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Best front brake pads and rotors for 2003 Sequoia SR5?

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2.3K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  algtrader  
#1 ·
Dear 1st Gen Sequoia forum,

I'm monitoring my front brakes since it's giving a high pitch squealing sound mainly on cold days when I start the car and stepping on the brakes when backing out (reversing) out of the garage. The squealing disappears when I drive off, never to be heard of again. What could this be?

I asked my mechanic and she said it must be the cold weather and to wait until the pads needed replacement. Shetold me their shop uses Akebono rotors and Advics brake pads - anyone here have any experience with these?

My goal is to see if I can get something a lot better than what I have now (I got this '03 Sequoia in late 2022) and not even sure if what I have is OEM.

Hope you're able to answer my two questions above. Any recommendations from this forump would be g r e a t l y a p p r e c i a t e d !
 
#2 ·
For my 4x4 06 I went with
HAWK LTS pads
STOPTECH SPORT SLOTTED CRYO-TREATED ROTOR
I do the install myself and very carefully break them in per the brake break in instructions. Something mechanics may or may not do.

You should be able to pull a wheel and check pad thickness to make sure that's where the noise is coming from.

My daughter described that very noise to me (her used Kia Soul) and I bought new brake parts for her vehicle since it was used and we hadn't touched the brakes since buying. Her pads looked brand new and it turned out to be a loose power steering belt. Once it warmed up, it didn't squeal no more.
 
#3 ·
Hi jcaztoyotas
Thanks. The pads are $60 a pair and the rotors are $100 each. How hard is the rotor replacement? I watched a Youtube video and looks DIY but the challenge is when the rotor won't come off. The guys was hitting the rotor on the flat part to loosen it. Are there any special tools required?
 
#6 · (Edited)
Well, the socket set to get the lugs and calipers out. An M8 screw or 2 in case your rotors are threaded. If they are, you tighten the M8 in and it pushes against the hub, then tap the rotor to pop it free. I don't think they're screwed in, at least I don't think mine were, but if there is a large head screw then a Philips hand impact & decent mallet. Penetrating spray, anti seize, brake grease and brake cleaner.

Course you have to jack up the car and highly recommended you have jackstands even though you're not under it. Wheel chock so it doesn't roll away on you.

I order spare pins and boots and have always replaced the boots. I yank them to spray out the grease in the calipers. They're your brakes, make sure they work & will last.

Almost forgot a metal coathanger, bungie cord or brake hanger to hang the caliper while you're fighting the rotor without stressing the brake line.

Don't forget to check the brake fluid level when done.

[edit]Let me add a torque wrench and breaker bar if they're really stuck.
 
#4 ·
Dear 1st Gen Sequoia forum,

I'm monitoring my front brakes since it's giving a high pitch squealing sound mainly on cold days when I start the car and stepping on the brakes when backing out (reversing) out of the garage. The squealing disappears when I drive off, never to be heard of again. What could this be?

I asked my mechanic and she said it must be the cold weather and to wait until the pads needed replacement...
If that is the only sound you hear, its the overnight moisture in the air causing some surface rusting on the rotors, usually heard when backing out (mine too), but above all, someone should simply Check the condition of the pads (evenly worn or not) and how much is left Then decide to replace the pads.

I like Powerstop Z36 category (heavy duty) for my trucks. You can buy a kit with rotors or just pads, your choice.

 
#5 ·
This probably won't help as much. However, this would be my take. I don't know much about rotors but for the pad's here what I got.

I think it's a good idea to personally change them between 3-4mm. I wouldn't keep them any longer than 3-4mm personally. It's not really safe after that point. If you're looking for pad recommendations as well. Try to look for the Akebono ASP brake pads. I believe they are made for your Sequoia if I am correct. I believe this is the correct part number. I could be wrong. Check RockAuto or any other place in general. Just enter the car information stuff. Akebono has to be the best manufacturer out there for brake pads. Try to get these if you can. I don't think you would regret it at all. These specific part numbers are for the performance pad versions. I think they are better than the Pro-Act series pads. Best of luck though.

More Information for AKEBONO ASP606A (rockauto.com)
More Information for AKEBONO ASP976 (rockauto.com)