Brakes on 2004 Highlander

[MysticGold04]

Has anyone replaced the pads on a 2004 Highlander? I'm getting ready to do it and was just wondering if there are any snags I should anticipate while doing the work. I assume disc brakes are mostly all the same. I have replaced the pads on my truck once already. The rotors seem to be okay -- no vibes or shimmies... so I think I will avoid getting them turned.

I was fortunate to score some AXXIS basic pads from Rockauto on closeout for a total of $22 delivered. Needless to say I was quite happy with that find!

 

[bepperb]

It's very straightforward. The rears have drum parking brake in them, so make sure that's off. All four pistons just push in (the rears do not rotate in).

 

[mechtech2]

Still, rough up the rotors as best and as evenly you can.
Lube anything that moves - a tub of brake grease will last you a decade.
Can you perform a brake bleed afterwards? A great idea.
Remember that pads/shoes have to wear in. Give it 1-300 miles for a street use.

 

[MysticGold04]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Still, rough up the rotors as best and as evenly you can.
Lube anything that moves - a tub of brake grease will last you a decade.
Can you perform a brake bleed afterwards? A great idea.
Remember that pads/shoes have to wear in. Give it 1-300 miles for a street use.


Can I use sandpaper for that? Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Hokiefyd]

If you don't feel any pulsing in the rotors, I probably wouldn't touch them. If there's any pulsing, go have them turned or buy new.

 

[MysticGold04]

Nope no pulsing... no telling when the pads were last replaced, but they had lots of pad left when I bought the car, and the brake fluid looked brand new as well.

 

[MysticGold04]

Just an update.. I completed the job yesterday in about 2 hours in my garage - simple enough job for the at least $100 in labor savings. The old pads looked to be about 20-25% remaining, and no wear indicators, so it was time... I just don't know about the rotors though, maybe I'll change them next time it needs new pads, they seemed in okay shape, but I guess you never know how much surface is left unless you measure them.

Thanks everyone for the tips.. !