Time for a complete brake job - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ofogao · 08-07-2011, 10:09 PM

Like the title says, I need a completre brake job on my 2004 Corolla.

My front calipers are grabbing, which at times has produced tons of heat and has warpped my rotors.

My front pads need to be replaced also and my drum brakes also need to be serviced.

I've changed front pads and rotors before, but I've never touched calipers and drum brakes.

I've bought all the necessary parts but I'm a bit hestitant to start. I need some help.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a youtube video, web site, anything that could help me.

I searched Toyota Nation and I came across DIY: GEN 3 Brake Shoe Replacement and Parking Brake Adjustment which is a DIY for a 1996 Camry which I think isn't too different from a Corolla.

Like I said, anything would help.

Thanks in advance

ofogao

shoujiliuzhijun · 08-08-2011, 11:22 AM

For rear drum brake, that Camry one is a very good reference, although there's a little difference.

I also recommend a more detailed videos:

You Tube

The part location may be different, but the principles are the same. Also you can get some useful tips on how to remove the springs & washers. That Ericthecarguy channel on Youtube also has other drum brake videos, you may also take a look.

techtalk · 08-09-2011, 10:48 AM

Hello,

Here's some helpful hints on tackling the rear brake drum replacement:

1. Remove the wheels.

2. Remove the brake drum from the axle hub.

To install:

3. Install the brake drum.

4. Install the rear wheels, tighten the wheel lug nuts.

There's also another helpful Corolla brakes diagram here: 2004 Corolla Rear Brake Drum diagram. Click on the 'Get Info' button under the Parts Listing tab and a window pops up. Hit the 'Go' button and the diagram will be displayed.

I'll try to post up information regarding the calipers as soon as I can!

ofogao · 08-09-2011, 12:27 PM

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your posts.

I'm about to start the front brakes first.

Here is what I'm going to do.

1. remove pads, rotors and calipers

2. install new calipers, rotors and pads

3. flush and put in new brake fluid one side at a time

I'm I missing anything here?

Cheers

ofogao

ofogao · 08-09-2011, 03:02 PM

Update

I removed the calipers and pads.

I'm on the rotors and I have a question.

To remove the rotors, I know sometimes it takes some persuasion because of rust, but do you need to remove the centre axle nut??

here are some pics:

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/8607/cimg3359x.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2916/cimg3360zd.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8021/cimg3361.jpg

Cheers

ofogao

shoujiliuzhijun · 08-09-2011, 03:19 PM

No you don't have to remove that nut.
Here's a video on how to remove the rusty rotor by using bolt and nut.

You Tube

Quote:

Originally Posted by ofogao

Update

I removed the calipers and pads.

I'm on the rotors and I have a question.

To remove the rotors, I know sometimes it takes some persuasion because of rust, but do you need to remove the centre axle nut??

here are some pics:

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/8607/cimg3359x.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2916/cimg3360zd.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8021/cimg3361.jpg

Cheers

ofogao

ofogao · 08-09-2011, 03:54 PM

Thanks for replying.

that's what I thought, however I can't see a seam of any kind???

just from looking you would think that axle washer would need to came off???

ofogao · 08-09-2011, 07:18 PM

I'm perplexed!

shoujiliuzhijun, I'm not questioning your knowledge here, but could it be that

the axle nut needs to be removed on my Corolla. The rotors that I have now aren't the originals.

The reason I'm questioning is because I can't see no seam where the rotors would slip around the hub assemby????!!?!?!?!?!!?

ofogao · 08-09-2011, 08:02 PM

Update

I got them off and no need to remove the axle nut.

shoujiliuzhijun, sorry for questioning your expertise

Onward to installing the pads, rotors and calipers and then flushing the brake fluid

Thanks for the help

ofogao

shoujiliuzhijun · 08-09-2011, 11:31 PM

I think you've done the hardest part, congratulations! Rotor can be very hard to remove. Various methods are available, like hammer, PD blaster, bolts+nuts. I also learned today that you can jack the front of car on both sides and reinstall the caliper, then start the car, put the gear to D/R, let the rotor rotate and then brake.

For rear drum brake, if you want to replace the shoes, one of the springs is extremely tight. You may need a vise grip. I managed to get it off by a fish hook. There are also special tools for that spring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ofogao

Update

I got them off and no need to remove the axle nut.

shoujiliuzhijun, sorry for questioning your expertise

Onward to installing the pads, rotors and calipers and then flushing the brake fluid

Thanks for the help

ofogao

pdq · 08-10-2011, 10:38 AM

For your rear drums, you may want to just inspect them for wear. In my case, I was getting a loud squeal when braking and I thought for sure it was the shoes. After removing the drums, the shoes looked very thick. It turned out the actual drums were warped, so I replaced those for $25 each in 10 minutes, and no more squeal.

ofogao · 08-10-2011, 11:10 AM

Thanks pdg shoujiliuzhijun

I started my fronts and realized that the Front Disc Brake Dust Covers on both sides are literally rusting right off.

The parts number for them are 47781 (right side) 47782 (left side).

The problem is that the dealer wants $67 and change for each one! Canada eh!

Can anyone recommend a better alternative?

Cheers

ofogao

Ohiowa · 08-12-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ofogao

Thanks pdg shoujiliuzhijun

I started my fronts and realized that the Front Disc Brake Dust Covers on both sides are literally rusting right off.

The parts number for them are 47781 (right side) 47782 (left side).

The problem is that the dealer wants $67 and change for each one! Canada eh!

Can anyone recommend a better alternative?

Cheers

ofogao

http://www.toyotapartseast.com/parts...-brake-du.html
http://www.toyotapartseast.com/parts...-brake-du.html

cjs755 · 08-12-2011, 06:07 PM

I have a 2007 corolla. I had new brakes put in less than a year ago. I went to PEP BOYS, and the mechanic they did the brake job and had them check the brakes because I hear a grinding sound when I start to stop. They said there is nothing wrong with the brakes or rotors. Also, I just had my car inspected. Again, no problems. But I still hear the grinding sound. There is no problem in Drive or Reverse. So if there is no problem with the brakes or the transmission what could possible be the problem? For some strange reason, I tend to not hear this sound when it rains. PLEASE HELP.

ofogao · 08-17-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohiowa

http://www.toyotapartseast.com/parts...-brake-du.html
http://www.toyotapartseast.com/parts...-brake-du.html

Thanks Ohiowa

cjs755, please don't hijack my thread. Thanks

Update

I installed the dust covers, pads, rotors and calipers, however I'm wondering what the torqure settings are for the two bolts that go into the caliper and the two bolts that hold the caliper assembly. Where could I look?

The other question I have regards brake fluid. While I was taking off the calipers some brake fluid came out and now the brake reservoir is empty. Has air gotten into the brake reservoir? How do I get air out of the air reservoir?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

ofogao