How to Replace Rear Brakes 04-07 Toyota Highlander
Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Toyota Highlander
Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a 2004–07 Toyota Highlander while adjusting the drum parking brake shoes for proper rotor clearance.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- 21 mm socket
- 17 mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- C-clamp
- Brake cleaner
- Wire brush
- Torque wrench
Parts and supplies
- Rear brake pads
- Rear brake rotors
Steps
Raise and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, raise and support the rear safely, then remove the wheel to expose the caliper and rotor.
Remove the caliper and pads
Ease the pads inward to retract the piston slightly, then remove the caliper bolts. Support the caliper so the hose is not strained and remove the pads.
Back off the parking brake and remove rotor
Remove the rotor access plug and turn the shoe adjuster to retract the parking brake shoes. Remove the caliper bracket and slide the rotor off without forcing it against the shoes.
Prepare the hub and caliper slides
Clean the hub face and inspect the caliper slides for free movement. Apply compatible brake lubricant sparingly to the slider and pad contact points.
Install and adjust the new rotor
Clean the replacement rotor with brake cleaner and install it on the hub. Adjust the parking brake shoes for light, even contact, then reinstall the access plug and caliper bracket.
Install pads and caliper
Use an old pad and clamp to retract the caliper piston. Seat the new pads, reinstall the caliper, and tighten hardware to the vehicle's specification.
Reinstall the wheel and test
Mount the wheel and lower the vehicle. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a crossing pattern, pump the pedal until firm, and test both brake systems cautiously.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.