How to Replace Brake Pads in a Toyota Avalon
by Jule Pamplin
The Toyota Avalon is equipped with all-wheel ABS disc brakes. The braking system is comprised of brake pads, rotors and calipers with caliper pistons. Toyota recommends regular inspection and maintenance of your Avalon's brakes, including replacement of the brake pads at least every 50,000 miles. You can take your Toyota to a brake service station to have the brake pads replaced, or you can swap the worn pads for new ones yourself and save the cost of labor.
Step 01
Park the Avalon on a flat surface, away from passing traffic, allowing you ample space to work on both sides of the vehicle.
Step 11
Turn off the engine.
Step 21
Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire iron.
Step 31
Place the jack beneath the frame, in the font of the Toyota, and lift the front tires at least three inches off the ground. Place jack stands beneath the axles to support the vehicle.
Step 41
Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels off.
Step 51
Remove the two caliper slide pins located on the back of the caliper. Turn each of the pins three full turns with a 13-mm wrench before finishing the removal with your hands.
Step 61
Lift the caliper from the rotor and caliper bridge and place it on top of the brake rotor or steering arm. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake assembly by the brake line.
Step 71
Pry the worn brake pads from the caliper bridge with a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 81
Inspect the caliper bridge and rotor for damage. Remove any rust from the components with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush.
Step 91
Apply anti-squeal brake grease to the back sides of the new brake pads and slide them into the caliper bracket slots.
Step 101
Open the brake fluid bleed valve on the caliper with a 10-mm wrench. Place a drip pan beneath the caliper to catch any leaking brake fluid. One-half turn with the wrench will sufficiently open the valve.
Step 111
Place the C-clamp around the caliper piston and the back of the caliper itself. Squeeze the piston until it is fully recessed within the side of the caliper. Remove the clamp.
Step 121
Close the bleed valve with the 10-mm wrench.
Step 131
Place the caliper back over the new brake pads and screw in the caliper slide pins. Tighten both pins with the 13-mm wrench.
Step 141
Repeat steps 6 through 14 to replace any additional sets of brake pads.
Step 151
Replace the Avalon's wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
Step 161
Lift the Toyota with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires back to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
Step 171
Start the engine. Press the brake pedal three times slowly to replenish the fluid inside the caliper and reset the caliper pistons.
Step 181
Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard, on the driver's side of the Avalon. Move to the front of the vehicle.
Step 191
Lift the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is located on the right side of the motor, near the back of the engine compartment.
Step 201
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. Insert the funnel into the container and fill the reservoir with brake fluid, as necessary.
Step 211
Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Toyota's hood.
References
- "Toyota Camry (including Avalon, Solara, & Lexus ES 200) Automotive Repair Manual, 1997-2001;" Haynes, 2001
- Edmunds.com: How to Change Your Brake Pads
Things You'll Need
- Tire iron
- Jack
- Jack stands
- 13-mm wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Brake pads
- Brake grease
- 10-mm wrench
- Drip pan
- C-clamp
- Funnel
- Brake fluid
Warnings
- Always wear safety goggles when working under the car, to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes.
Writer Bio
Jule Pamplin has been a copywriter for more than seven years. As a financial sales consultant, Pamplin produced sales copy for two of the largest banks in the United States. He attended Carnegie-Mellon University, winning a meritorious scholarship for the Careers in Applied Science and Technology program, and later served in the 1st Tank Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps.