2005 I4 Camry Base/LE front brake pads/rotors vs XLE/SE

[Spiritus777]

Does anyone know what the real difference is between the 2005 base/LE model front brake pads and rotors (or i guess the entire front braking system) vs the XLE and SE models with the I4 engine? I was under the impression that the braking system was all the same among the I4 models while the V6's got rear disc brakes instead of drums. However, the part number of the front brake pads and rotors for the base and LE model was different than the XLE/SE models. Please clarify this for me. Thanks!

[xanthangum]

It's not the motor, it's the wheels. Models that came std. equipment with 16 inch wheels (SE and XLE) have the larger 296 mm diameter rotors, this is, as you have guessed, a totally different brake system with different pads, calipers, and mounting parts. The 15 inch wheel cars (LE and base) have 275 mm diameter rotors. I am guessing that the bigger brakes will not fit if you have 15 inch wheels.

[xanthangum]

www.toyotanation.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-381252.html

If you check the above thread it would seem that at least one person has bought the smaller rotors, put them on an SE V6 and ended up with a weird pad wear condition. As well, someone else

2005 4cyl SE - Front Brake Rotor replacement

appears to have had the smaller brakes on an SE 4-banger. So, perhaps the best advice is to make sure you measure the rotors and pads you buy for your car to make sure they are the same size as those you are replacing.

[kenny1773]

xanthangum

One those threads you linked to is mine. My 2005 I-4 SE model came with the 215/60/16 wheels and I had the SMALLER pads on the front. I do have disc brakes in the rear.

The CX908 was the correct front brake pad part for my vehicle, the 906 was too large. I am not sure of an easy way for someone to tell the correct part.

The published fit guide it not entirely accurate. The only way to be sure would be to measure your pads (the large one is probably a 1/4" or more larger). Until you figure it out, you may be better off to buy pads locally, buy both and return the ones you don't use, then write yourself a note (or a thread here like I did) to remind yourself of which you have.

[LE05]

try: http://www.showmetheparts.com/akebono/

their list is very thorough but might be a little confusing. there are differences between models, where it was manufactured, and whether it has drums or not, and i think engine size as well... although really there's only two different pads.

from what i can tell:
USA I4 Base, LE, SE, XLE uses the 908 size pad
Japanese I4 and V6 LE uses the 908 size pad

All the other models i assume use the 906A size pad (USA/Japanese V6 SE, XLE)

incidentally, akebono proact ultra premium ceramic pads are the only pads i use on my vehicles.

you can also cross reference using tirerack and rockauto, they also sell akebono pads. you can use tirerack and rockauto for the rotors. i have not gotten the wrong pad or rotors since i've started cross referencing all three companies.

[xanthangum]

I agree with Kenny and Spiritus that many parts lists out there (and my Toyota shop manual), including those at your local auto parts store, suggest that the SE and XLE models ALL have the larger front brakes, but other sources indicate that the 4 cylinder cars have the smaller brakes. If you have a base car or an LE it definitely has the smaller rotors and pads. If you have an SE or XLE V6 it definitely has the bigger ones. Does anyone have an SE/XLE 4-cylinder that came with the bigger brake setup?

Going back to the original question, has anyone converted a car from the smaller brake setup to the larger one? I can see you'd have to change the rotors, pads, and calipers for sure, would there be anything else you'd have to change? Does anyone know if the caliper mounting brackets are the same?

[Spiritus777]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Going along with what xanthangum said, is it possible to do a conversion to the larger front discs if I'm on 15" steelies? I might do that conversion when my front rotors needs to be replaced to improve braking.