🔧 Rear Brake Pads and Rotors - Replacement

Your rear brakes on this Camry use an electronic parking brake, so the caliper must be put into service mode before you push the piston back. Replacing the pads and rotors together is the cleanest way to restore braking and avoid noise or uneven wear.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Set the parking brake only when directed; the rear calipers must be in service mode before piston compression.
• Work on a level surface and support the car with jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Brake dust can irritate eyes and lungs. Wear safety glasses and a mask if dust is heavy.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is full, removing pistons can cause overflow. Check fluid level first.
• Battery disconnect is not usually required, but keep the ignition off until EPB service mode is needed.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Brake piston compression tool (specialty)
• Electronic parking brake scan tool (specialty)
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the car.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Release the electronic parking brake only when instructed by the service mode procedure.
• Have the new pads, rotors, and hardware ready before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Enter rear brake service mode

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the electronic parking brake scan tool to command rear brake service mode.
• Service mode keeps the EPB from fighting the piston.

Step 2: Lift and remove the rear wheels

• Use the 21mm lug wrench to loosen the rear lug nuts.
• Lift the rear of the car with the floor jack and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

Step 3: Remove the caliper and bracket

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Use the 17mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor off by hand.
• If it sticks, tap it gently from behind or use the breaker bar for leverage if needed.
• Use the wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• A clean hub helps prevent rotor wobble.

Step 5: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor onto the hub.
• If it has a retaining screw, remove it with the correct small driver if equipped.

Step 6: Install the brake hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake pad grease to the pad contact points only.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket using the 17mm socket.
• Torque to 79 Nm (58 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Compress the rear caliper piston

• Use the brake piston compression tool to slowly retract the piston.
• Make sure the piston is fully seated before installing the caliper.
• If the piston will not move, verify service mode is active.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 14mm socket to reinstall the slide bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall wheels and lower the car

• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the car with the floor jack.
• Use the 21mm lug wrench to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Exit service mode and pump the pedal

• Use the electronic parking brake scan tool to exit service mode.
• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Apply and release the parking brake to confirm normal operation.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and check for brake warning lights.
• Test the brake pedal at low speed before driving normally.
• Listen for scraping, clicking, or dragging.
• Check brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Bed in the new pads with several gentle stops, then a few medium stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $140-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $310-$570 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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