How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4Runner

[@chrisgould1715]

Thanks! Used this video to replace all 4 rotors. The first 3 came off with a bit of a struggle but the 4th would not budge. I wailed on it with a hammer for 45 minutes and it didn't budge. Using an m8x1.25 bolt in the "rotor removal bolt hole" got them off in 30 seconds. Much easier!

[@chrisoxford7944]

Wish every how to video was as detailed and calmly paced as this. Well done, thank you

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you very much!

[@daddyo702]

Best 5th Gen 4Runner rotors and pads replacement tutorial. Thank you kindly!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@danmidkiff5416]

This is by far THE BEST 4runner brake video ever! (This is where you run up on the stage and accept your Oscar) Really, this is a great video. You covered everything that could be a question. And, you had great lighting with many different angles of views. You had all of your tools and bits and pieces at hand. I've done my back brakes, and I'm doing the fronts tomorrow. You demystified the process! You da man!!!!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Wow, thanks!

[@jimlofaro5695]

I respectfully concur with the above. EXCELLENT VIDEO AND EXPLANATIONS.

[@veritasdel3649]

​@@WanderlostOverlandquestion is it an issue that the pads are hugging the rotor with not alot of gap if anybetween rotor and pad

[@AndyR4832]

I used your video as the basis for changing the pads and rotors on my wife's 2016 4Runner with excellent results. Thank you for your time and attention to detail on projects like this one. The dealer wanted $1,000.00 to do this job. I spent about $400! Happy wife, happy life!! Thanks again!!!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great to hear!

[@VanillaGorilla502]

I was quoted $844 yesterday as well for pads and resurfacing

[@trailrunnah8886]

Fantastic tutorial! I've watched a few of these, yours is the best. I recently did my rears, going to do my fronts within the next few weeks. One thing I learned on the rear, is if the rotor does not come off even with the bolt trick, the parking brake shoes may be holding even if the brake isn't engaged. It's easy to loosen the shoes, however, to do that the rotor needs to be lined up in a certain spot. I learned the hard way, shift the TRANSFER CASE to neutral to do this, not the transmission. I absent-mindedly stepped on the break to shift the transmission into neutral, and shot the piston right out of the caliper. Luckily I only had one side disassembled at the time, and the caliper was pretty easy to replace.

[@bluelineoffroad]

Very good video. I actually started a brake job on my 2020 4Runner thinking that it would basically be the same as I've done numerous times on other vehicles. Well, I was wrong. I initially took out the wrong bolts and ended up leaking brake a little brake fluid from inside the front calipers. A quick check of your video showed which bolts to remove. Again, alot of detail in your video, and it was done at a good pace for most anyone to easily follow. Brake pad replacement is one of the easiest things for the do it yourselfer, but there are also quirks depending on the manufacturer. Toyota seems to have more quirks than most.

[@aaronwilcott4561]

Perfect tutorial on how to do the 4runners brakes.This video should have a million likes.Thankyou for the clear instructions and helping people to tackle this job.

[@andyryan2945]

This video is a lifesaver! I really appreciate the added thought to put the torque specs on screen.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackvang87]

Learned how to lift my Runner and change brake pads from this channel! Keep up the great content and thank you!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad to help!

[@billyjank5]

This was a great explanation on how to do the front and rear brakes/rotors on Toyota 4 runner. This was my first experience doing my own brake job, and it went without a hitch. This mechanic did an excellent job explaining everything step by step. This was the best tutorial video I came across that fully demonstrates the process. I saved $1500 bucks doing it myself! Thank you, Sir!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great to hear!

[@starpartyguy5605]

Just did my front brakes, although my neighbor did most of the work. Need to buy him some food. No issues and thanks for the video. It really helped.

[@fixitkev1966]

Excellent video. Everything clearly shown. I’ve done brakes on other Toyotas but never the 4 Runner. I needed this video just to see what it would look like. In some videos the presenter explains how to take the wheel off. If you need the removal of the wheel explained you probably shouldn’t do your own brakes. At least not until you master removing the wheel…..

