🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your RAV4 restores braking performance and helps prevent rotor damage. Because this is a hybrid, it’s important to keep the ignition off and avoid pressing the brake pedal while the caliper is removed.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the front wheels.
• Keep the ignition off and the key fob away from the vehicle.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a rear caliper removed.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands before removing wheels.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• If the parking brake is applied, release it before disassembly.

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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 socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only if needed to lift the rear; release it before removing the caliper.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Lift and support the rear of the vehicle with jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheels.
• Have the new pads and hardware ready before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

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

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 mechanic's wire. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Remove the brake pads from the bracket.
• Take out the pad clips and shims.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed to gently pry stubborn clips loose.
• Clean the bracket and contact points with brake cleaner and a wire brush.

Step 4: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Make sure the piston face seats correctly and goes in smoothly.
• Go slow to avoid tearing seals.

Step 5: Install new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips into the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points and clip ears.
• Install the new rear brake pads.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts using a 14mm socket.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

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

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel the same way.
• Always replace brake pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads.
• Check that the pedal feels firm.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or abnormal noises.
• Recheck lug nut torque after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $170-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 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.