🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

This job replaces the rear brake pads and resets the rear caliper so the new pads fit correctly. On your Camry Hybrid, the rear brakes are low-drag and must be handled carefully to avoid damaging the caliper, rotor, or parking brake system.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the car securely on jack stands before removing any wheel.
• Brake parts may be hot after driving. Let everything cool first.
• Use Parking Brake Service Mode if your rear calipers are electronically actuated.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Hybrid systems can start the vehicle without warning. Keep the car OFF and the key away from the vehicle.
• Battery disconnect is not usually required for pad replacement, but follow parking brake service mode instructions first if 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 or socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Brake pad spreader tool
• Electronic parking brake scan tool (specialty)
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Brake grease
• 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
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Brake grease - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only if the brake system is not being placed into service mode yet.
• Put the transmission in Park and turn the ignition OFF.
• If your car has an electronic parking brake, use the scan tool to place it in service mode before opening the rear calipers.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Raise the rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the wheel lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.
• Keep lug nuts together in one safe spot.

Step 2: Put the parking brake in service mode

• Use the electronic parking brake scan tool (specialty) to place the rear parking brake system into service mode.
• Follow the scan tool prompts until the rear calipers fully retract.
• Do not force the piston if EPB is active.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

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

Step 4: Remove the old brake pads and hardware

• Pull the old pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware.
• Use brake cleaner and shop towels to clean the bracket and contact points.
• Clean metal contact points matter.

Step 5: Service the caliper and piston

• Inspect the caliper slide pins for smooth movement.
• Use brake grease on the slide pins if needed.
• If the piston needs to be pushed back, use a brake pad spreader tool slowly and evenly.
• Make sure the piston face is straight and not twisted.

Step 6: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.
• Make sure the inner and outer pads are in the correct positions.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

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

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and start the lug nuts by hand.
• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to snug the lug nuts evenly.
• Lower the car and torque the lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Exit service mode

• Use the electronic parking brake scan tool (specialty) to exit service mode.
• Confirm the parking brake operates normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads against the rotors.
• Check that the brake pedal feels firm.
• Test the parking brake at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing, grinding, or clicking noises.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first short drive.
• New pads need a short break-in period. Use gentle stops for the first 200 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $160-$280 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.