Changing Brake Help on 03 Corolla

[brhino692]

I am thinking about trying to attempt changing my brake pads on my 03 Corolla. I have never did this before, and I am not very mechanically inclined, but I have seen it done on my car and it did not look too hard. I was wondering if anyone knew of any websites that offer a picture tutorial to changing your pads, and also if anyone had any suggestions as to the type of brake pads I should buy. Also, is there any type of special tools that I may need to do this, other than basic tools that are in everyones garage? Thanks!

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by brhino692

I am thinking about trying to attempt changing my brake pads on my 03 Corolla. I have never did this before, and I am not very mechanically inclined, but I have seen it done on my car and it did not look too hard. I was wondering if anyone knew of any websites that offer a picture tutorial to changing your pads, and also if anyone had any suggestions as to the type of brake pads I should buy. Also, is there any type of special tools that I may need to do this, other than basic tools that are in everyones garage? Thanks!

Piece of cake...I did both sides in a half and hour ...Two bolts and push the cylinder in with a C clamp(no special tools needed) ...I went to a good ceramic($35 comes with shims attached) , no more brake screeching on damp mornings and hardly any break dust on my wheels ...Running them 2 years now and still have close to 3/4 pad left ...I will try to find you a site with pictures but I really think you can do it on your own...just be careful with the jacks and car support...Really its very easy to do and auto places want $100+ to do it......good luck...Radd Guy
PS check your rotors for wear and loosen your break fluid reservoir cap before and check fluid /tighten cap after installation you might want to remove a little fluid from the reservoir or just put a rag under the reservoir to catch fluid if it leaks over when pushing the cylinder in!

[brhino692]

Thanks for the help, but I am still a little nervous to try and fix it on my own. I have been searching the web for pictures on how to do it, and I have not found any on a Corolla, however I have found pics for many other makes. I'm sure they can not be too different. Also, when looking at the brake pad, how can you tell if they need replaced or if they can go some more miles? Same with the back brakes? I have nearly 60k on my 03 Corolla, and have never replaced the back pads, do u think it is about time (I put a lot of highway miles on it) ? I replaced my front pads about 30k and I believe those should be about ready.

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by brhino692

Thanks for the help, but I am still a little nervous to try and fix it on my own. I have been searching the web for pictures on how to do it, and I have not found any on a Corolla, however I have found pics for many other makes. I'm sure they can not be too different. Also, when looking at the brake pad, how can you tell if they need replaced or if they can go some more miles? Same with the back brakes? I have nearly 60k on my 03 Corolla, and have never replaced the back pads, do u think it is about time (I put a lot of highway miles on it) ? I replaced my front pads about 30k and I believe those should be about ready.

You live in Ohio the same as me...Take your car to a Conrads or any "GOOD" tire place AAA rated and ask them to check your brakes(front and rear), they will be glad to do it for free and will give you a % of pad left and ask them to check your rotor and drum wear. ..Radd Guy

[Raddman]

Just go to the library and get a auto book it will show you pictures and steps on how to replace the pads....Radd Guy...

[Blackstone]

Try the free online repair manuals at autozone.com. Their guides are quite detailed and cover damn near everything you'll ever want to attempt at home.

Oh, never mind. They don't have the manual for '03. Sorry.

[brhino692]

Thanks, I will do both!