🔧 Front Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Your front brake pads and rotors wear together, so replacing them as a set helps restore stopping power and reduces noise and vibration. On your Tundra, the front brake caliper and bracket have to come off so the rotor can be removed and the new parts installed correctly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting the truck.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with a hanger or wire so the brake hose is not stretched.
• If the rotor is stuck, do not pry against the wheel hub sealing surface.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper hanger
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• Have the new pads and rotors ready so the caliper is not left hanging.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove the front wheel

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts, then lift the front corner with the floor jack.
• Set the truck securely on jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
• Keep the lug nuts in a safe place.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a brake caliper hanger.
• Do not let the caliper dangle from the brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 17mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on reassembly: 196 Nm (145 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor has a retaining screw, remove it with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat area with a rubber mallet or use the threaded jacking holes if equipped.
• Use the wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the hub face.
• Clean hub faces prevent rotor wobble.

Step 5: Prepare the new rotor and pads

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the new rotor on the hub.
• Install the rotor retaining screw if used.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points on the bracket hardware.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the old pad and a C-clamp to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir so it does not overflow.
• Make sure the piston sits fully flush before reassembly.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 7: Install the caliper bracket and pads

• Reinstall the caliper bracket using the 17mm socket.
• Torque the bracket bolts to 196 Nm (145 ft-lbs).
• Install the new pad hardware and pads in the bracket.
• Apply a small amount of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads and align the slide pins.
• Install the slide pin bolts with the 14mm socket.
• Torque the slide pin bolts to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck slightly so the tire touches the ground and does not spin.
• Use the 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque the lug nuts to 177 Nm (131 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace front pads and rotors in pairs.
• Do the same steps on the opposite side.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking noises.
• Follow a pad break-in procedure: several gentle stops from low speed, then cool-down time.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$400 (parts only)

You Save: $320-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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