If you want to have optimal performance from your Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, taking proper care of the vehicle’s parts and brake pad is very essential.
Having good-quality brake pads installed for the truck will give you confidence on the road. You will feel safer even if running at top speed.
Brake pads repeatedly work in the same style, and that’s why it starts getting damaged. If you already have damaged brake pads on the Tacoma, you should go for a replacement. It could be an easy task for you if you know how to replace brake pads with Toyota Tacoma.
Not everyone has the knowledge of doing mechanical things for trucks. Considering this fact, I will show you how to change brake pads on Toyota Tacoma.
When Should You Replace the Brake Pads?
Before you start replacing the old brake pads on a Toyota Tacoma, make sure you have checked it carefully.
For Toyota Tacoma, you should replace the brake pads after every 30,000 miles to 35,000 miles. This is the optimal range of using the same brakes on your truck. This range, however, could be less or more depending on the riding style and the type of the roads.
The brakes might come with an indicator that tells you when to replace them in some cases. But in the majority of the models of Toyota Tacoma, you won’t see such a feature.
Besides the mileage milestone, there are some other signs like malfunction of brake pads that indicate that one should replace the brake pads. Here are the major signs that it is time for a replacement –
Squealing noise: This is the most common thing you will notice in older brakes of trucks. When you are trying to stop the vehicle by braking, the brake pads will make a squealing noise. It means the brake pads are near the end of their life.
Grinding noise: Sometimes, you could hear a different type of noise from the Toyota Tacoma truck. The brakes will create a grinding-like noise when the brake is pedal is pushed. It means the brakes are damaged and need replacement.
Stops lately: This is the general rule for brake pads in any vehicle. If you push the brakes at full range and the vehicle still takes a long time to stop, it means the brake pads are not working properly.
Vibration: Did you just notice that your truck vibrates when you push the brake pedal? If so, it is time to go for the brake pads replacement.
If there is an indicator light, you don’t have to look for the above things.
Essential Tools to Replace the Brake Pads on Toyota Tacoma
The purpose of this article is to teach you how you can easily replace the brake pads on a Toyota Tacoma. So, you should have the following tools before starting the step by step process –
- Thread
- Hammer
- Drive ratchet
- Socket
- Pliers
Steps to Follow to Replace Brake Pads Toyota Tacoma
Here are the steps that one can follow to replace brake pads on a Toyota Tacoma –
Step 1: Prepare the Environment
The first thing to do is park the vehicle on a flat surface so that you can get access to the wheels and the brake pads as well. Make sure no one is going to disturb you while you are doing the process. While parking the truck, place wheel chocks in front and rear of one of the back tires.
Step 2: Loosening the Lug Nuts for Front Tires
Lug nuts are the hardware that connects the wheels of the vehicle. If you want to get access to the brake pads, you need to remove the lug nuts. But in this step, just loosen the lug nuts using a ½ inch drive breaking bar and a deep ½ inch drive socket.
Step 3: Lift the Truck on Both Sides
After loosening the lug nuts of one side, lift that side of the truck using a floor jack and then place the jack stand to keep the position. Do the same for the other side of the wheels, and it will elevate the vehicle’s front axle. The steering wheel will be unlocked, and you will be able to change the angles of the wheels.
Step 4: Remove the Locking Pin of The Caliper
Now you need to turn the wheel to extend the caliper to pass the wheel. Next, remove the locking pin of the caliper. This pin used to pop out easily. It could, however, not pop out, and you need to apply a plier. Avoid any kind of damage to it if your new braked pads don’t have the new hardware.
Step 5: Remove the Pad
This is the most challenging step of replacing brake pads on Toyota Tacoma. Start by punching and hammering on the flat side of the pad. The pad might contain some rust, and the movement won’t be smooth. Start by taping on the pad and then tap on the opposite side to get back to the same path.
Do repletion for this step which will clean the path if there is any rust, and it will be easy for you to move the pads. Grab the pins with channel lock and then move them. If the pins come out now, follow the same way for another one. Don’t damage the pins while doing the entire process.
Step 6: Squeeze the Caliper
Squeeze the caliper pistons with any old pad to create a surface with a C clamp. The problem is Toyota Tacoma features four pistons, and if you squeeze one, the other side will try to come out. If you see other pistons coming out while doing this, go to that side and push it. If the caliper is something that has a frozen piston, use any kind of car-friendly lubricant.
Step 7: Fix the Brake Pads in Place
Before you start placing the pads, apply a coat of anti-seize or brake lubricant to keep it smooth. Place the pads into the caliper and use the holding pins to lock it in place. Take the thread and apply it to the caliper with the pins in the same piston. First, do it for the backing plates facing inside the wheel. Next, thread the upper pin. These pins will hold the new brake pads in place.
Spread the pads apart with your hand so that they can fit into the caliper. It won’t take much force to it.
Step 8: Reinstall the Caliper Bolts
After placing the brake pads in place and setting the pins in the right way, you need to reinsert the caliper bolts. Use the drive ratchet and socket to place the caliper bolts and tighten them properly.
Step 9: Adjust the Locking Pin
Insert the locking pins in the holes of the holding pins and use a plier or appropriate channel local to adjust and align the small holes.
Step 10: Add the Wheels
Now you can place the wheels on the vehicle. Add the wheels and add the lug nuts. Give them a good tune and tighten up.
Finally, repeat the same process for the other side and replace the brake pads.
That’s all about how to replace brake pads Toyota Tacoma. You don’t have to search for how to change brake pads on 2017 Toyota Tacoma or how to change brake pads on 2015 and vice versa. The process is suitable for almost all the Toyota Tacoma models.
Toyota Tacoma Front Brake Pads & Rotors Replacement
Top Quality Brake Pads for Toyota Tacoma
Wondering where to get the best quality brake pads for your Toyota Tacoma? Here are the top 3 brake pads that you can choose for your vehicle.
- Bosch BP976 QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Pad
It is one of the best sellers in the category of brake pads. The brake pad set is suitable for Tacoma models that come with 6 lug style.
- TOYOTA Genuine Front Disc Brake Pad Kit
If you are looking for something budget-friendly, try out this brake pad set. It is manufactured by Toyota.
- Power Stop K137-36 Front Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit
This item is suitable for you if you are looking for a complete set of all the hardware for Tacoma brakes, including the brake pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace brakes on a Toyota Tacoma?
The brake pads replacement cost will be from $150 to $350. This cost includes the price for the brake pads and the labor cost. The cost will increase if you are getting it done exclusively from a specialized mechanic shop. However, you can also do the replacement of brake pads and save some extra bucks.
How to change brake pads on 1999 Toyota Tacoma?
The process of changing the brake pads will be the same as described above. The only thing you need to consider is removing the rust and corrosion before placing the new brake pads. Otherwise, it will damage the new brake pads.
DIY or professional installation for brake pads?
The braking power is the most significant feature of any truck. If you don’t have much confidence in replacing Toyota Tacoma brake pads, you must take expert help.
Wrapping Up
You now have a clear idea of how to replace brake pads with Toyota Tacoma. Just follow the way we have shared here, and it will be done. Before you start, remember to gather all the essential tools that are required for the brake pads replacement. Otherwise, you will have to stop in the mid of installation.
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