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2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma (2WD and 4x4)

Front brake pads

The truck goes up on jack stands, about 2 hours

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Lug nuts83 lb-ft
Replace pads at1 mm
Rotor min (4x4)26 mm
Brake fluidDOT 3

What you need

Links open Amazon.

Parts

  • 1 set
    Front brake pad set with new shims4 pads, both front wheels; each pad with a No. 1 (slotted) and No. 2 anti-squeal shimPads differ for 2WD vs 4x4/PreRunner; pick your exact truck.
    Amazon
  • 4
    Pin hold clips (R-clips)Pin hold clip Type B: 2 per side, replace with newOnly if yours has two small R-clips per side.
    Amazon

Tools

  • 1
    Floor jack
    Amazon
  • 2
    Jack standsNever trust the jack alone; do one side at a time.
    Amazon
  • 1 pair
    Wheel chocksChock the rear wheels so the truck can't roll.
    Amazon
  • 1
    Breaker barLoosen lug nuts with this, not the torque wrench.
    Amazon
  • 1
    Lug nut socket
    Amazon
  • 1
    Torque wrenchMust reach 83 ft-lb (113 N-m) for the front wheel nutsRange must include 83 ft-lb; never loosen nuts with it.
    Amazon
  • 1
    Pry barPry with the old pads still in, never new ones.
    Amazon
  • 1
    Needle-nose pliers
    Amazon
  • 1
    Pin punch
    Amazon
  • 1
    Hammer
    Amazon
  • 1 pair
    Safety glasses
    Amazon
  • 1
    Brake rotor micrometer4x4/PreRunner rotor 28.0 mm (1.102 in) std, 26.0 mm (1.024 in) min; 2WD 25.0 mm std, 23.0 mm minOptional: checks the 26 mm limit; 0-1 inch models too small.
    Amazon

Supplies

  • 1 tube
    Brake shim greaseToyota 08887-80409
    Amazon
  • 1 tube
    Brake caliper greaseToyota 08887-80609 or equivalentThin film where pads touch caliper; never the friction side.
    Amazon
  • 1 bottle
    Brake fluidDOT 3 (SAE J1703 / FMVSS No. 116), to top upFill only to MAX; never DOT 5 silicone fluid.
    Amazon
  • 1 pair
    Nitrile gloves
    Amazon
  • 1 roll
    Shop towelsBrake fluid eats paint; wipe spills off right away.
    Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Every step in this video (10)
  1. Loosen the lug nuts, raise the truck, and set it on a jack stand. Never trust the jack alone.
  2. Wheel off. This is a fixed, four-piston caliper. The pads slide out, so leave it bolted on. Unbolting it opens the brake line.
  3. With the old pads in, pry each pad back to push the pistons in. Watch the reservoir. It can overflow, and brake fluid eats paint.
  4. Pull the clips, tap out both pins, and lift off the spring.
  5. Pads out, with their shims. Toyota's limit is 1 mm of lining. On a 4x4, the rotor minimum is 26 mm.
  6. New pads get new shims. Grease both sides of the slotted shim, and lightly where the pads touch the caliper. Never the friction side.
  7. Slide the new pads in, then the spring and both pins.
  8. Clip the pins. If yours has two small R-clips, use new ones, handles toward the truck's center.
  9. Wheel on, nuts snug in a star pattern. On the ground, torque them to 83 lb-ft.
  10. Do the other side. Then pump the pedal until it's firm, and top up to MAX with DOT 3.

Written by our repair experts, checked against real jobs mechanics logged. If your owner’s manual says something different, go with the manual.

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