Lucas_Dad

Wanting to save money, I've been looking at Youtube videos on how to change brake pads (2009 Toyota Camry). A few videos make it look easy, a few make it look fiddly. Is it an easy job in reality? I'm handy on the tools, but never done much on cars past checking the oil and filling the washer bottle..

Cheers

quiltman

Generally it's very straightforward. I've changed my pads for years. some of the youtube videos are very good. Make sure you properly support the car when you've jacked it up!

spuddyo

You will probs find that on a Camry you just undo one or two bolts and swing the caliper up out of the way, the pads can then be removed and replaced easily. Take photos as you do it, so that any anti-squeal shims or clips go back in the right way.

before you put the new pads in, the caliper piston will need pushing back in - easiest way is use a large G Clamp to squeeze it back, but make sure the piston is clean first. Before you do that take the lid off the brake fluid reservoir and keep your eye on the fluid level as it will rise as the piston goes back. Use a syringe or similar to remove excess fluid, it strips paint so be careful of spills.

Take your time, after the first one you will have the others done easy.

Amazulu

I recently did the front brake pads on my Triton and was surprised how easy it was - saved myself a couple of hundred

When I was younger (with no money), I did most of my own car maintenance. I'm going to start doing more of it now as there are significant sums to be saved - and a sense of satisfaction of doing stuff myself

Lots of info online

Lucky Lucan

For Gawds sake DO NOT push the brake pedal down when you have no pads in the calipers!!!!!!!!!!

Lucas_Dad

Noted!

Definitely interested in trying this and saving some dollar. Sounds like I'll need to invest in a decent jack or a pair of axle stands, but it'll still be cheaper than a garage.

dj6372

Its definitely doable, as you already said, decent axle stands, a good set of tools, plenty of time, youtube or workshop manual, a cuppa tea, and have half a clue to tool usage you'll be fine. Once you do one side the second will be a breeze!

Amazulu

I just used my Triton's spare wheel jack and put the wheel that I took off under the front of the car. At no stage was I anywhere under the vehicle

renth

I do them on my cars that are no longer under warranty. It's quite easy.

I don't know if today's brake pads have asbestos in them but I've got in the habit of trying not to breathe the dust in.

Lucas_Dad