🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Rear brake pad replacement on your Corolla is a straightforward job if the rear caliper pistons are compressed correctly and the pads are installed in the right orientation. Since the rear brakes work with the parking brake, make sure the parking brake is fully released before starting.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels securely.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Let the brakes cool if the car was just driven.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Make sure the parking brake is fully released before removing the rear calipers.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 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 socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or disc brake piston tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or hook
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Brake grease
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake before lifting.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before raising the car.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear calipers.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear of the car

• Use the 21mm socket to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts one turn each.
• Raise the rear of the car with the floor jack.
• Support it securely with jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or hook so the brake hose is not stretched.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old inner and outer pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the old pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.

Step 4: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust and buildup from the bracket pad contact points.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the new hardware clips from the kit.
• Apply a thin film of brake grease to the pad contact points and slide surfaces.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or disc brake piston tool to slowly compress the rear caliper piston.
• Push the piston in evenly until it sits flush enough for the new pads.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 6: Install the new brake pads

• Place the new pads in the bracket in the same orientation as the old ones.
• Make sure the inner pad and outer pad are in the correct positions.
• If your pads have wear indicators, install them where the old ones were located.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the car with the floor jack.
• Use the 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level before driving.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Expect a short break-in period for new pads.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding and recheck your work if needed.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $70-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

---

🎯 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.