[@WanderlostOverland]

You hit the nail on the head. :)

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

Thank you, after the dealership quoted me $1,300 for a brake job on my 2017 I was looking to do it myself. Very detailed video 👍.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped

[@michaelengle9062]

wow...I laughed with my dealer tried to jab me for $400.

[@MIKEROMEO1968]

wow you are on point with this video. if i could add one suggestion, i was able to loosen the grime holding the rotors by letting the " "penetrant" soak in for about 10 mins. i noticed that when i didnt and just started tapping away after applying the "penetrant" it still took about 10 mins to get the rotor to release. so the suggestion is, use the penetrant, wait 10 mins or so and then tap away and you will save energy and irritation. took me about 3 hours from start to finish and clean up to get the 4 runner back on the road.

[@ryandobrowolski]

Thank you for your hard work, sir. I always watch a handful of videos before any project, regardless of how much I think I know, but for this job, I think I'm one and done. Great video.

[@coloradomoto3001]

Your video gave me the confidence (as an amateur) to change out the pads and rotors on my 2015- thank you so much! Outstanding video, you and your work are appreciated.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@TexanGuy]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, got the wife’s done yesterday. Easier than I thought it would be!

[@dcabinet]

Best brake job video ever. I need to do mine soon. Thank you for posting this.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@Power24-7]

Thanks for this video!! The details you provided made changing the rear brakes on our '17 a breeze!

[@ronaldarita8128]

I love the way you explain it to teach how to do the job. I’m planning to do the same job on my 2018 Toyota 4Runner and your video will help me a lot. I really appreciate it, thank you.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sachellebabbar9005]

don't use compressed air to blow all the brake dust around. It's not asbestos anymore, but it's also not good for inhalation.

[@philipaubin4684]

Saved me about $400 bucks. Thanks Wanderlost Overland!!!

[@philipaubin4684]

Also, it saved me a lot of grief using the bolt method to pull the rotor off. All that tapping with a soft hammer was for the birds.

[@davidellenbaum1229]

good job . couple recommendations always support calipers .1 buy copper never seize for around rotors to hubs thin coating works wonders 2 use caliper grease for rear caliper pins slight coating . 3 clean front pins slight sanding or wire wheel . lube same as hubs and pin areas . 4 use torque wrench with blue lock tight on all caliper mounting hardware .5 torque all lug nuts evenly to proper torque . enjoy your new brakes . burnish after installing .

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching the video, LOL.

[@Fortehoz]

Burnish?

[@davidellenbaum1229]

@@Fortehoz driving and applying brakes with out stopping completely . You can also burnish clutch and synchronizers

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

You should also tell people that you should pump the brakes a few times before moving the car so to seat the pads against the rotors. Other wise you may not have brakes your first press of the peddle !

[@WanderlostOverland]

We make it a point to never disturb "natural selection". :)

[@comodice905]

What are you saying

[@McAdamsMechanics]

@@WanderlostOverland haha yeeees

[@jamesbailey1502]

​@WanderlostOverland )now that is funny!!! 😂

[@AJAYP4632]

@@comodice905lll lol

[@cornfed98]

Great video! Do you remove the brake fluid reservoir cap when compressing the pistons? I've seen that in a few videos, and some that actually open the bleeder valve on the caliper. Something about not damaging the ABS.

[@nvrumi]

Thank you for a very detailed walk-through on the brake work. My job this week is to replace the pads and either have the rotors surfaced or replace them. I also have a set of air bags to install in the rear to help support my camper. Well done sir!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped

[@timothylawrence2441]

Thank you for the video. Ive done Fords and Dodges, but never a Toyota. Video was a big help.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@FullMetalNapkin]

Doubt you'd read this but your video helped me out today. So thank you for being by my side during this brake job. I'm YT ASE Certified now

[@WanderlostOverland]

Of course we read it. Thanks, glad we could help. Thanks for watching. Congrats on the KZbin cert. ;P

[@FullMetalNapkin]

@@WanderlostOverland I gotta say one thing your video forgot/I forgot.... The OEM shims on the brake pads. Looks like I might be taking everything apart next weekend lol

[@AreaThirteenThirteen]

Great video, no B.S. and straight to the point, well done!

