This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the brake caliper bracket on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including proper torque specifications and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent specification for front or rear as needed
• Brake caliper slide pin bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification if replacement needed
• Copper crush washers for brake hose × 2 — Use OEM specification - if brake hose disconnection required
• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front brakes, or front wheels if working on rear brakes
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Lift vehicle with floor jack at proper jacking point and secure with jack stands on designated support points
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside
5. Open brake fluid reservoir cap to allow fluid movement during caliper piston compression (place clean rag around opening to prevent contamination)
6. Inspect brake system for damage, leaks, or excessive wear before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper from bracket
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the back side of the caliper (typically 14mm). Remove both slide pin bolts completely. Carefully lift the caliper off the brake pads and bracket. Support the caliper with wire or bungee cord attached to the suspension or chassis - do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad wear indicators. Note the orientation and position of all hardware for reinstallation. Inspect pads for unusual wear patterns that might indicate other issues.
   ℹ️Take photos of pad hardware arrangement before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose (if necessary)
   If the caliper bracket replacement requires brake hose disconnection, use a brake line wrench to loosen the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the caliper. Place a catch container underneath to capture brake fluid. Once loosened, remove the banjo bolt and separate the hose. Immediately plug or cap the brake line to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Note the position of the copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting).
   ⚠If brake hose is not being disconnected, skip this step. Most bracket replacements can be done without hose disconnection by removing the caliper as an assembly.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket mounting bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket mounting bolts (typically 17mm) that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. These bolts are torqued to high specification and may require significant force to loosen. Remove both bolts completely and remove the caliper bracket from the vehicle.
   ⚠These bolts are extremely tight. Ensure socket is fully seated and use proper technique to avoid rounding bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surface on the steering knuckle or axle housing. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. Clean the brake pad contact areas on the mounting surface. Spray brake parts cleaner to remove remaining dirt and allow to dry completely. Inspect for cracks or damage.
   ℹ️Proper surface preparation ensures even bracket seating and prevents uneven brake pad wear.
6. 6

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket onto the mounting surface, ensuring proper alignment with bolt holes. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the bracket mounting bolt threads as recommended. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are started, torque them to specification using a torque wrench in an alternating pattern.
   ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts are CRITICAL safety fasteners. Verify proper torque specification and use calibrated torque wrench. Consult service manual to verify tightening sequence.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Lubricate and install slide pins
   If slide pins were removed or are being replaced, apply silicone brake grease (not petroleum-based grease) to the slide pin shafts and rubber boots. Ensure slide pins move freely in their bores. Install slide pins into the bracket if removed, ensuring boots are properly seated.
   ⚠Never use petroleum-based grease on brake components as it degrades rubber parts and can cause brake failure.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake pad hardware and pads
   Clean and reinstall all anti-rattle clips, shims, and hardware in their original positions on the new bracket. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad slide areas on the bracket. Install brake pads in correct orientation, ensuring they seat properly in the bracket.
   ℹ️If brake pads are worn beyond specification or damaged, replace them now before reassembling.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into its bore to accommodate the brake pads. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, positioning it against the piston and the back of the caliper body. Slowly compress the piston, monitoring the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow. Wipe away any expelled fluid immediately.
   ⚠Brake fluid will overflow from reservoir during piston compression. Have rags ready and remove fluid with turkey baster if necessary before compressing.
10. 10

    Reconnect brake hose (if disconnected)
    If the brake hose was disconnected in Step 3, reconnect it now using NEW copper crush washers on both sides of the banjo fitting. Position one washer against the caliper, insert the banjo bolt through the hose fitting, add the second washer, and thread into the caliper. Torque the banjo bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    ⚠️Always use NEW copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will cause brake fluid leaks and potential brake failure.
    Torque spec

    Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket. Align the caliper mounting points with the slide pins. Apply a light coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads and under the bolt heads. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification in an alternating pattern.
    ⚠️Verify slide pin bolts are fully threaded and torqued correctly. Loose caliper mounting can cause brake failure.
    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 with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw approximately one turn to release fluid and air. Close the bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the expelled fluid. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid.
    ⚠️Never let brake pedal go to floor with bleeder open, as this can draw air into the system. Close bleeder before releasing pedal pressure.
    ⚠Bleeder screws are easily damaged by overtightening. Use torque wrench and do not exceed specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean wheel mounting surface on hub. Position wheel onto hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle partially so wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheel. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using torque wrench. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands.
    ⚠️Always torque lug nuts in proper star pattern to ensure even wheel seating and prevent wheel detachment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After completing all steps, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal feel is achieved before attempting to move vehicle
2. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if needed
3. Close and secure brake fluid reservoir cap
4. Inspect all connections for signs of brake fluid leakage
5. Verify caliper bracket mounting bolts and all fasteners are properly torqued
6. Check that wheel is properly secured and lug nuts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should feel firm and not sink to floor
• With vehicle stationary and engine running, apply firm brake pressure for 30 seconds and verify pedal does not slowly sink (indicates leak or air in system)
• Inspect entire brake line, caliper, and bracket area for any signs of fluid leakage
• Perform initial test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify braking function
• Test brakes at gradually increasing speeds, verifying no pulling to either side, no unusual noises, and normal pedal feel
• Perform several moderate stops from 30-40 mph to verify proper braking performance before returning to normal driving
• After first 50 miles, re-check all caliper and bracket mounting bolt torque, and inspect for any leaks or unusual wear
• If any abnormality is detected (soft pedal, pulling, noise, leaks), immediately stop driving and diagnose issue before continuing

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