🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your RAV4 means removing the rear wheels, compressing the rear caliper piston, swapping the pads, and reassembling everything with the correct torque. Your RAV4 uses a standard rear disc brake setup, so this is a straightforward brake service if you take your time and keep everything clean.

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 the floor jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• If the brake rotor is hot, let it cool before starting.
• 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 (pair)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool
• Torque wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• 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 grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Keep the ignition off while working on the brakes.
• If the rear rotors are deeply grooved or below spec, replace them with the pads.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to crack loose the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear of the vehicle.
• Set the vehicle securely on jack stands (pair).
• Remove the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

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

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the bracket contact points.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and let it dry.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to slowly push the piston back into the caliper bore.
• Compress it evenly and stop if it feels stuck.
• Go slow to avoid damaging seals.

Step 5: Install 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 contact points and caliper slide contact areas.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

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

Step 7: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the rear wheels.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts first.
• Lower the vehicle using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm lug wrench or socket to torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads.
• Check that the brake pedal feels firm.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for abnormal noise and recheck for leaks or loose hardware.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops when possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹7,000-₹14,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹7,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹3,500-₹7,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹8,000-₹12,000/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.