why does my Toyota Tacoma N300 (2016-Present) make a grinding noise when I brake?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface with the engine off.
• Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses.

2. Lift the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle as needed.
• Secure the vehicle with jack stands.

3. Remove Wheel

• Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Take off the wheel to access the braking components.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspect Brake Pads:
  • Remove the caliper bolts using a socket set.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor.
  • Check the pads for thickness; replace if less than 3mm.
• Replace Brake Pads:
  • Remove old pads by sliding them out of the caliper bracket.
  • Install new brake pads, ensuring proper alignment with the caliper.

5. Inspect and Resurface/Replace Rotors

• Inspect Rotors:
  • Check for grooves and damage. Measure thickness with a micrometer.
• Resurface/Replace Rotors:
  • If rotors are within specifications but damaged, have them resurfaced.
  • If replacement is necessary, remove the caliper bracket bolts and slide off the rotor.
  • Install new rotors, ensuring they are clean and free of oil.

6. Reassemble Braking Components

• Reattach the caliper over the new pads and rotor.
• Tighten caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (typically around 20-25 ft-lbs).
• Replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. Lower the Vehicle and Test

• Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.
• Torque the lug nuts to the specified value (usually around 80-90 ft-lbs).
• Press the brake pedal several times to seat the new pads.