OEM 2004 Toyota Tacoma Brake Pad Set

2004 Toyota Tacoma Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the front Brake Pad Set on 2004 Toyota Tacoma?

  A: The front wheel needs removal before investigating pad lining thickness through the caliper inspection hole to replace pads when the thickness drops below 1.0 mm (0.039 inch). The caliper needs lifting after removing the slide pin from the bottom side while using available suspension methods to secure it without breaking the flexible hose. The braking process begins by removing two brake pads together with four anti-squeal shims and the pad wear indicator plate and the four pad support plates. Support plates remain reusable only when they do not exhibit any signs of deformation and lack cracks or wear damage yet must be clean from rust and dirt buildup. Measuring the disc thickness along with runout should proceed before installing new pads and four pad support plates while you also replace anti-squeal shims and wear indicator plates with the pads. The pad installation requires a pad wear indicator on the inner pad together with an anti-squeal shim on both sides of each pad. Place the inner pad with the wear indicator plate at the bottom while facing downward, then position the outer pad next to it without permitting any contact between oil or grease and the rubbing surface. To install the caliper properly you must first reduce brake fluid in the reservoir afterwards push in the piston with a hammer handle or its equivalent before easing piston movement by loosening the bleeder plug if necessary. The brake caliper should be gently placed in position without damaging the boot before tightening the slide pin to 88 Nm (900 kgf-cm, 65 ft. lbs.). Last, put the front wheel back and tighten it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) while testing the pedal several times followed by checking the fluid reaches the maximum reference mark.