How To Replace Front Caliper 03-09 Toyota 4Runner
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Toyota 4runner
Replace a front brake caliper on a 2003–09 Toyota 4Runner, reconnecting the brake hose and bleeding the hydraulic circuit before road testing.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- 21 mm socket
- 17 mm socket
- 10 mm flare wrench
- 8 mm wrench
- Drain pan
- Torque wrench
Parts and supplies
- Front brake caliper
- Brake fluid specified for the vehicle
Steps
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground. Raise and support the front securely, then remove the wheel.
Remove pads and disconnect the hose
Remove the pad retaining clips and pins, then support the brake hose. Place a pan below the caliper, disconnect the brake line with a flare-nut wrench, and remove the caliper bolts.
Prepare the replacement caliper
Transfer any required fittings and lubricate only the caliper's specified pad contact points. Check that slider pins and boots are clean and move freely.
Install the caliper and brake line
Position the caliper on the knuckle and tighten its bolts to vehicle specification. Reconnect the brake line without cross-threading it, then secure the hose in its original bracket.
Reinstall pads and bleed brakes
Fit the pads, pins, and spreader spring in their original positions. Bleed the entire hydraulic circuit according to the service procedure, keeping the reservoir filled and checking for leaks.
Reinstall the wheel and test
Mount the wheel and torque lug nuts to specification. Pump the pedal until firm, inspect the caliper and line for seepage, then test braking carefully at low speed.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.