(Home) Changing front brake pads

Is it a relatively easy job changing the front pads on a 4 wheel drive townace.
Got them on order from my local parts shop, got the wheels off all I need now is the easiest way to put the new ones in and take the old ones out.
Strange this covered in the bok anywhere, or am I just blind?
Any advice gratefully received
Phil

- (#7896) Phil, 2 Apr 03 12:51

yup, easy. with the wheel off, remove the 14mm bolt securing the bottom of the caliper to it's carrier. the caliper will then hinge up, you can stick a bolt, screwdriver or similar into the hole in the top of the carrier to secure it. from there, it's just a case of removing the pads, paying attention to the various ant rattle and squeal shims.

take a moment to ensure that both sliding bushes between the caliper and carrier ( the bolt goes through the lower one) are free. clean and regrease if neccesary.

hth

- (#7897) david miller, 2 Apr 03 14:57

As David explains, it is quite a straightforward job but, bear in mind another point. If your old pads are well worn, and you push the pistons back to get the new, thicker pads in, do check the fluid reservoir level. It is likely to overflow and, due to it's mounting inside the vehicle, fluid will drip down onto the carpets. If the fluid level is high (with the old pads in) you can bleed some out at the caliper to avoid this overflow.

- (#7898) John Davis, 2 Apr 03 15:21

I have to say, if you are having to ask about changing brake pads, then don't do it yourself, they are extremely easy to change, but if you aren't sure what you are doing, leave it to a reputable garage to do. Let's face it, if you screw up changing the oil filter, you might not go anywhere, if you screw up the pads you won't stop, and that hurts. HTH Rob.

- (#7899) Rob Drinkwater, 2 Apr 03 16:14

Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated.
rob, you right I guess. I have changed the pads on my other vehicle for yrs, but 1st go at the townie and so wanted to be sure!

One other thing, what are the likely causes of the rear brakes not pulling up evenly ?
regards
Phil

- (#7900) Phil, 2 Apr 03 16:21

"One other thing, what are the likely causes of the
rear brakes not pulling up evenly ?"

Phil, if you mean that there is less effort on one side than the other (footbrake), it could be that there is a fluid leak from the cylinder. This is unlikely to show up as less pressure on one side but,if the leaking fluid has got onto the brake lining, it's effectiveness will be reduced. The new seals, which come in a complete axle set, cost less than a tenner and are good value. It is unlikely that the shoes on one side have worn right out, otherwise there would be a lot of noise on braking. If you meant the handbrake operation, it could be that one of the rear cables is seized in it's guide.

- (#7901) John Davis, 2 Apr 03 16:42

If no leaks (peel back the boot on the brake cylinder, it should be dry) then you may have an adjuster that is not doing it's job ie. the shoes have to travel further to contact the face of the drum.

You can either fix/replace the adjuster or set the shoes manually by adjusting by hand until the drum just catches the shoes when spinning the wheel with the handbrake on the first notch.

Not ideal as you will need to re-adjust periodically but at least it will show you if the fault lies with the adjuster or not.

- (#7902) Ian Dunse, 3 Apr 03 7:12

thanks fella's
haven't got to the back yet to check, still messing with the front.
the pads are certainly easy to change until you find one of the calipers (piston?) as seized and the rubber is knackered.

any idea of a replacement part number, my parts shop only has knowledge of a single piston system, but mine has two.

- (#7953) Phil, 5 Apr 03 8:21

The Toyota part No for "Cylinder Kit, Disc brake, front" for Townace models from 1988 to 1992, is 04479-28031. This kit covers the piston seals, dust covers, rubber boots (for guide bars) etc. ADL Blueprint can supply many parts for our vehicles and they stock the pads. I am not sure about the seal kit though but, they might be able to cross reference with another vehicle. ADL Blueprint are on 01622- 833007 and they can advise on location of your local branch. Otherwise it's the Toyota dealer but I am not sure of the price.

- (#7954) John Davis, 5 Apr 03 8:53

Ok. Got the front cylinder kit from my nearest Toyota dealer for £30 and completed the front yesterday.
ADL were unable to supply them.

Now moving on to the back, which, according to the Mot station are " not increasing and decreasing at the same rate"
sounds like footbreak related so will start with the idea's above.

- (#8057) Phil, 10 Apr 03 12:04

Well the bus passed its MOT retest yesterday without a hitch. Both front and back brakes were fine.

(All I did with the rear was take rear drums off and cleaned out with a brush. Checked cylinders for leaks and checked both brake shoes were free by getting partner to depress the brake pedal. Then simply put back together)

Also needed a new exhaust back box. Local Toyota wanted £235 + vat. Nearest Powerflow had a 6 week waiting list!
Got one from BBC spares for £150 + £15 delivery and fitted it myself!

- (#8157) Phil, 18 Apr 03 1:50