🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear pads on the Camry are a straightforward caliper-service job. You’ll remove the rear wheel, swing the caliper out of the way, swap the pads and hardware, then compress the caliper piston and reassemble everything.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the parking brake released only when the rear wheels are safely lifted and secured.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with wire or a hook so the brake hose is not stretched.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty)
• Wire hanger or caliper hook
• Bungee cord
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Brake grease
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 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 hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Brake grease - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake before lifting the vehicle, then release it before removing the caliper.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before raising the car.
• Raise and support the rear of the vehicle with jack stands.
• Keep the ignition off while working.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

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

Step 2: Access the caliper

• Inspect the brake assembly and locate the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the two caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a wire hanger or caliper hook so the hose is not strained.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and any hardware from the caliper bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.
• Tip: Take a quick photo before removal.

Step 4: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use brake cleaner and shop towels to clean the caliper bracket.
• Check the slide pins for smooth movement. If they feel dry or sticky, clean and relube them.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points and clip ears.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Go slowly and keep the piston square so it does not bind.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir under the hood; do not let it overflow.
• Tip: Compress it slowly and evenly.

Step 6: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips from the rear brake hardware kit.
• Fit the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips and move freely by hand.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 14mm socket to reinstall the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Use the 21mm lug wrench or socket to snug them in a star pattern.
• Lower the car and then Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel using the same steps.
• Tip: Always replace pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Test brake operation at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking noises during the first drive.
• New pads may need a short break-in period for best performance.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $220-$340 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/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.