I want to learn how break pads....for a Camry

[Riskhk]

Ok heres the deal Im a college student I dont want to spend money. I heard if you do it yourself you save like half the cost. Any idea how I should approach it? Any websites showing me how to do it?

Thanx

 

[RGN]

Just do one side at a time, that way you can look at the other side if you can't figure something out. Try to borrow the special tools. They are not required but make the job easier. Maybe the library has a chiltons that will show some steps.


Its not too hard, just pay attention.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Usually brake pads are pretty easy, with the exception of pulling the rotor to have it turned, those can be tricky.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Looking to change the pads on the rotor or the drum? The drum takes some work, you'll need 2 tools to make it an easy 5 minute swap. (We had to do it in 5 minutes or less for a car class in high school although I doubt I could do it in that amt of time now)

 

[Riskhk]

um hehehe i have no idea...it just makes a squeaking noise everytime i brake...guess ill just change the pad first if that doesnt work ill replace the drum...exactly what tools do i need...cause if it gets too expensive to buy the tools might as well go to a store

 

[Magikal]

If I were you I would first get a free inspection. Dont do anything until you know what needs to be fixed. Get an estimate and come back here. I or some one else can then help you with what you need. Be sure to go some where that you or some one you know trusts. If the price seems high go elsewhere and get another estimate.

If you have drum brakes than I would not recommend doing then yourself without help. They can be very tricky. Your best bet would be to have someone you know do it that wont charge you much if anything at all.

Oh and yes it is much cheaper to do it youself. The shop I used to work in did a standar front break job for $79.95. Rear breaks were only 59.95 for drums and 69.95 for rotors. Of coarse trucks with 4 wheel drive were a little more due to the extra parts. This all included lifetime warranty pads, drums and rotors were cleaned and turned and sliders lubed, etc. We did breaks cheaper than anyone in town. Most would charge $100+ to do the same. However if you do it yourself you can get away with spending 9.95 on a set of pads and $5 on some slider grease. The only tools you need for front rotor breaks is either a hex or a torx head socket that fits your car. You can get one at a parts store for maybe $5. The people at the counter should be able to tell you what one you need for you particular vehicle.

One more thing. If you are hearing squeeking that is probably just the squeelers that tell you you need a break job but if you have been hearing them for a while than you may be metal-to-metal and that could mean new rotors which will raise the price considerably. But like I said get an estimate than come back here

 

[DesignDawg]

I always do my own brakes on my Camry. It's an 87 though, so if you have something new, I may not be of any help. If it's older (87-91), I KNOW it has the same brakes mine does. You don't need any special tools to pull the drum. You can use "Jack bolts". Go to your auto parts dealer and ask for them. Also, you may want to buy the book for your car. It has all the steps and details on how to do stuff like that. I can tell you this, changing the brake pads on a cary is easy as hell. No problem whatsoever.

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[guyver01]

<< ...it just makes a squeaking noise everytime i brake >>


Doesn't mean they need changing... Toyota uses all metallic pads and they *will* squeak when braking. Trust me, i know... i've got an avalon... JUST changed the pads about 2 days ago, and they still squeak... sucks, but hey.

 

[Riskhk]

hmm guess i will have to get an inspection this week end then

 

[DataFly]

Without changing the kind brakes you really can't do anything about the squeaking. Our Toyota Sienna squeaks, even after having the brakes replaced on all four wheels by the dealer(with the same Toyota brand).

See this page.

 

[Viperoni]

Dood, if you dont have the tools, I would highly suggest leaving the job to a professional.
These are your brakes you're talking about.

 

[pdo]

I've put about 50,000 miles on my 97 Grand Cherokee and need to fix my brakes anytime now. Does anyone have any idea it'll cost to have it fixed and what's the best place to go to?

 

[Magikal]

First off the squeek could very well be the pads. Newer brake pads are almopst always semi-metallic and as im sure you are aware metal pads on metal rotor = squeek! There are some more expensive pads that are made out of ceramic instead of metal. These last much lomger and are much quieter and are less prone to heat damage. But they are significantly mmore expensive if you can even get em(or at least they were when I last checked a while ago).
Just get an inspection this week end then come back here. Then we can tell ya wether or not to mess with it.

 

[Moonbeam]

I never tried but I spose it could be done with a hammer.