🔧 Rear Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Your Camry’s rear brakes use a caliper, pads, and rotor setup at each wheel. On hybrid models, the rear parking brake is typically electronic, so you must put the parking brake system into service mode before pushing the caliper pistons back.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Assumption: this Camry is equipped with an electronic parking brake, so service mode is required before rear brake work.
• Support the car securely with jack stands before removing any wheels.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Brake dust can be harmful; wear safety glasses and a dust mask if available.
• Use only brake cleaner on brake parts. Do not use compressed air to clean dust.
• Battery disconnect is not normally required, but do not cycle the parking brake while the rear caliper is apart.

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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
• 21mm lug wrench
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Bungee cord
• Brake caliper piston tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Drain pan
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1-2 cans
• Brake grease - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground. Put the transmission in Park and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake, put it in service mode using the vehicle’s brake service function before compressing the rear pistons.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before raising the car.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the car at the approved jacking point.
• Set the car on jack stands and lower the vehicle gently onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench.
• Torque wheel nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) during reassembly.

Step 2: Put the rear brakes in service mode

• If equipped with electronic parking brake, activate brake service mode before touching the calipers.
• Use the parking brake switch and vehicle menu/service function if equipped, or a scan tool if required.
• Do not force the piston back first.

Step 3: Remove the rear caliper

• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a bungee cord.
• Torque caliper slide pin bolts to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs) on installation.

Step 4: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide out the old pads from the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and shims.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
• Install the new hardware kit and apply a thin layer of brake grease where the pads contact the clips.

Step 5: 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 it gently from the back side and use brake cleaner to loosen rust.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush so the new rotor sits flat.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installation.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub.
• Reinstall the rotor retaining screw if equipped and snug it down.

Step 7: Compress the rear caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper piston tool to retract the rear piston evenly.
• Make sure the piston face is aligned correctly for the pads before installation.
• Go slow to avoid damaging the seal.

Step 8: Install new pads and caliper

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

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern with the 21mm lug wrench and torque wrench.
• Torque wheel nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the rear pads and rotors in pairs so braking stays even.
• Repeat the same steps on the opposite rear wheel.

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✅ After Repair

• Before moving the car, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Take the parking brake out of service mode and confirm it applies and releases normally.
• Check brake fluid level in the reservoir.
• Test drive at low speed first. Listen for rubbing or clicking.
• New pads need a short break-in period. Do several gentle stops before hard braking.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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