How do you change the front brake pads on a 2004 Toyota solara?

Answer 1

It's simpler than you might think.

1. Loosen lug nuts slightly

2. Raise the front of the car and slide a couple of jack stands underneath so you can't be hurt if your jack fails.

3. Remove the road wheels

4. Remove the (3) bolts holding the calipers to the car.

5. Lift the caliper off the rotor and note how the brake pads are mounted.

6. Lift the brake pads out of the caliper. Until you're familiar with things I'd suggest laying the pads on the ground exactly the way they came out of the caliper for reference.

7. Clean the caliper well with spray brake cleaner

8. Using one of the old pads, press the caliper piston back in. Don't use your thumbs, you can push the piston in too far (besides, it's hard on your thumbs).

9. Install new pads along with any anti-squeal plates/springs that were attached to the old pads and remount the caliper. Now repeat #4 through 8 on the other side.

10. Remount road wheels and lower front of car.

11. Start engine and press brake pedal multiple times to bring pads back in contact with disc. This is important. If you forget, you won't have any brakes the first time you apply them while moving.

Cheers