Replacing Front Brake Pads
Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 17:20
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Wherehegon
Hi all, Replacing the front brake pads/rotors on the 01 Prado this weekend, has ABS, Traction etc, I have heard by just pushing the callipers back to make room for the new pads its stuffs up the ABS/TC unit ?? I have replaced plenty of pads before in various vehicles but the only one with ABS was the commodore and replaced as described above with out any issues. But I do remember reading a while back about some one having issues by doing it as above and damaging the ABS unit. Would this have been the cause or just coincidence ?? I believe they are around the 3g mark to replace so don't want to take any chances. I rang a few workshops today just to enquire and most just did it as above. If this is the INCORRECT way then what is the best way to eliminate any damage....... I remember something about the bleed valve ?? I think......Thankyou Regards Steve M
Reply By: Member - Kevin B1 (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 18:58
Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 18:58
Just undo the brake bleed screw before you push the piston in, that will release the fluid and can not cause any harm. Just relock the bleeder before you release the pressure on the piston and you should not get any air in.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 19:11
Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 19:11
Well, as an Ex Toyota technician and currently an Engineer, I can say that I have seen just about every thing.
The safest bet is (as you said) to push the brake calliper pistons back in to make way for the new pads, however, rather than force the fluid back through the ABS pump, use a bottle and hose attached to the bleed nipple to direct the fluid out into the bottle and discard.
After the brake pads and callipers are back in place, depress the brake pedal to get the calliper pistons back out to their required position (keep an eye on your fluid level in your reservoir), BUT DO NOT over extend the pedal. I'd suggest only pushing the pedal down as far as it would normally go during normal braking. This way, if there is any crap or corrosion build up in you master cylinder, the seals will not be dragged over it, damaging the seals and potentially start an internal master cylinder leak.
The Toyota master cylinders incorportae the ABS module, so yes, they can be quite expensive. The Commodore one's are a seperate unit so it's much cheaper to repair.
Hope this helps.....
AnswerID:
382548
Follow Up By: Wherehegon - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 23:16
Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 23:16
Hi there Fab, should I crimp the brake line to stop any pressure going back to the ABS unit or will just opening up the bleeder valve do ?? Regards Steve M
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Follow Up By: Fab72 - Thursday, Sep 10, 2009 at 06:35
Thursday, Sep 10, 2009 at 06:35
You could as an additional measure Steve, however, it's probably not neccessary. Fluid always flows to the path of least resistence, so an open bleeder nipple will do just fine. However, it certainly won't hurt to take the extra step, on the off chance that the bleeder is slightly blocked.
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650195
Reply By: Andrew-rodeo - Thursday, Sep 10, 2009 at 17:48
Thursday, Sep 10, 2009 at 17:48
If you're not 100% sure on how to replace the pads/rotors, perhaps it should be best left to someone who does.
Cheers Andrew
AnswerID:
382657