Replacing brake pads on a 2006-2014 Toyota Camry is not a complicated task, as you can easily perform it at home with the right tools and a few hours of your time. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save a significant amount of money compared to having a mechanic do the job for you.
Before you start, gather the necessary tools, including a jack, lug wrench, socket wrench, screwdriver, and a C-clamp or brake caliper spreader. Additionally, you will need new brake pads for your specific Toyota Camry model. Once you have everything you need, it is important to safety precautions such as parking the car on a level surface, engaging the parking brake, and chocking the wheels. Also, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves during the process.
Now that you are prepared, locate the brake caliper on the wheel that you are working on. To access the brake pads, you will need to remove the caliper. Start by removing the two bolts that hold the caliper in place using a socket wrench. Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose. Next, remove the old brake pads by sliding them out of the caliper bracket. Be sure to inspect the caliper and rotor for any signs of damage or wear, and replace them if necessary.
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Gathering Materials and Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the task of changing brake pads on your 2006 Toyota Camry 2014, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials and observe proper safety precautions to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Materials Required:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| New brake pads (front or rear) | 4 or 8 |
| Brake caliper tool or C-clamp | 1 |
| 10mm socket wrench | 1 |
| 17mm socket wrench | 1 |
| 19mm socket wrench | 1 |
| Brake caliper grease | 1 container |
| Torque wrench | 1 optional |
| Safety glasses | 1 pair |
| Gloves | 1 pair |
Safety Precautions:
When dealing with automotive repairs, adhering to safety precautions is paramount.
- Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones being worked on.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
- Use proper tools in good condition.
- Do not smoke or work near open flames, as brake pads can emit harmful vapors.
- Always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions.
- If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the repair, do not attempt it and consult a qualified mechanic.
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Locating and Raising the Vehicle
Find a Suitable Work Area
Locate a flat, stable surface with ample lighting. Choose a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
Park the Vehicle Safely
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Turn off the engine and allow the engine and brakes to cool.
Raise the Front End
Step 1: Locate the Jack Points
Use the owner’s manual to identify the designated jack points on the front of the vehicle. These are typically located on the frame rails near the front wheels.
Step 2: Position the Jack
Place the jack at one of the jack points and ensure it is stable and secure. Consult the owner’s manual for specific jacking instructions.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
Slowly pump the jack to raise the front of the vehicle. Continue lifting until the tires are approximately 6 inches off the ground.
Step 4: Secure the Vehicle
Place jack stands under the vehicle for added stability. Position the jack stands at the designated support points as outlined in the owner’s manual. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands to ensure it is securely supported.
| Safety Precaution |
|---|
| Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Jack stands provide additional safety and stability. |
Removing the Wheels and Tires
**Safety First:** Ensure your Toyota Camry is parked on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake.
- **Loosen the Lug Nuts:** Locate the lug nuts on each wheel and use a lug wrench to loosen them slightly, but do not remove them completely.
- **Jack Up the Vehicle:** Place a jack stand under the designated jacking point near the wheel you will be servicing. Carefully raise the vehicle using the jack until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.
- **Remove the Lug Nuts and Tires:** Fully remove the lug nuts by hand and carefully lift the tire off the wheel hub. Place the tires to the side in a safe location.
Removing the Brake Calipers and Rotors
**Safety Precaution:** Wear safety glasses and gloves during this step to avoid contact with brake dust.
Removing the Brake Calipers
- **Locate the Caliper Bolts:** Identify the two caliper bolts located on the back of the caliper. Using a socket wrench, loosen but do not remove the bolts.
- **Remove the Caliper:** Carefully lift the caliper up and off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging on the brake hose.
Removing the Brake Rotors
- **Inspect the Rotors:** Examine the brake rotors for any signs of wear or damage. If they are excessively worn, cracked, or warped, they should be replaced.
- **Remove the Rotors:** Slide the brake rotors off the wheel hub. They may require some wiggling or tapping to loosen them. Clean the hub surface with a wire brush or sandpaper before installing the new rotors.
Assessing the Brake System
Visual Inspection
Begin by visually inspecting the brake pads through the wheel spokes. Look for thin pads with less than 1/4 inch of material remaining or uneven wear patterns that indicate the need for replacement. Note any worn or cracked rotors or calipers that may require attention.
Touch Test
After the visual inspection, touch the brake pads to feel their thickness. If they are too thin to feel or have sharp edges, it’s time to replace them. Additionally, check for any loose or rattling brake components that could affect braking performance.
