🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your RAV4 restores stopping power and helps prevent rotor damage from worn pads. This job is straightforward if the caliper slides freely and the rotors are still in good condition. If the pads are worn unevenly, you should inspect the caliper slides and rotors before reassembly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Brake components may be hot after driving.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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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 socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Bungee cord
• Brake pad spreader
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• 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
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake before lifting.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before raising the vehicle.
• Keep the ignition off.
• If one rear pad is much more worn than the other, inspect the slide pins and caliper bracket carefully.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear wheels

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the RAV4 at a safe lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket and 17mm wrench to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a bungee cord. Never let the hose hang.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the pad clips if they are stuck.
• Take out the old hardware and note how it sits in the bracket.

Step 5: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the bracket pad lands.
• Spray the bracket with brake cleaner and let it dry.
• Check the slide pins for smooth movement. If they stick, they need service before reassembly.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a brake pad spreader to push the caliper piston back into the bore slowly and evenly.
• Make sure the brake fluid reservoir under the hood does not overflow.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 7: Install new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad hardware clips in the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the metal contact points and pad ears.
• Install the new rear brake pads in the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Position the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts by hand first, then tighten with the 14mm socket and 17mm wrench.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and start the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

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

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or clunking noises.
• Recheck lug nut torque after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$310 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.