🔧 Tundra - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Rear brake pad replacement on your Tundra is a straightforward brake service, but you need to compress the rear caliper pistons before installing the new pads. Since the rear brakes handle part of the parking and stopping load, replace both rear sides together for even braking.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat, level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Let the brakes cool completely before touching the caliper, rotor, or pads.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
• Battery disconnect is not 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 (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• C-clamp or brake piston compression tool (specialty)
• Flat screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• 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 hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift into Park, and engage the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear caliper and pads.
• Keep the ignition off while the rear brakes are apart.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear of the truck

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear lug nuts one turn each.
• Raise the rear with a floor jack under the proper rear lift point.
• Set the truck on jack stands and keep the front wheels chocked.

Step 2: Remove the wheel

• Use the 21mm socket to remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside flat.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the anti-rattle clips and any pad shims.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the pad contact areas.

Step 5: Compress the rear caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake piston compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Make sure the rubber boot does not twist or tear.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 6: Install new hardware and pads

• Install the new hardware kit into the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the caliper bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 14mm socket.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Mount the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Lower the truck to the ground.
• Torque to 131 Nm (97 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

Step 9: Repeat on the other rear side

• Replace both rear pad sets so braking stays even.
• Repeat the same steps on the opposite side.

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✅ After Repair

• Before moving the truck, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level under the hood and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding and recheck the wheel lug torque after a short drive.
• New pads need a short break-in period.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$480 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $200-$300 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.