How do you replace Front or Rear brake rotors on 2006 Toyota Sienna?

Answer 1

Written for both front and rear.

Before you start, if this is the first time the rotors have been removed I recommend purchasing new rotors.

You'll need a 15mm open end wrench, 14mm ratcheting wrench or shallow socket, 16mm deep socket, a skinny fairly long flat-head screw driver, wire brush, large hammer (maybe).

1. Break the lug nuts loose.

2. Jack vehicle and remove lugs. Support van with jack stands!

3. Remove caliper. You'll need the 14mm and maybe the 15mm to hold the inside nut.

4. Once removed, secure with tie wrap or piece of wire, coat hanger, so that the caliper isn't hanging by hose.

5. Remove caliper mount bracket. 16mm. These babies are tight. You may need a small pipe to slide over the end of your ratchet for leverage. I use the boxed end of a 7/8" wrench.

6. For rear rotors, spin rotor until the small rubber plug is at the 6 o'clock position. Remove plug. At this position the tensioner for the parking brake can be accessed. Take the flat head and spin the tensioner, one tooth at a time to release tension. You'll know pretty quickly if you are going the wrong direction. (Lefty loosey)

7. The rotor should slide off at this point. I live in the north and mine were corroded to the hub. If this is the case for you, grab a big hammer. Seriously. You have to beat the rotors off. I recommend 3-5 hits, then rotate and repeat. This is why I recommend purchasing replacement rotors just in case.

8. Once removed, take a wire brush to the hub and clean the area with brake cleaner.

9. I recommend applying a very thin film of high temp anti-seize to the hub, especially if you think you'll be the one to replace them in the future.

10. Install new rotor. If on the rear, make sure the hole in the rotor lines up with the access hole in the hub for the parking brake adjustment.

11. Install caliper mount. 16mm bolts. Inspect the lock washer. If it's bad (i.e. completely flat), replace.

12. Spray rotors down with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil (oily film).

13. Compress the caliper. If you've recently added brake fluid, or are changing all pads on the van, remove the cap on the fluid reservoir (as you compress the fluid pushes back into the reservoir). Use a 3-4"' C clamp or there's actually a tool for this. Reinstall reservoir cap.

14. Install pads into caliper mount. (before you install caliper)

15. Slide caliper over the pads. You'll need to push the back nut in, by hand(it's spring loaded) to fully install the caliper. Using your 15mm open-end, install the 14mm bolts.

16. Double check the 4 bolts you've installed.

17. Reinstall the tire. Snug lug nuts. Spin the tire while you have the van elevated to make sure you do not have any abnormal grinding/rubbing.

18. Lower van and torque lugs. Actual torque value is in the owners manual.

Put on 2 band-aids and repeat on the other side.