[@andynonymous2164]

You guys are the best. Gave me the last little nudge of confidence I needed to do my first ever brake job. THANKS 👍

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great to hear!

[@BruceWayne-sx7ws]

Great tutorial. One more 5th Gen owner happy. Thank you so much.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@ThatOtherDave]

Coming back to this video since it's time for my 2018 to get some new brakes. I noticed no shims on the new pads? Excellent video as always!

[@KA-ym5gr]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Saved me $380, and my brake system looks great, each one took me over an hr but thats d/t the cleaning aspect. new brakes working great!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great to hear!

[@nevada_bioinformatics426]

Thanks for the walkthrough! I was able to replace the pads on the front and rear no problem! I didn't need to do the rotors, so I didn't take the calipers off the front and only had to take the piston off the rear. Thanks again!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@andrewcrowder5445]

WOW! This video is so detailed and amazing! This really deserves more views along with his channel! Very impressive! Thank you sir for your time on the video and details on it! Greatly appreciated!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Wow, thank you!

[@nokianx400]

Thanks for the video, and thanks for putting the torque settings. The teyoda tech wouldn't give me that info when I calped earlier today. Replacing mine tomorrow.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped! The main reason the torque specs are a well-guarded secret is they have to pay a subscription to get the manuals.

[@MrDnny101]

Thank you for taking the wire brush to the rear caliper! Maybe spraying them with some heat resistant paint will help out with that build up in future situations

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for the tip!

[@juanriat4056]

Thanks, this video is great and makes it very clear to follow. One question I have is when pressing the calipers in, do I need to have the brake reservoir cap off?

[@WanderlostOverland]

You don't really need to. The main reason I never do is I don't want any brake fluid spilling out. It can eat through paint quick.

[@Adam_K_W]

Great video! I pulled the front wheels off of my 2020 4runner and the hub, where it protrudes through the rotor is MASSIVELY rusted, the rotor is rusted (I rarely go off road, and my 4runner is garage kept, night and day) very little snow driving in the past 3 years. I think I need a full hub and wheel bearing replacement (I have 30,000 miles). I'm planning to get all of those parts and prime/paint all of the metal surfaces that aren't in contact with the brake pads to protect them and hopefully keep this from happening again. Do you see any issues with that?

[@traviskhong1739]

Thanks showing your videos how to change brakes pads for 4Runner, I will soon need to change my brakes very soon and I would love to asking you for information about how to change brake fluid on same 4Runner and wondering if you have a video of that thank again

[@chadjoneslsu]

Thank you sire! Do you have a solid info video about rear sag on 4Runner 5th gen. I’m thinking I just need new springs

[@stevederosa1655]

i just noticed something, your 4runner is a later year which changed Toyota changed the front caliper bolts to 19mm and the factory torque spec for those is 137 ft lbs. older 4runners with 17mm front caliper bolts are 91ft lbs 17mm front caliper bolts 91ft lbs 19mm front caliper bolts 137ft lbs

[@starpartyguy5605]

I’m currently doing rear brakes and rotors. After fighting with it for a while I got the rear bracket off. I think I took way longer than 5 years ago when I did it last. I would suggest breaking all 4 bolts free before removing and hanging the calipers. The brake line gets in the way of the bracket bolts. Tomorrow morning I’ll do the right side.

[@Cshores]

Great video. I just changed rotors and pads on the front brakes. I believe I did everything correctly, but my 2014 4Runner isn't holding any brake pressure. I drove it around the block and the brake goes all the way down to the floor before coming to a very slow stop. The brake has pressure in reverse but moving forward it is treacherous. Do I need to bleed the brakes or take any additional steps to get the pressure/stopping capabilitiy back? I am embarrassed to even ask because your video is so straightforward.

