This procedure covers removal and replacement of the brake caliper bracket on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, including proper torque specifications and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (front left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if damaged or worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Silicone brake grease for slide pins × 1 — Use high-temperature brake lubricant

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point and secure with jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside
5. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster or syringe to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston
6. Inspect brake components for unusual wear, damage, or fluid leaks before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (upper and lower). Support the caliper with one hand while removing the lower bolt. Once both bolts are removed, lift the caliper away from the rotor and bracket.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Secure caliper safely
   Use a brake caliper hanger or mechanic's wire to suspend the caliper from the strut spring or other suspension component. Ensure the brake hose has no tension or kinks. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose alone.
   ⚠Hanging the caliper by the brake hose can damage internal hose structure, leading to brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs attached to the bracket. Note the orientation of all hardware for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 17mm socket and breaker bar, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are very tight (120 Nm spec). Apply penetrating oil if needed and allow to soak. Remove both bolts and lift the bracket away from the rotor.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are torqued to very high specification and may require significant force to remove. Ensure tools are properly seated to avoid rounding bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   Examine the steering knuckle mounting surface for damage, corrosion, or wear. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the brake rotor for excessive wear, scoring, or heat damage. Measure rotor thickness if replacement is questionable.
6. 6

   Prepare new caliper bracket
   Clean the new caliper bracket mounting surface and bolt holes. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the brake pad contact points on the bracket ears (where pads slide). Do not apply lubricant to areas where brake pads friction material contacts the bracket.
7. 7

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the steering knuckle. Install both caliper bracket bolts finger-tight. Apply blue threadlocker to the bolt threads as recommended. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠Verify bolts are threaded correctly before applying torque. Cross-threading can damage the steering knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install brake pads and hardware
   Install anti-rattle clips and shims onto the new bracket in the same orientation as removed. Install the inner and outer brake pads into the bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the clips and can slide freely on the bracket ears.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into the caliper bore. This creates clearance for the caliper to fit over the new brake pads. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir and remove fluid if it approaches the maximum level.
   ⚠Compressing the piston forces brake fluid back into the reservoir. Overflow can damage paint and cause fluid loss.
10. 10

    Clean and lubricate slide pins
    Remove the caliper slide pins from the caliper if not already removed. Clean pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect rubber boots for tears or damage. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts. Reinstall pins into caliper boots.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove the caliper from its hanging position and carefully position it over the brake pads and bracket. Align the caliper slide pins with the bracket mounting holes. Install both slide pin bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed brake system
    Attach a clear hose to the brake bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container of clean DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn, allow fluid and air to escape, then close the screw before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the fluid. Top off the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line.
    ⚠Do not allow the brake pedal to be released while the bleeder screw is open, as this can introduce air into the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts finger-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (still supported partially by jack). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake hardware, pads, and caliper components are properly seated and secured
2. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in master cylinder reservoir
3. Double-check all torque specifications have been met, especially caliper bracket bolts and wheel lug nuts
4. Inspect work area for any tools or parts left under vehicle before test driving

Verification

• Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times until firm resistance is felt. The pedal should not sink to the floor
• Check brake fluid reservoir level one final time and inspect all connections for leaks
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, applying brakes gently at first to verify proper operation
• Perform several moderate stops from 25-30 mph to seat the brake pads against the rotor
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, rubbing) during brake application
• Verify the vehicle stops straight without pulling to one side
• After test drive, recheck wheel lug nut torque and inspect caliper area for any fluid leaks
• Recheck brake pedal feel after 50-100 miles of driving and bleed again if pedal becomes soft

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