Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of rear brake pads and rotors on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine, including caliper service and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pads (set of 4) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent (04466-42180)
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification (43512-42090)
• Brake pad shims/hardware kit × 1 — Often included with pads, verify fitment
• Brake pad anti-rattle clips × 1 — Use OEM specification if not included with pads

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Place transmission in Park (automatic) and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground, but do not remove.
3. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point and support securely on jack stands at reinforced pinch weld points or subframe.
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside in safe location.
5. Remove brake fluid reservoir cap to allow fluid displacement when compressing pistons (prevents pressure buildup).
6. Spray penetrating oil on caliper bolts if vehicle is used in salt/corrosive environments and allow to soak 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide bolts on the rear of the caliper (accessible from behind). Using a 14mm socket, remove the lower caliper slide bolt completely. The upper bolt can be loosened and the caliper pivoted upward, or remove both bolts to completely separate the caliper. Support the caliper with wire or bungee cord attached to the suspension - never let it hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove old brake pads
   With the caliper pivoted or removed, slide out the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or hardware. Remove and inspect all pad hardware - replace any clips that are bent, broken, or corroded. Take photos if needed to ensure correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 17mm socket, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle/axle assembly. These bolts are torqued to high specification and may require significant force or a breaker bar. Once removed, slide the bracket off. Clean the bracket mounting surface and hub face with a wire brush.
4. 4

   Remove old rotor
   The rotor should slide off the wheel hub once the bracket is removed. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two M8 bolts into the threaded holes in the rotor face (if present) and tighten evenly to press the rotor off. Alternatively, tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet while rotating. Never strike the rotor face directly. Clean the hub face thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all rust and debris.
5. 5

   Prepare and install new rotor
   Remove any protective oil coating from the new rotor using brake cleaner and a clean cloth. Clean both sides thoroughly. Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. If the rotor has alignment holes, use a lug nut or wheel mounting bolt to temporarily secure it during reassembly to prevent movement.
6. 6

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes with the steering knuckle. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Insert both bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, torque the caliper bracket bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before installing new pads, the caliper piston must be compressed to accommodate the thicker new pads. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool positioned against the piston and the back of the caliper body. Compress slowly and evenly. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir - fluid level will rise as the piston compresses. Remove fluid with a turkey baster if necessary to prevent overflow. Never compress the piston with the bleeder screw closed if the ABS system is equipped.
8. 8

   Install new brake pad hardware and pads
   Clean the caliper bracket pad contact surfaces with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad slide points on the bracket (where pads contact metal), but keep grease away from rotor and friction material. Install new anti-rattle clips and shims according to manufacturer instructions. Insert the new brake pads into the bracket - the pad with the wear indicator should typically be on the inside position. Verify pads move smoothly in the bracket.
9. 9

   Service caliper slide pins
   If the caliper slide bolts were removed, clean the slide pins thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect the rubber boots for tears or damage - replace if compromised. Remove old grease from the pins and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of the pins (not the threaded area). Reinstall boots if removed.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper
    Position the caliper over the new brake pads and align the slide bolt holes. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolts where they pass through the bracket. Insert the slide bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, torque both caliper slide bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all steps (1-10) for the opposite rear wheel to ensure balanced braking performance. It is critical to replace brake components in axle sets (both rear wheels) to maintain even braking force distribution.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels, ensuring the mounting surface is clean. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star/crisscross pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern in multiple passes.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Check brake fluid and restore pedal
    Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap securely. Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until firm resistance is felt. The pedal should become progressively firmer. If the pedal goes to the floor, do not drive - recheck all work and bleed the brakes if necessary. Check the brake fluid level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid to the MAX line if needed.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper bolts are torqued to proper specifications - these are safety-critical fasteners.
2. Verify brake pads are properly seated in the bracket and can move slightly when pushed by hand before caliper installation.
3. Check that no tools, rags, or parts were left in the wheel well area before reinstalling wheels.
4. Do not apply thread locker to caliper slide bolts - only to caliper bracket mounting bolts.

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should be firm and hold pressure without slowly sinking to floor.
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on dashboard.
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be between MIN and MAX marks.
• Visually inspect both rear wheels for any brake fluid leaks around calipers and brake hoses.
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 10 mph). Verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side.
• Perform several moderate stops from 30 mph to verify proper brake function and check for vibration or noise.
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and recheck brake fluid level.
• Bed in brakes per manufacturer recommendations: perform 8-10 stops from 40 mph to 15 mph with moderate pressure, allowing 30 seconds between stops to cool. Avoid hard stops for first 200 miles.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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