Tech Tip T-TT-0132-11 September, 2012

Subject Market

Best Practices for TCMC Front Brake Pad Installation USA

Service Category Section

Brake Brake (front)

Applicability

Multiple Models

APPLICABLE VEHICLES

1996-2009 Camry 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser

2001-2007 Highlander 2001-2003 Prius
2000-2006 Tundra 1998-2009 Sienna
2003-2013 Matrix 1996-2009 4Runner
2000-2005 Echo 2003-2007 Sequoia
1997-2009 Avalon 1996-2013 RAV4
2000-2005 MR2 Spyder 2006-2013 Yaris
1999-2013 Tacoma 1999-2002, 2004- Solara
2008
2007-2011 Camry HV 1999-2013 Corolla

CONDITION

A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle’s braking system is to perform a
visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers and discs. The following recommendations are intended
to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC)
front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair Manual and TIS publications for specific
repair instructions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To ensure proper function and safe operation of the braking system, the following points should be followed
when inspecting and installing Genuine Toyota TCMC brake pads. Refer to PANT Bulletin 2012-049 for
specific vehicle applications for the TCMC brake pad kits.

KEY INSPECTION POINTS Description Notes

Pad lining thickness  Worn brake pads can cause noise

and damage the rotor if not inspected
Using a ruler or a pad thickness gauge and serviced regularly
to measure the pad lining thickness.
 Refer to the model specific Repair
If the pad lining thickness is less than Manual for standard and minimum
the minimum, the brake pads should be thickness levels
replaced.

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 Tech Tip T-TT-0132-11 September, 2012
Subject Market

Best Practices for TCMC Front Brake Pad Installation USA

Applicability

Multiple Models

RECOMMENDATIONS
Disc Thickness  Many customer complaints about
disc brake operation are caused by
Using a micrometer, measure the disc rotor condition issues
thickness.
 Variations can cause noise and
Refer to the vehicle model specific vibration when braking
Repair Manual for Standard and
Minimum thickness.  Inspect rotor surface for any
abnormalities and address/repair as
If the disc thickness is less than the necessary
minimum, replace the front disc.

Rotor Run-out  If run-out is excessive, remove the

rotor, turn it to the next lug, and
Using a dial indicator, measure the repeat the procedure until the
lateral run-out. minimum amount of run-out is
achieved
Refer to the vehicle model specific
Repair Manual for Maximum disc run-  If the run-out still exceeds the
out. maximum, check the bearing play
and the axle hub run-out. If the
* Excessive run out can cause brake bearing play and hub run-out are
pedal pulsation normal and disc thickness is within
the specified range, use an on-
vehicle brake lathe

Disc Brake Rotor Repair  If the disc thickness is less than the
minimum, replace the disc
Toyota recommends using the on-car
brake lathe for repairing rotor run-out  Rinse rotor with brake cleaner after
and thickness variation. using the brake lathe to remove
surface contaminants
This method improves rotor and hub
combined run-out, and is the preferred
method when compared to rotor
replacement and off-the-car rotor
machining.

Brake Caliper and Piston  Abnormal brake pad and rotor wear
can be caused if the caliper or caliper
Inspect the caliper piston and boot for piston “sticks” and keeps the pad in
rust, fluid leak or damage. If necessary, constant contact with the rotor
repair or replace the disc brake caliper
assembly.  Always lube piston and piston boot
before installing brake pads
* Refer to Repair Manual for further
instructions  Apply a light layer of lithium soap
base glycol (rubber) grease (P/N
08887-01206) to the piston and boot

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 Tech Tip T-TT-0132-11 September, 2012
Subject Market

Best Practices for TCMC Front Brake Pad Installation USA

Applicability

Multiple Models

RECOMMENDATIONS
PAD SUPPORT PLATES
Front Disc Brake Pad Support Plates  Remove, inspect, and clean pad clips
*if equipped to ensure a smooth open/close
operation when the brake is applied,
Make sure the pad support plates have and replace if damaged
sufficient rebound, no deformation, no
cracks or wear and that all rust and dirt  DO NOT apply any grease or
are cleaned off. lubricants to pad clips when re-
installing

Apply Grease to Pins and Clips  Do not use shim grease to lubricate
*If equipped caliper pins
Apply a light layer of lithium soap base  Never apply grease or other surface
glycol (rubber) grease (P/N 08887- treatments to the brake pad friction
01206) to the sliding and sealing surface
surfaces of the front disc brake cylinder
slide pins and support bracket.

Brake Pad Shims  *For TCMC Brake Pad Kits: Use the
supplied shims and shim grease that
When replacing worn pads, the supplied comes with the TCMC brake kit
TCMC anti-squeal shims must be
replaced with the TCMC pads. 1- hole 4-hole  Never apply grease or other surface
treatments to the brake pad friction
Apply 1-2mm thickness of the supplied surface.
TCMC shim grease to the areas of the
pad backing plate as indicated by the  Never use old or worn shims. They
shaded areas based on plate may have cracks or damage that is
configuration. 2-hole 6-hole not clearly visible to the eye

Do not apply shim grease to the entire  Never apply anti-seize or other types
area of the backing plate. of non-approved grease to the shims
or caliper slide pins
NOTE: The use of shim grease other
than the shim grease supplied with the
3-hole
TCMC brake pad kits may cause
abnormal brake noise/squeal.

Install Front Brake Pads  When replacing the brake pads, the
anti-squeal shims must be replaced
Install the TCMC brake pads with the together with the brake pads
supplied TCMC anti-squeal shims to the
disc brake cylinder mounting.  Install the brake pads in correct
position and direction

 Never alter the friction material or

pad shape

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 Tech Tip T-TT-0132-11 September, 2012
Subject Market

Best Practices for TCMC Front Brake Pad Installation USA

Applicability

Multiple Models

RECOMMENDATIONS
Install Front Wheel
 Do not use an air impact wrench to
Check applicable vehicle repair manual tighten lugs
for lug tightening and torque
specifications  Use a torque wrench to install lug
nuts

 Follow the proper lug torque

tightening sequences when
reinstalling wheel

LINK REFERENCES

 2012-049: Introducing Phase 2 TCMC AZ Brake Pads - Additional Model Coverage

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