🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Your Sequoia uses a front disc brake setup with a floating caliper, so the pad swap is straightforward once the wheel and caliper are off. You’ll compress the caliper piston, install the new pads, then torque everything back to spec and verify pedal feel before driving.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• 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 let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Open the brake fluid reservoir cap before compressing the piston and watch the fluid level.
• If the brake fluid is near the top, remove a little with a clean syringe or turkey baster before piston compression.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s wire
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• Keep the ignition off while the caliper is removed.
• Have the new pads and hardware ready before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheels

• Use a 21mm socket or lug wrench to loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and support the front end

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the front lift point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the frame and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the two caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic’s wire.
• Do not let the hose carry the weight.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the stainless hardware clips from the bracket with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Put the old inner pad against the piston face.
• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Check the brake fluid reservoir while compressing so it does not overflow.
• Push slowly to avoid seal damage.

Step 6: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new hardware clips into the caliper bracket.
• Apply a light coat of brake caliper grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new inner and outer pads in the same position as the originals.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 14mm socket.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheels

• Put the wheels back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 131 Nm (97 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reset pedal feel before driving

• With the engine off, press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm the brake warning light is off.
• Test the brakes at very low speed in a safe area first.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking noises.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.
• New pads need a short break-in period.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$480 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$320 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.