Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle. One of the most critical components that require periodic inspection and replacement are the brake pads. Worn-out brake pads can lead to reduced stopping power, increased stopping distance, and even accidents. As a responsible car owner, it’s essential to know how to change brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla to maintain its optimal performance and ensure your safety on the road.
Overview of the Process
Changing brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla is a relatively straightforward process that can be done at home with basic tools and some mechanical knowledge. The process involves removing the wheels, caliper, and old brake pads, and then installing new brake pads and reassembling everything in the reverse order. However, it’s crucial to follow proper procedures and safety precautions to avoid damaging your vehicle’s brake system or causing injury to yourself.
What You’ll Need
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla. We’ll cover the tools and materials required, the necessary safety precautions, and provide tips and tricks to make the process smoother and more efficient.
How to Change Brake Pads on 2018 Toyota Corolla
Changing brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla is a relatively straightforward process that you can do yourself with a few tools and some basic mechanical knowledge. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of replacing the brake pads on your Toyota Corolla.
Important Safety Precautions
Before starting the process, make sure to take the following safety precautions:
- Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask to protect yourself from brake dust and debris.
- Choose a safe location: Choose a flat, level surface that is free from traffic and obstacles.
- Engage the parking brake: Engage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle does not move while you are working underneath it.
- Block the wheels: Block the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle to prevent it from rolling.
- Consult the owner’s manual: Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions and precautions for your vehicle.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
To change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla, you will need the following tools and materials:
- C-Clamps
- Brake pad wear gauge
- Brake pad spacers (if necessary)
- New brake pads
- Brake lubricant
- Wheel chocks
- Jack stands
- A lug wrench or tire iron
- A pair of gloves
- Safety glasses
- A face mask
Jack Up the Vehicle and Remove the Wheels
To access the brake pads, you will need to jack up the vehicle and remove the wheels. Follow these steps:
1. Locate the jacking points on your Toyota Corolla. The jacking points are marked with a picture of a car and a jack.
2. Position the jack under the vehicle and raise it until the wheel is off the ground. Make sure the jack is stable and sturdy.
3. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel using a lug wrench or tire iron. Place them in a safe location where they will not get lost.
4. Carefully pull the wheel straight off the hub and set it aside.
Remove the Caliper
The caliper is the component that holds the brake pads in place. To remove the caliper, follow these steps:
1. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the caliper bolts. These bolts are usually located on the back of the caliper. (See Also: What Brake Do You Use On A Motorcycle)
2. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wires.
3. Use a piece of wire or a rubber band to suspend the caliper from the suspension component. This will prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.
Remove the Old Brake Pads
Now that the caliper is removed, you can access the old brake pads. Follow these steps:
1. Pull the old brake pads out of the caliper. They may be stuck, so be gentle but firm.
2. Remove any brake pad spacers or wear sensors that may be attached to the old brake pads.
3. Inspect the brake rotor for excessive wear or scoring. If the rotor is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Install the New Brake Pads
To install the new brake pads, follow these steps:
1. Take the new brake pads and insert them into the caliper. Make sure they are properly seated and the wear sensors are properly aligned.
2. Apply a small amount of brake lubricant to the back of the brake pads.
3. Install any brake pad spacers or wear sensors that were removed earlier.
Reinstall the Caliper
Now that the new brake pads are installed, you can reinstall the caliper. Follow these steps:
1. Slide the caliper back over the rotor, making sure it is properly aligned.
2. Tighten the caliper bolts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. (See Also: How To Bleed Brake Calipers)
3. Make sure the brake hose and ABS sensor wires are not damaged or kinked.
Reinstall the Wheels and Lower the Vehicle
Now that the brake pads have been replaced, you can reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle. Follow these steps:
1. Place the wheel back on the hub and hand tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground using the jack.
3. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
Bleed the Brake System
After replacing the brake pads, it’s a good idea to bleed the brake system to remove any air that may have entered the lines. Follow these steps:
1. Locate the brake bleed screws on the caliper. These screws are usually located on the top of the caliper.
2. Use a brake bleed kit to remove any air from the system. Follow the instructions provided with the kit.
3. Repeat the process for each brake caliper.
Test the Brakes
Finally, test the brakes to make sure they are functioning properly. Follow these steps:
1. Start the engine and pump the brake pedal a few times to prime the system.
2. Test the brakes by driving slowly and pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle should come to a smooth stop. (See Also: What Is Acceptable Brake Pad Thickness)
3. Repeat the process several times to ensure the brakes are functioning properly.
Recap and Key Points
In this article, we have covered the step-by-step process of changing the brake pads on a 2018 Toyota Corolla. Remember to always follow proper safety precautions and consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions and precautions for your vehicle.
The key points to remember are:
- Wear protective gear and choose a safe location.
- Gather the necessary tools and materials.
- Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheels.
- Remove the caliper and old brake pads.
- Install the new brake pads and reinstall the caliper.
- Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle.
- Bleed the brake system to remove any air.
- Test the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly.
By following these steps and remembering the key points, you should be able to change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Change Brake Pads on 2018 Toyota Corolla
What tools do I need to change the brake pads on my 2018 Toyota Corolla?
You’ll need a few specialized tools to change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla, including a lug wrench, a caliper piston compressor, and a brake pad wear gauge. You may also need a C-clamp and some brake lubricant. It’s a good idea to consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual for a complete list of tools and instructions.
How do I know when to change the brake pads on my 2018 Toyota Corolla?
You should change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla when they reach the minimum thickness specified in your owner’s manual, usually around 1/8 inch. You may also notice signs of worn brake pads, such as squealing or grinding noises when you press the brake pedal, or a spongy feeling in the brake pedal. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic.
Can I change the brake pads on my 2018 Toyota Corolla myself, or do I need to take it to a mechanic?
If you’re comfortable with basic car maintenance and have some experience with brake pad replacements, you can change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla yourself. However, if you’re not sure or don’t feel comfortable with the process, it’s always best to take it to a professional mechanic. They will have the necessary experience and tools to do the job correctly and safely.
How long does it take to change the brake pads on a 2018 Toyota Corolla?
The time it takes to change the brake pads on a 2018 Toyota Corolla can vary depending on your level of experience and the complexity of the job. On average, it can take around 2-3 hours to complete the job, including bleeding the brake system. If you’re not familiar with the process, it’s best to budget more time or take it to a mechanic.
Do I need to replace the brake rotors when I change the brake pads on my 2018 Toyota Corolla?
You may not need to replace the brake rotors when you change the brake pads on your 2018 Toyota Corolla, but it’s a good idea to inspect them for wear and damage. If the rotors are excessively worn or warped, it’s recommended to replace them to ensure proper braking performance and safety. Consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual for guidance on inspecting and replacing brake rotors.
