pads.

7

Apply brake grease to the back of the support plate, then clip it to the back of the new brake pad. Attach the anti-squeal clips and place the new pads in the caliper assembly.

8

Place the caliper back over the new pads and bolt it into place. Put the wheel back and tighten the lug nuts.

9

Jack the Echo up off the jack stands. Remove them from underneath the car and lower it to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts a second time.