Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine to restore braking performance and eliminate vibration or noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Front brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips, shims) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, place transmission in Park, and engage parking brake.
2. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. If near MAX line, remove small amount with turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point (see owner's manual for location).
5. Place jack stands under front subframe or pinch weld lift points on both sides. Lower vehicle onto stands.
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (accessible from behind the caliper body). Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove the lower caliper slide pin bolt first, then the upper bolt. The caliper can now pivot upward on the upper pin if only the lower is removed, or be completely separated if both are removed. For this job, remove both bolts completely.
2. 2

   Support and remove caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the brake pads and rotor. Immediately secure the caliper to the suspension strut or upper control arm using wire or a bungee cord. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the rubber brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
   ⚠️Never allow the caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage and brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reinstallation. Remove the pad hardware clips from the caliper bracket ears. Inspect the caliper slide pins for damage or excessive wear.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 19mm socket or wrench, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are tight and may require significant force. Remove the caliper bracket completely to access the rotor.
5. 5

   Remove old rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap the center of the rotor face with a rubber mallet or use penetrating oil around the hub center. Some rotors have threaded holes for bolts to press the rotor off the hub. Do not hit the rotor on its friction surface or edges.
6. 6

   Clean hub and prepare new rotor
   Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the wheel hub face and center bore. Clean the wheel stud threads and surrounding area. Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove any protective oil coating on both friction surfaces. Wipe clean with a shop towel. Ensure the hub face is clean and flat for proper rotor seating.
   ℹ️Any contamination or rust buildup between hub and rotor will cause runout and brake pulsation.
7. 7

   Install new rotor
   Slide the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the center bore with the hub pilot. Temporarily thread one lug nut onto a wheel stud (flat side against rotor) to hold the rotor in place during reassembly. Verify the rotor sits flat against the hub with no gaps.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper bracket with thread locker
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the caliper bracket bolts. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the steering knuckle. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are critical fasteners. Use correct torque specification and thread locker as specified.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new pad hardware and brake pads
   Install new anti-rattle clips onto the caliper bracket ears. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plate contact points (where pads slide on bracket), but keep grease away from friction material. Install the inner and outer brake pads into the bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Verify pads can slide freely.
10. 10

    Compress caliper pistons
    Using a C-clamp or brake piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston(s) fully into the caliper bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the clamp screw against the piston face (or old brake pad protecting the piston). Compress slowly to allow brake fluid to return to the master cylinder. Watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
    ⚠Compressing pistons rapidly can damage internal seals or cause brake fluid to overflow from the reservoir.
11. 11

    Clean and lubricate caliper slide pins
    Remove the caliper slide pins from the caliper bracket (if not already removed). Wipe off old grease and inspect for corrosion, wear, or damage. Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pins, covering the entire sliding surface. Reinstall the pins into the bracket boots.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove the support wire or bungee cord from the caliper. Position the caliper over the brake pads and align the mounting holes with the slide pins. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads (not thread locker). Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Do not use thread locker on slide pin bolts. Use only silicone brake grease as specified.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 12 for the opposite front brake assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to wheel installation.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Remove the temporary lug nut holding the rotor. Install the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Thread all lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (tighten opposite nuts in sequence, not adjacent ones).
    ⚠Improper lug nut torque or pattern can cause wheel detachment or brake rotor warping. Always use a torque wrench and star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and perform brake pedal pump procedure
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Before starting the engine or moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until firm pedal pressure is achieved. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed (do not overfill).
    ⚠️Vehicle MUST NOT be moved until brake pedal is pumped to restore hydraulic pressure. First pedal application will go to the floor after piston compression.

Reassembly

1. Verify all caliper bolts and bracket bolts are torqued to specification.
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern.
3. Check brake fluid level and top off if necessary with DOT 3 fluid.
4. Ensure no tools, parts, or rags are left in wheel wells or under vehicle.

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, press brake pedal firmly. Pedal should feel firm and not sink slowly to the floor. If pedal is soft or sinks, there may be air in the system requiring bleeding.
• Test brakes at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify proper operation before street driving.
• Listen for unusual noises during brake application. Light squealing during first few applications is normal as pads seat. Grinding or rubbing indicates a problem.
• Check for brake fluid leaks around calipers, hoses, and master cylinder after test drive.
• Perform proper bedding-in procedure: 8-10 moderate stops from 40 mph with 30-second cooling intervals between stops. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
• After 50-100 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque to ensure wheels are properly secured.
• Monitor brake performance over the next several days. Any pulling to one side, vibration, or unusual pedal feel requires immediate inspection.

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