How to Change the Brake Pads on a 2006 Toyota 4Runner

The 2006 Toyota 4Runner uses disc brakes on all four wheels. The calipers and pads on the wheels vary, however. The front wheels have fixed calipers that can't be removed from the brake discs, while the rear wheels use floating calipers that are much more like those used on many other vehicles. Changing the brake pads varies depending on whether you're changing the front or rear ones.

Instructions

Accessing the Calipers (Both Ends)

1

Siphon two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir; use a previously unused turkey baster or syringe.

2

Raise the front or rear end of the vehicle--whichever end you are replacing the brakes on--and support that end on jack stands. Remove both wheels at that end using the tire iron.

3

Clean the brake assembly with an aerosol brake cleaner and catch any residue with a drip pan under the assembly; never use compressed air on a brake assembly.

Front Fixed Calipers

4

Work on one side of the 4runner at a time, so you always have a completed brake assembly for a visual reference. Pull out the small clips for the upper and lower retaining pins and the anti rattle spring on the brake pad plate with needle-nose pliers. Remove the pins from the caliper.

5

Compress the caliper pistons into their bores using vise-grip pliers on the ends of the outer brake pad. Remove the outer pad and then compress the pistons the rest of the way with covered pliers handles or tape-wrapped screwdrivers.

6

Coat the replacement outer brake pad's backing plate sparingly with high-temperature grease, install a new anti-squeal shim to the pad and install the pad into the caliper.

7

Repeat the two previous steps for the inner brake pad.

8

Install the anti-rattle spring and then the lower and upper retaining pins back on the caliper. Connect the pins' clips using the needle-nose pliers; make sure the clips' handle ends point away from the caliper.

Rear Floating Calipers

9

Compress the single piston on the floating caliper back into its bore using a C-clamp. Watch the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and see that it doesn't overflow.

10

Remove the caliper mounting bolts with a wrench and lift the caliper off the mounting bracket. Hang the caliper someplace on the car body using a coat hanger or other strong wire. Do not allow it to hang from the brake line hose.

11

Pull the outer brake pad out of the caliper mounting bracket and then the inner pad.

12

Remove the brake pad support plates from the bracket and make sure they aren't worn out and they fit tightly. Clean the mounting bracket with a small brush and reinstall the support plates.

13

Sparingly lubricate the back of the replacement brake pads with high-temperature brake grease, install clean anti-squeal shims onto them and connect the wear indicator to the inner pad's bottom end. Install the inner and outer pads into the caliper.

14

Place the brake caliper onto the mounting bracket and secure it with the mounting bolts.

Post-Installation (Both Ends)

15

Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle after changing the brakes on both sides.

16

Turn on the engine and press the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.

17

Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with fresh brake fluid as needed.