Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to restore braking performance and eliminate vibration or noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent ceramic pads
• Front brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification (278mm diameter)
• Brake hardware/anti-rattle clips × 1 — Often included with pad set

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground, place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual), and apply parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Using a turkey baster or syringe, remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing pistons. Dispose of old fluid properly
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point on frame rail
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under manufacturer-designated support points
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray brake assembly liberally with brake cleaner, allowing it to dissolve brake dust and drain into a catch pan. Wipe components with a clean rag. Inspect brake hose for cracks, swelling, or damage. Check caliper for fluid leaks around piston boot and bleeder screw.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (17mm). Remove the lower slide pin bolt completely. Remove the upper slide pin bolt. The caliper can now pivot upward on the bracket. If caliper is difficult to move, gently pry between pad and rotor with a flat blade screwdriver.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove caliper and secure
   Lift caliper off the rotor and brake pads. DO NOT let caliper hang by the brake hose. Secure caliper to the suspension strut or control arm using wire or a bungee cord, keeping the brake hose free of tension and avoiding sharp bends.
   ⚠Letting the caliper hang by the brake hose can cause internal hose damage and brake failure. Always support the caliper.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation for reference. Remove the anti-rattle clips and hardware springs from the bracket. Inspect the rubber dust boots on the caliper slide pins for tears or deterioration.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts (19mm) that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are very tight. Remove the caliper bracket completely to access the rotor. Note: Some model years may use different bolt torque specifications - verify you are using the correct 120 Nm front specification for this generation.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old rotor
   If rotor is stuck, lightly tap around the rotor hat and edges with a rubber mallet to break it free from the hub. Do not hit the rotor friction surface. Remove the rotor from the wheel studs. Clean the hub mounting surface with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
7. 7

   Install new rotor
   Spray new rotor with brake cleaner to remove protective coating oil. Wipe dry with clean rags. Slide new rotor onto wheel studs and push firmly against hub face. If desired, install a lug nut temporarily to hold rotor in place during assembly.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper bracket with threadlocker
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker (blue) to the threads of both caliper bracket bolts. Position bracket over rotor and align with mounting holes on knuckle. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in an even alternating pattern.
   ⚠These bolts must be torqued to the correct specification. Under-torquing can allow the bracket to loosen during braking, causing catastrophic brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Prepare and install new brake hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware springs onto the caliper bracket, ensuring they snap firmly into position. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plate contact areas on the bracket (where pads slide), but keep grease away from friction surfaces.
10. 10

    Compress caliper piston
    Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into its bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and against the piston face (or use an old brake pad as a protective surface). Compress slowly to allow fluid to return to the master cylinder. Watch the master cylinder reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
    ⚠Compressing the piston forces old brake fluid back into the master cylinder. Monitor the reservoir and remove fluid if necessary to prevent overflow.
11. 11

    Install new brake pads
    Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they seat properly in the anti-rattle clips. The pad with the wear indicator (metal tab) typically goes on the inner position. Verify pads move freely in the bracket.
12. 12

    Lubricate slide pins and reinstall caliper
    Remove the caliper slide pins from the bracket. Wipe clean and inspect rubber boots for damage. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin. Reinstall pins into bracket. Lower the caliper over the new pads and rotor. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    ⚠Use only silicone brake grease on slide pins. Other lubricants can damage rubber components and cause caliper seizure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 12 on the opposite front wheel. Always replace brake components in axle sets to maintain balanced braking performance.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully tighten yet.
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Lower vehicle from jack stands until wheels just contact ground but suspension is not loaded. Remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (tighten opposite nuts in sequence, not adjacent nuts).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to the MAX line
2. Do not drive vehicle until brake pedal is verified per procedure below

Verification

• With engine OFF, pump brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm. Pedal should become progressively firmer with each pump
• Check for firm pedal with approximately 1-2 inches of travel. If pedal goes to floor, recheck all caliper bolts and brake fluid level
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off. Press brake pedal firmly and hold - pedal should remain firm without sinking
• Check master cylinder reservoir again for proper fluid level. Inspect all brake connections for leaks
• Perform a slow-speed test drive (under 5 mph) in a safe area to verify brakes engage properly
• Perform 5-10 moderate stops from 30 mph to transfer pad material to rotors and seat the pads
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after first 50 miles of driving
• Avoid heavy braking for the first 200-300 miles to allow proper break-in of pads and rotors

More procedures for this vehicle