Brake Caliper - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear brake caliper on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including brake fluid system precautions and bleeding requirements.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for brake line banjo bolt × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Caliper slide pin bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid
6. Have fresh DOT 3 brake fluid and new copper crush washers ready before disconnecting brake lines
7. Inspect brake hose for cracks, bulges, or damage - replace if any damage found

Procedure

1. 1

   Prevent brake fluid reservoir overflow
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap in the engine bay and remove some fluid with a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to prevent overflow when compressing the caliper piston. The fluid level will rise when the piston is pushed back. Dispose of old brake fluid properly - do not reuse.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper. Use a 14mm hex socket to remove both bolts. These bolts secure the caliper to the bracket. Inspect bolts for corrosion or damage - replace if threads are damaged.
3. 3

   Support and disconnect brake hose
   Before fully removing the caliper, support it with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Using a line wrench (flare nut wrench) to prevent rounding, loosen the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the caliper. Have rags ready to catch brake fluid. Once loosened, remove the banjo bolt completely and note the position of the two copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting).
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from the open line. Keep rags handy and immediately plug or cap the brake hose end to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Remove old caliper
   With the brake line disconnected, remove the support wire and fully remove the old caliper from the bracket. Cap or plug the open brake hose end immediately with a rubber cap or plastic plug to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Inspect the caliper bracket and slide pins for excessive wear, corrosion, or damage.
5. 5

   Prepare new caliper
   Remove the new caliper from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Check that the piston is fully retracted - if not, carefully compress it using a C-clamp and an old brake pad. Remove any protective caps or plugs from the brake line port. Clean the mounting surfaces on the bracket with brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Install new caliper and connect brake line
   Position the new caliper onto the bracket over the brake pads. Install NEW copper crush washers on both sides of the brake hose banjo fitting (discard old washers). Thread the banjo bolt through the banjo fitting and into the caliper by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Use a line wrench to torque the banjo bolt to specification.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: You must use NEW copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will cause brake fluid leaks and potential brake failure.
7. 7

   Install caliper mounting bolts
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the caliper slide pin bolts. Insert both bolts and thread them by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠Ensure the caliper slides freely on the pins before final torquing. Binding indicates misalignment or damaged components.
8. 8

   Bleed rear brake caliper
   Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the caliper (typically covered with a rubber cap). Attach clear tubing to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with a small amount of fresh brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn while assistant maintains pedal pressure. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the clear tubing and only clean fluid flows. Top off brake fluid reservoir as needed during bleeding.
   ⚠Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding - this will introduce more air into the system.
   ⚠Do not overtighten the bleeder screw - it is made of soft material and strips easily. Torque to specification only.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Check brake fluid level and inspect for leaks
   Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Reinstall the reservoir cap. Carefully inspect the banjo bolt connection at the caliper for any signs of fluid leakage. Wipe the area clean, then have an assistant press the brake pedal firmly while you inspect for leaks. Any leakage requires immediate correction before proceeding.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and perform pedal test
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm and normal. The pedal should not go to the floor.
    ⚠️DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE until the brake pedal feels firm and normal. A soft or spongy pedal indicates air in the system or a leak.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to the specified values using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Use only new copper crush washers on brake line connections
3. Apply thread locker to caliper slide pin bolts as specified
4. Ensure brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid
5. Double-check all connections for proper torque and no leakage

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy or soft
• Visually inspect the banjo bolt connection for any brake fluid leakage
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify proper brake operation before normal driving
• Perform several moderate brake applications to verify even braking without pulling to one side
• After test drive, re-inspect all connections for leaks and re-check fluid level
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and inspect caliper connections again

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