Test Drive
Take your Camry for a test drive and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. A grinding sound while braking usually indicates worn brake pads, while a pulsation or shuddering could point to warped rotors.
Review Maintenance Records
Refer to the maintenance records of your Camry to determine when the brake pads were last replaced. If it’s been over 30,000 miles or if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, consider replacing the brake pads as a precautionary measure.
| Indication | Possible Issue |
|---|---|
| Thin brake pads | Need replacement |
| Uneven wear patterns | Sticking calipers or worn components |
| Worn or cracked rotors | Need replacement or resurfacing |
| Grinding noise | Worn brake pads |
| Pulsation or shuddering | Warped rotors |
Removing the Brake Calipers
1. Locate the brake caliper on the back of the brake rotor. The caliper is the large, metal housing that contains the brake pads.
2. Use a socket wrench to remove the two bolts that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket.
3. Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper off the brake rotor and support it with a bungee cord or zip tie. Avoid letting the caliper hang by the brake hose.
Disconnecting the Brake Line (Optional)
4. If the caliper is not equipped with a caliper bracket, you will need to disconnect the brake line from the caliper. Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the brake line fitting. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
Removing the Brake Pads
5. Once the caliper is removed, you can remove the brake pads. The brake pads are held in place by two clips. Use a flathead screwdriver or a brake pad removal tool to carefully pry the clips off the brake pads.
Once the clips are removed, you can slide the brake pads out of the caliper. Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear. If the brake pads are worn down to less than 1/4 inch thick, they need to be replaced.
| Brake Pad Thickness | Replacement Required |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch or more | No |
| Less than 1/4 inch | Yes |
Safety First
Ensure the vehicle is appropriately secured on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels opposite the ones you will be working on.
Removing the Wheel
Begin by loosening the lug nuts on the selected wheel, but do not remove them entirely. Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and remove the loosened lug nuts, then detach the wheel.
Inspecting the Brake Caliper
Locate the brake caliper, which houses the brake pads. Remove the caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift the caliper away from the rotor, ensuring not to strain or damage the brake line.
Inspecting the Brake Pads
Use a flashlight to examine the brake pads’ thickness. If they are worn down to less than 1/4 inch, replacement is necessary.
Installing the New Brake Pads
Align the new brake pads with the caliper and insert them into the designated slots. Ensure they are seated correctly and snugly in place.
Reassembling the Components
Carefully place the caliper back onto the rotor and secure it with the mounting bolts, tightening them according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Repeat this process for the other wheels as necessary.
Lubricating the Components
Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the brake pads and the contact points on the caliper to prevent squealing and ensure smooth operation.
Final Inspection
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top it off if needed. Perform a test drive and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. If any issues arise, consult a qualified mechanic promptly.
Reinstalling the Brake Calipers
Once you have the new brake pads in place, it is time to reinstall the brake calipers. Start by cleaning the caliper mounting bolts with a wire brush and applying anti-seize lubricant to the threads. Then, carefully screw in the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for the correct torque specifications.
Next, clean the caliper brackets and the caliper guide pins. Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the guide pins and slide the caliper back onto the rotor. Secure the caliper with the retaining bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
Finally, install the caliper piston by using a C-clamp or a dedicated piston retraction tool. Carefully push the piston back into its housing, ensuring that it is fully seated and flush with the caliper body. If the piston is not seated correctly, it can cause the brakes to drag or lock up.
Lubricating the Brake Hardware
To prevent premature wear and corrosion, it is important to lubricate the brake hardware during the installation process. Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the following components:
| Component | Lubrication Point |
|---|---|
| Caliper guide pins | Sliding surfaces |
| Caliper bracket | Contact points with the caliper |
| Brake pad backing plates | Contact points with the caliper pistons |
| Brake pad shims | Contact points with the caliper pistons |
Tightening the Wheel Bolts
When tightening the wheel bolts, it’s crucial to follow proper torque specifications to ensure the wheels are securely fastened. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly tighten the wheel bolts:
- Safety First: Engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle, and use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a tire iron, a torque wrench, and the specified torque setting for your vehicle.
- Locate the Wheel Bolts: Remove the hubcap or wheel cover to expose the wheel bolts.
- Loosen the Bolts (by Hand Only): Use the tire iron to loosen the wheel bolts slightly, but do not remove them completely.
- Tighten the Bolts with Torque Wrench: Use the torque wrench to tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque setting. Follow a star pattern to evenly distribute the load.
