why does my Toyota Camry make a grinding noise when braking

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools and parts needed for the repair.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery for safety.

2. Remove Wheel

• Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts with a socket set and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Remove the caliper bolts with a socket wrench and carefully slide the caliper off the rotor.
• Support the caliper with a hanger to avoid stress on the brake line.
• Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Compare the thickness of old pads to new ones; replace if worn down.
• Apply brake grease to the back of new pads to prevent noise.
• Reinstall the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if needed)

• Check the rotor surface for scoring; if damaged, remove the rotor using a rotor puller.
• Clean the hub surface with a wire brush.
• Install new rotors, ensuring they are secured properly.
• Torque the rotor retaining bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. Reassemble Brake Components

• Reattach the caliper over the new brake pads and torque caliper bolts to manufacturer specifications.
• Reinstall the wheel and secure lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.

6. Final Checks

• Reconnect the battery.
• Pump the brake pedal to seat the brake pads against the rotors.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if necessary.