[@trekkerburt2724]

thanks for the video guys, just changed my pads and rotors!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@chaz2939]

Wish we had cell phones for pics back in the day when we did drum brakes...

[@FrogRunner4x4]

The beauty of this vehicle is you don’t need to remove almost anything other than tires to put new break pads in.

[@tamasmaksza6450]

Big fan of NeverSeize for those mating metal-metal surfaces, never have to pound on disks again.

[@joebagodonutssummertime8267]

Great video tutorial. I had one of the long wires that hold the pins in come out. My aftermarket pads had the OEM type wire vice the s clips. Sclips seems better, thoughts?

[@WanderlostOverland]

I like the s-clips. Toyota probably used the wire clips because they worked better on the assembly line, easier to find when dropped. :)

[@joebagodonutssummertime8267]

@@WanderlostOverland I am going to get some, they are a better design, since one of mine came out. Maybe it was me, but, I need to ensure it doesnt come out again. Thnx

[@dannyle-ok4yw]

Can you confirm your torque specs please? I followed your video to do my brake job and have seem other videos saying the torque spec for the caliper slide bolt is 30 foot pounds not 65. I torqued to 65. Will it cause issues?

[@bagabuck1]

You sir are awesome. Just bought a 2014 4runner trd pro inferno red with 27k on it . still think I'm dreaming when I get in it. Don't think the pads have been changed yet as the peddle travel is to far . this video gives me confidence they are as easy to change as I suspected. I have done my 98 cherokee my 2019 journey my 2003 Durango and my 79 f150 for years. But never a toyota . I just got a 04 Corolla for my wife . hope it's similar. I will find out though it has drums on back. Thanks for the nice detailed video.

[@WanderlostOverland]

You're very welcome!

[@taze27]

Thorough and very informative! Thanks good sir. 👍

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moeenzachariah]

I have heard and read that there are 2 different size bolts that hold the caliper. I have a 2013 4runner, what year is yours that you have 19mm bolt?

[@andynonymous2164]

Is there something about compressing the caliper pistons in a certain way so that the brake fluid doesn't all go into one side or line or area? My mechanic buddy mentioned something like this to me. Made me want to check with you guys.

[@richhaas941]

Thanks you for that video it was a tremendous help appreciate it Thanks again buddy

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped

[@ridgehawk1]

I'll second Dan Midkiff, Well done Sir!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks!

[@PedramR]

This was wonderful! So thorough. Confident I can do mine now and not pay the dealer. Thank you!

[@WanderlostOverland]

You are so welcome! Helping you gain the confidence to take on the job yourself is music to our ears!

[@PedramR]

@@WanderlostOverland Where did you place your jack/stands? Just realized the two I have are 2-ton, so ordered a 6-ton set before starting...

[@axios76]

Looks like there are 17mm and 19mm versions for the caliper bolts. The 19mm are 137 ft/lb and 17mm are 91 ft/lb torque.

[@treasurehunt7812]

So, no shims behind the front pads? Thank you for the great video.

[@WanderlostOverland]

No need

[@treasurehunt7812]

@@WanderlostOverland Thank you!

[@michael184272]

Excellent presentation.. Your a natural... Thanks for sharing

[@WanderlostOverland]

So nice of you!!! Thanks!!!

[@mrguyname]

im having issues taking off the 2 bolts for the calipers. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

[@nsemlak09]

I thumbs up’d at “Penetrant... penetrant? Is that a word? Penetratant?” Made me chuckle.

[@nsemlak09]

“By the way it is a word, I looked it up.” Love it. Absolutely love it.

[@michaell.7151]

The 12mm bolt that supports the brake line is the perfect fit for loosening the rotors. Just use that instead of banging up your rotors.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great tip!

[@sammyp3793]

On the axle spindle for the rotor what goes first the bearings washer pin then star cover over the nut?

