This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front brake caliper on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, including bleeding the brake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake caliper (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for brake line banjo bolt × 2 — 90430-12031 or equivalent
• Brake fluid DOT 3 × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheel completely
5. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and check fluid level - top off if needed with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
6. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid spillage
7. Have all replacement parts, new copper washers, and fresh brake fluid ready before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect the caliper
   Inspect the brake caliper for fluid leaks, damage, or seized components. Identify the caliper slide bolts (14mm) on the rear of the caliper and the brake line banjo bolt (12mm) on top of the caliper. Note the position of components for reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the lower caliper slide bolt first, then the upper slide bolt. The caliper will now pivot or lift away from the brake rotor and pads. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord if not immediately disconnecting the brake line to prevent stress on the brake hose.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line from caliper
   Position drain pan directly under the banjo bolt connection. Using a 12mm flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the brake line banjo bolt from the back or top of the caliper. Brake fluid will drain out. Remove the caliper completely. Note there are two copper crush washers on the banjo bolt - one on each side of the banjo fitting. Discard these old washers.
   ⚠Brake fluid will immediately begin draining when the banjo bolt is loosened. Have drain pan positioned and rags ready.
   ⚠Cap or plug the open brake line immediately to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Prepare new caliper
   Unpack the new caliper and verify it matches the old unit (left vs right side, mounting points, bleeder screw location). If the caliper includes brake pads, remove them temporarily. Clean any preservative oil from the caliper using brake cleaner if present. Ensure the bleeder screw moves freely.
5. 5

   Install new caliper to brake line
   Place one NEW copper crush washer on each side of the brake line banjo fitting. Position the new caliper and align the banjo fitting with the caliper port. Thread the banjo bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: You must use NEW copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will cause brake fluid leaks and brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Position caliper over rotor and pads
   If brake pads were removed or are being replaced, install them into the caliper bracket now. The caliper piston may need to be compressed fully to fit over new or existing pads - use a C-clamp or caliper compression tool to slowly press the piston into the caliper bore. Align the caliper over the rotor and bracket.
7. 7

   Install caliper slide bolts
   Insert the upper and lower caliper slide bolts through the caliper and into the bracket. Ensure slide bolt rubber boots are properly seated. Thread bolts by hand first, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
8. 8

   Bleed the brake caliper
   Attach a clear tube to the bleeder screw and place the other end in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn using an 8mm wrench while pedal is held down. Fluid and air will flow out. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat this process until no air bubbles appear in the tube and only clean fluid flows. Check the master cylinder reservoir frequently and top off as needed - never let it run dry.
   ⚠️If the master cylinder reservoir runs empty during bleeding, air will enter the ABS system requiring professional bleeding equipment.
   ⚠The bleeder screw is brass and easily damaged. Do not overtighten - torque to specification only.
   Torque spec

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

   Final bleeder screw torque
   After bleeding is complete and no air bubbles remain, close the bleeder screw while assistant maintains pedal pressure. Torque the bleeder screw to specification using a torque wrench. Wipe away any spilled brake fluid from the caliper and surrounding components with clean rags.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface with a wire brush. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not to final torque while vehicle is still on jack stands.
    ℹ️Final lug nut torque will be applied after vehicle is lowered to the ground.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack until the tire contacts the ground but still supports some weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake line connections are tight and show no signs of leakage
2. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
3. Repeat this entire procedure for the opposite side caliper if replacing both front calipers

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal repeatedly - it should become firm and not sink to the floor
• Start the engine and verify the brake pedal remains firm and does not slowly sink when held under pressure for 30 seconds
• Check all brake line connections, caliper banjo bolts, and bleeder screws for any signs of fluid leakage
• Verify brake fluid reservoir is at proper level between MIN and MAX marks
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage properly with no pulling to one side
• Perform several moderate brake applications from higher speeds in a safe area to verify normal braking function
• Listen for any unusual noises during braking and verify the brake warning light is not illuminated on the dashboard
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles

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