my Toyota RAV4 XA50 (2019-2024) is making a strange noise when I brake, why?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
• Disconnect the battery as a safety precaution.

2. Remove Wheel

• Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the wheel to access the brake components.

3. Inspect Brake Components

• Brake Pads:

  • Remove the caliper mounting bolts using a socket set.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the brake rotor.
  • Inspect the brake pads for wear; replace if less than 3mm thick.

• Brake Rotors:

  • Check the rotor surface for grooves or uneven wear.
  • If damaged, remove the rotor by unscrewing the rotor retaining screws and sliding it off the hub.

4. Replace Brake Pads or Rotors (if necessary)

• If replacing pads, install new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
• If replacing rotors, install new rotors onto the hub and secure them with retaining screws.
• Reinstall the caliper over the new pads/rotors and tighten caliper mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque (typically around 25-30 ft-lbs).

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and then fully tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specification (typically around 76 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the battery.