Brake Servicing DIY

correct don’t open the bleeders. Just squeeze the pistons back slowly. Been doing it that way since 2007 on all of my 4runners and had zero issues

 

I’d rather waste the time doing it myself so that I know it is done correctly.

 

"If You already have a disassembled, and realize that you need to shift it in neutral, when you step on the brake to shift it, you'll shoot the Piston right out of the caliper. Ask me how I know LOL."
I did the same a couple of weeks ago. I hate doing brakes more than almost anything else. I ALWAYS run into a problem that makes it take MUCH longer than it should. I had so many issues with the rear brakes, I needed to take a couple of weeks off before I attempted the fronts!

 

Heh, I know what you mean. I however know this mechanic for about 20 years. He specializes in Japanese vehicles and does not upsell me ever. I guess if you are going to a dealership for servicing, you never know which mechanic you are gonna get.

I always know who works on my car this way. And while handy, I would say I know less about vehicles than he does and trust him to do a good job.

 

I think if say the vehicle has like 60K miles on it.. and rotors are visibly pitted, damaged or out of thickness or excessive lateral run out i would do rotors to...otherwise.. I would just swap pads and keep the rotors for second set of pads and swap then. Ive swapped my front rotors as they were quite rusty.. my rears on my 21 I left on..as they were good so why scrap them when it just needs pads

For pads

Get Akebono.. all else is shit.

 

I hear you! Yeah, I found the rears very frustrating, I thought they would be easy. This is definitely the most finicky vehicle I've had with regards to brake jobs.