- Repeat for Remaining Bolts: Continue tightening the remaining wheel bolts following the star pattern.
- Final Tightening: Once all bolts are hand-tightened and snug, go around one more time with the torque wrench to achieve the exact specified torque.
- Double-Check Torque Settings: Using a torque wrench ensures precision and accuracy. To ensure proper installation, double-check the torque settings with another torque wrench or have a mechanic verify them.
Torque Specifications for 2006 Toyota Camry (2007-2014)
| Type | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Alloy Wheels | 80-95 |
| Steel Wheels | 76-95 |
Lowering the Vehicle
1. Engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels but do not remove them completely.
3. Use a jack to raise the front of the car. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended jack points.
4. Place jack stands under the designated jack points for added safety.
5. Remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels.
6. Locate the caliper bolts on the back of the caliper. There are usually two bolts, one on the top and one on the bottom.
7. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the caliper bolts but do not remove them completely.
8. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake line.
9. Sliding the Old Pads Out
a. The brake pads are held in place by two metal clips. Use a flathead screwdriver or a brake pad spreader tool to carefully pry the clips back to release the pads.
b. Once the clips are loosened, gently slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
c. Inspect the caliper bracket for any wear or damage. Clean it if necessary.
10. Compare the new brake pads to the old ones to ensure they are the correct size and shape.
Bleeding the Brake System (if necessary)
If you experience a spongy brake pedal or have replaced any brake lines or components, it’s essential to bleed the brake system to remove any air that may have entered. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bleed the brakes:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a clean container, a 10mm wrench, and brake fluid.
- Park the Camry on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Open the hood and locate the brake master cylinder.
- Remove the cap on the master cylinder and check the fluid level. If it’s low, add brake fluid to the “MAX” line.
- Have an assistant sit in the car and slowly pump the brake pedal several times.
- While the pedal is depressed, use the wrench to slightly loosen the bleeder screw on the furthest rear brake caliper.
- Observe the fluid coming out of the bleeder screw. If there are air bubbles, continue bleeding until the fluid is clear.
- Tighten the bleeder screw and repeat the process for the remaining rear and front brake calipers, working from the furthest to the closest to the master cylinder.
- Top off the brake fluid in the master cylinder as needed.
- Test the brake pedal to ensure it’s firm and responsive.
Note: If you are unsure about bleeding the brake system yourself, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic.
How to Change Brake Pads on a 2006-2014 Toyota Camry
Changing brake pads on your Toyota Camry is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. By following these steps, you can save yourself the cost of having a mechanic do it for you.
**Materials you will need:**
- New brake pads
- Brake caliper spreader
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet
- Lug wrench
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin, it’s important to ensure your car is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. Additionally, chock the wheels on the opposite side of the car from where you will be working to prevent it from rolling.
Step 2: Remove the Lug Nuts
Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be working on, but do not remove them completely.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
Using a jack, lift the vehicle so that there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.
Step 4: Remove the Wheel
Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel, setting it aside in a safe place.
Step 5: Remove the Caliper Mounting Bolts
Locate the two caliper mounting bolts on the back of the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench and ratchet to remove the bolts.
Step 6: Remove the Brake Caliper
Once the mounting bolts are removed, carefully lift the brake caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.
Step 7: Remove the Old Brake Pads
Use a flathead screwdriver or brake pad spreader to pry the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Be careful not to damage the caliper or piston.
Step 8: Install the New Brake Pads
Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure that they are properly aligned.
Step 9: Reinstall the Brake Caliper
Carefully lift the brake caliper back over the rotor and tighten the mounting bolts.
Step 10: Reinstall the Wheel
Place the wheel back on the hub and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts further, but do not overtighten.
Step 11: Lower the Vehicle
Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack.
Step 12: Tighten the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts.
Step 13: Repeat for Other Wheels
Repeat steps 1-12 for the other wheels on the vehicle.
Step 14: Pump the Brakes
Once all the wheels are back on and the vehicle is on the ground, pump the brake pedal several times to build up pressure in the brake lines.
Congratulations! You have now successfully changed the brake pads on your 2006-2014 Toyota Camry.
People Also Ask
How often should I change my brake pads?
Brake pads typically need to be changed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of brake pads you use.
What are the signs that my brake pads need to be changed?
Some common signs that your brake pads need to be changed include:
- Squealing or grinding noises when you brake
- A decrease in braking performance
- Worn or thin brake pads
