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Moderate⏱ 2 - 3 h14 steps·Original on iFixit ↗

How To Replace the Front Brake Pads and Rotors on Your 2018–2024 Toyota Camry

This guide shows how to remove and replace worn out brake pads and brake rotors on an eighth‑generation Toyota Camry.

Perform this service when pad thickness is low, rotors are warped or scored, or you feel vibration during braking.

Several of the fasteners are important parts of the braking system, so pay attention to torque values.

Tools (12)

Parts (3)

Step-by-step instructions

1

Remove caliper mounting bolts

  • [youtubetimestamp|4.6|35]Once the car is up on jackstands, use an impact wrench to remove both wheels. Otherwise, before you raise the car, loosen the lug nuts slightly so you can get the wheels off once the car is lifted and put on stands.
  • Once the car is up on jackstands, turn the hubs so that the caliper is facing out more. This will help you to reach the bolts more easily. Turn the steering wheel to the right for the right side caliper, and to the left for the left side.
  • .Use a 14 mm socket to unfasten the caliper bolt while holding the caliper pin flats with a 17 mm wrench.
  • Back both 14 mm bolts completely out to free the caliper from the caliper bracket.
2

Support the caliper

  • [youtubetimestamp|35|54]Loop a strong string or wire around the caliper before removing the last bolt.
  • [youtubetimestamp|35|54]Hang the caliper on the strut with the string or wire as a backup so no tension is placed on the rubber brake hose.
3

Remove the caliper bracket

  • [youtubetimestamp|55|75]Use a 3/8" ratchet and a 17 mm socket to remove the two 17 mm bolts that secure the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle and lift the bracket away.
4

Remove pads and old hardware

  • [youtubetimestamp|77.5|96]Press down on each brake pad ear to release it and pull the pads out of the bracket.
  • Pry the stainless hardware clips out of the bracket and discard them.
5

Remove the rotor

  • [youtubetimestamp|97.2|109]Pull the rotor off the hub; if it is seized, strike the rotor face with a rubber mallet. Use a circular or alternating pattern for the blows to break it free.
6

Clean hub and apply anti‑seize

  • [youtubetimestamp|110.4|120.5]Brush rust from the hub face so the new rotor seats flat.
  • [youtubetimestamp|110.4|120.5]Cleaning any rust, dirt, or other foreign matter off the hub where the rotor is seated is important for the brakes to function smoothly without pulsation.
  • [youtubetimestamp|110.4|120.5]Wipe the hub clean with a rag or paper towel, and spread a thin coat of anti‑seize on the center pilot of the hub to prevent future rotor sticking.
7

Install the new rotor

  • [youtubetimestamp|121.5|126.5]Position the new rotor over the wheel studs and push it fully against the hub.
  • [youtubetimestamp|121.5|126.5]If the rotor keeps wiggling too much or flops, you can hold it temporarily in place with a lug nut while you do the next step.
8

Install new bracket clips

  • [youtubetimestamp|130.4|158]Press each new stainless clip into the caliper bracket until it snaps in place.
  • Make sure the pockets where the clips sit are clean. Use a wire brush to remove debris or corrosion.
  • Confirm all clips sit on the same side of the bracket to keep pad ears oriented correctly.
9

Attach spring clips to pads

  • [youtubetimestamp|158.3|181]Snap the anti‑rattle spring clip onto the top edge of each new pad, seating it in the groove.
  • Repeat for both inner and outer pads and make sure the clips lie flat.
10

Reinstall the caliper bracket

  • [youtubetimestamp|181.5|214.5]Hold the rotor against the hub and slide the bracket over the rotor.
  • [youtubetimestamp|181.5|214.5]You can also use a lug nut to temporarily hold the rotor in place so you can have both your hands free to put the bracket on.
  • [youtubetimestamp|181.5|214.5]Thread both 17 mm bolts by hand, then tighten them with a torque wrench to 79 ft‑lb (107 N·m).
11

Insert new brake pads

  • [youtubetimestamp|215.3|231]Slide the outer pad into the bracket with its spring clip at the top.
  • Push the inner pad into the bracket, also keeping the spring clip at the top.
12

Compress the caliper piston

  • [youtubetimestamp|231.7|255]Remove the master‑cylinder cap to let fluid return while the piston is compressed.
  • Check the master cylinder fluid level before you compress the pistons. If it is full, remove some with a clean turkey baster, so it won't overflow. It should be halfway between the Min and Max markings.
  • Place an old pad against the piston and squeeze it in with a clamp until the piston is fully seated.
13

Install and torque the caliper

  • [youtubetimestamp|255.4|290]Wipe the caliper face clean of debris before assembly.
  • [youtubetimestamp|255.4|290]Slide the caliper over the new pads and onto the bracket.
  • [youtubetimestamp|255.4|290]Thread the upper and lower 14 mm bolts, hold the slider flats with a 17 mm wrench. Use a 14 mm socket and 3/8" rachet and snug up the bolts.
  • [youtubetimestamp|255.4|290]Use a torque wrench with a 14 mm socket and torque each 14 mm bolt to 25 ft‑lb (34 N·m). You will need to hold the slider flats with a 17 mm wrench.
14

Check brake fluid and finish

  • [youtubetimestamp|299|315.8]Now you can repeat this process for the other wheel. If you have done both wheels, go to the next item.
  • [youtubetimestamp|299|315.8]Verify the brake‑fluid level sits between the MIN and MAX marks and remove excess fluid with a clean turkey baster if needed.
  • [youtubetimestamp|299|315.8]Reinstall the reservoir cap.
  • [youtubetimestamp|299|315.8]Firmly pump the brake pedal until it feels solid before driving, then test drive at low speed to confirm proper operation.

Conclusion

With both front corners finished and the brake pedal pumped firm, check wheel lug nut torque, remove any jacks, and enjoy restored, confident braking on your Camry.

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