my Toyota Highlander shakes when I brake, what should I do?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: Jack and jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, brake cleaner, measuring calipers, and a dial indicator.
• Safely park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Lift the Vehicle

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
2. Use the jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove the front wheels using the lug wrench.

3. Inspect Brake Components

1. Brake Rotors:
   • Measure rotor thickness with measuring calipers.
   • Use a dial indicator to check for warping; a variation greater than 0.002 inches indicates the need for replacement or resurfacing.
2. Brake Pads:
   • Check for remaining pad thickness; replace if below 3mm.
   • Inspect for uneven wear patterns.

4. Replace or Resurface Components

1. If rotors are warped:
   • Remove the caliper bracket by loosening the bolts and slide the caliper off.
   • Remove the rotor by unscrewing any retaining screws and pulling it off the hub.
   • Either resurface the rotors or replace them with new ones.
   • Reinstall the rotor and caliper bracket.
2. If brake pads are worn:
   • Remove the old pads from the caliper bracket.
   • Install new brake pads, ensuring they are correctly oriented.
   • Compress the caliper piston using a caliper tool to fit over the new pads.

5. Reassemble and Torque

1. Reinstall the caliper and secure it with the bolts, tightening them to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically 20-30 ft-lb).
2. Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle and then torque the lug nuts to the specified value (typically 76-90 ft-lb).