[@aymanmoussa143]

Thank you very much very good quality of video very clear I do appreciate it

[@WanderlostOverland]

You are very welcome

[@marusholilac]

PARKING BRAKE: My 2010 parking brake hardly works. When it was new I asked the dealership to adjust it. The mechanic tried but said if he adjusted it enough to actually work it would come apart. I checked NHTSA to see if there was a recall and there is not. I assume this is because there are so few 4Runners that a critical mass of complaints did not occur. There were only about 25000 built in my year and I assume that is typical. I'd still like to see a recall, but perhaps my mechanic was mistaken and it is possible to have a working parking brake?? I've never had a car with this problem and I'm really old.

[@eliotrandallw]

What kind of grease do you use? Is there a good all purpose grease for metal on metal? Anti seize?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Hi Temp anti-seize

[@mrod72785]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@miscomposiciones5752]

Real good video,,,don't know if I will be able to accomplish but ,,feel like doing it my self

[@WanderlostOverland]

You can do it!

[@miscomposiciones5752]

@@WanderlostOverland I really appreciate it,,,and yes I did it,,,,thanks,,resurface my rotors and replace my brake pads,,watching your video jeje,,, it took me around 3 hours for all 4 but accomplished,,thanks again

[@gmonay2k]

Your video is how I like my steak…well done. Subscribed.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Kiloup]

It’s very nice job I love that and thank you for great video .

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@241eric]

Do you recommend changing all 4 rotors at the same time? OEM parts or other rotors?

[@WanderlostOverland]

If there's enough meat left on the originals I would recommend having them "turned" on a lathe. I've tried aftermarket rotors many times. They don't stay flat and true nearly as good as Toyota rotors.

[@freymaster4449]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that uses a floor jack handle as a breaker bar 😂

[@brv002]

Local mechanic quoted me $850 for my 16' 4runner break job. I got the parts online under $200 (drilled and slotted front rotors with carbon ceramic pads). Did the front last weekend and will do the rear next. What about bleeding the break fluid? How often should that be done?

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's awesome to hear! One of our goals for our videos is to show people that, with simple tools, they can do many repairs and upgrades themselves. I've been around mechanics and repair shops all my life. I'll let you in on a little secret. These days when a mechanic isn't totally familiar with the repair, he Googles up a KZbin video on it. LOL

[@mikehoffman3690]

Wow those pads are worn. Good thing you changed them.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Right?!

[@ComboDaddy228]

Thank you for this. First time no sweat!! 👍

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great job!

[@ethancain4922]

Just did this to my front brakes on my 2015 and they’re making a real bad scraping sound when driving. I think the rotors are scraping the metal plate behind them what could I do to avoid this?

[@scottrobbins2586]

Any suggestions on a good way to get the pins out?

[@mvm932]

Unless I missed it, your really didn't show the replacement of the rear rotors. One key thing there is that they won't come off easily. First, you need to release the emergency brake so that the shoes INSIDE the rear rotors aren't contacting the rotors. Try to get the rotors off. If they still feel stuck, you need to adjust the emergency brake shoes so that retract. You rotate the rotors so that two holes (the 1/2" or so ones, not the tiny ones) are at the 12 and 6 o'clock position. Then you shine a light in the 6 o'clock hole to see the emergency brake adjuster (looks like a little gear). You then push from top to bottom to get the gear/wheel to rotate towards you. That will adjust the emergency brake shoes so they are not contacting the rotor. You will then be able to take it off.

[@tjlayes8199]

Hi wanderlost. Great videos very informative thank you. I have 2010 Toyota Fj Cruiser last week my check engine light went on it says p0327 it's the knocking sensor low power input. Can you make a video replacing the sensor? Thanks

[@aaronstachewicz4800]

You can use the bolt from the bracket to remove the rotor. No pounding, super easy.

