🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear brake pads wear down over time and need to be replaced to restore safe stopping power and prevent rotor damage. On your Highlander, this is a straightforward brake job if you take your time and keep everything clean. The rear caliper piston must be compressed before the new pads will fit. Make sure the parking brake is fully released before starting.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and keep the transmission in Park with the parking brake set only when the wheel is off and the caliper is supported.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the rubber hose.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear wheels.
• Brake fluid level may rise when the pistons are pushed back. Keep the reservoir cap loose and watch for overflow.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop rags
• 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
• Rear 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 chock the front wheels.
• Release the parking brake fully before lifting the rear of the vehicle.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before raising the vehicle.
• Keep the ignition off unless you need to turn the steering wheel or move the vehicle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear of the vehicle

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts one turn each.
• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the vehicle at the proper rear lift point.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands placed under the rear support points.
• Remove the rear wheel.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Use a bungee cord or mechanic's wire to support the caliper so the hose is not stretched.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the hardware is stuck.
• Keep the parts in the same order.

Step 4: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean rust and debris from the pad contact points.
• Install the new hardware clips into the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease where the pads contact the clips.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Go slow and watch the brake fluid reservoir.
• If fluid rises too high, remove a small amount with a clean tool and rag.
• Do not damage the rubber dust boot around the piston.

Step 6: Install the new pads

• Place the new pads into the bracket in the correct positions.
• Make sure any wear clips or shims are seated properly.
• Use a small amount of brake grease on pad ears only where they slide in the hardware.
• Do not grease the friction material.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the caliper slide bolts using a 14mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

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

Step 9: Pump the brake pedal before moving the vehicle

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• This seats the caliper piston against the new pads.
• Never drive until the pedal is firm.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Start the vehicle and test the brake pedal feel before driving.
• Listen for rubbing or clunking noises during a slow test drive.
• Test the brakes gently several times to seat the new pads.
• If the steering wheel shakes or braking feels uneven, inspect rotor condition.

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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 1.5-2.5 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.