[@albertomendez1290]

Thanks for the videos, they are very useful to me, I am not an expert, but I was able to lift my 4 runner watching your videos, I have a small problem, I do not know what size or how to order the rear shock absorbers, since the original ones do not work because they are very short, please help me ! greetings from minneapolis

[@WanderlostOverland]

Contact www.toyteclifts.com/ . They'll be able to answer all your questions. Thanks for watching our videos!

[@mikebates4815]

How many miles do you have on these brakes? Thanks,

[@seamosserchin9024]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@myxx7671]

Are OEM breaks also good? Also is there a difference from the front and rear breaks, or are they the same?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yup, Toyota replacement parts are always a higher grade of quality. Can't go wrong with Toyota OEM. The front and rears parts are different.

[@alexmorales8489]

Do you have to remove the cap off of the brake fluid reservoir prior to compressing the caliper piston?

[@WanderlostOverland]

You can, but it's not necessary.

[@michaelnuckols6739]

Yes!!

[@michaelnuckols6739]

@@WanderlostOverland it is necessary to prevent excessive pressure in the lines and it makes it much easier to compress the pistons. Always open the cap!

[@michaelwas8549]

Great vid! doing the rear pads on my 17 tmrw. I thought you had to put the 4runner in maintainence mode to release the e-brake.

[@WanderlostOverland]

No need

[@TheWhiteOctopus]

DO NOT remove the rear discs while the ebrake is engaged. I've learned the hard way. You'll end up spending hours trying to get the spring cap back onto the drum pad springs after you've pulled it off or bent it. Its an avoidable nightmare.

[@c10bonanza]

This saved me some swearing. Thanks!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@scgamerd]

I have 40K on my 4runner (over 5 years). I drive pretty mildly so it’s only now time to replace my brake pads, should I be replacing my rotors automatically as well? My wheel is not wobbling when breaking, no visible cracks, no noises.

[@WanderlostOverland]

It's always good to get the stock ones turned on a lathe to make sure they're perfectly straight.

[@scgamerd]

Wanderlost Overland thanks. So if they offer to basically “resurface” or “smoothen” the existing rotors, I should do it?

[@WanderlostOverland]

@@scgamerd Yup, absolutely. At every brake pad replacement you should always do it. The next brake job, after many more miles, the rotors may be too thin to meet minimum spec and will have to be replaced by new ones.

[@scgamerd]

Wanderlost Overland thanks so much

[@King14000]

Nice video. Just don't compress all those pistons without making sure there isn't too much brake fluid in the reservoir. It could be messy!!!

[@sjbill1793]

Did the exact thing this past weekend. Easy Peezy

[@santiagofromdragonmotorsus8292]

Thank you very helpful video

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevenm.385]

Very helpful, thank you sir!

[@WanderlostOverland]

You are welcome!

[@donlewis2572]

When you put the rear rotor on you might need to align one of the holes with the brake adjuster wheel on the bottom of the rotor.

[@boulderliving]

Did you do a brake fluid flush for this job?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Not at this time. We did a complete flush when we put extended rubber lines on though.

[@chuckasarus]

Roughy how many miles before brake pads wear out?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Ours were at 70,000. It depends on your driving style I think.

[@tareqzakarneh221]

Good Job but for the rear rotor you can use the 10 mm tool to pull them out instead of using the hummer specially if they are rusty .thank you

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks!

[@Ryanworksforaduck]

Soooo....what can I do IF I accidentally left the parking break on...tried to remove the rotor, and now the parking break is broken and the rotor won't come off? I don't have an access point to the dial for some reason, and I don't have any threads in the holes in the rotor to try the M8 bolt trick. I noticed the pin in the back just fell out, so I feel like the retention clip in the parking break broke off. Anybody have any other ideas on how to fix this???

[@WintersKamp]

I did the brakes on the FJ. Pretty easy!

[@silverrunner8687]

What jack stands are you using there?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Not Harbor Freight! :)

[@michaelengle9062]

@@WanderlostOverland yeah.. you lived long enough to type a reply so we figgered that.