Front Brake Caliper And Pins Removal

[is200 Newbie]

I stripped the two front calipers down on my car yesterday after replacing the discs and pads a few weeks ago I just wanted to check all was ok.

I have taken pictures of the process and posted below although I cant get the pictures to show properly they will however show if clicked on ...

1/ Chock wheels / jack car up and remove the wheel

2/ To remove the caliper from the assembly, locate the 2 bolts holding it on (you will need a size 14 socket to remove them) - remove the caliper from the assembly and place on a support - I use an old plant pot which is an ideal height which doesn't allow too much pressure to be put on the brake hose. Picture below shows the bolts (ringed) to remove and what I mean by supporting the caliper on a pot

3/ Remove the slide pins (shown ringed in the picture below) - these are easily located - the two bolts previously removed were bolted into the pins themselves. When removing be careful not to damage the rubber boots on the caliper itself and also when removing the pins be carefull with the top pin as it has an anti rattle rubbber seal attached to the pin itself so may seam stiff when removing the top pin. You may need to twist the pins when pulling out if the old grease has hardened.

4/ The pin locator holes can be cleaned with a wooden pencil or a pipe cleaner brush with a bit of WD40 - when clean dry them out with cotton buds and tissues. The pins, if in bad condition, can be cleaned with a fine wet and dry paper wet with WD40. Any staining on the metal should come off in the process. Careful when cleaning the top pin as this holds the rubber seal. I have shown the pins before and after a clean below

before

after

5/ I use Castrol LM grease which can be bought from Halfords and the amount I use I have shown in the picture below. I load the end of a pencil and apply two lots in each pin recess. I will wipe the pins with a bit of grease just so they slide in easy.

6/ When re-inserting the pins there will be a vacuum created by the new grease - slide pins in and out until they settle in the recess so the caliper can be placed back on the assembly. Any excess grease that comes out from boot - wipe this away and place the end of the boot back in the recess in the pin.

Refitting is the reverse of above.

Also - when doing this job its a good idea just to check if your pistons are working ok - have someone press the brake pedal gently so you can check to see that its not seized and working correctly. I use a G clamp to press the piston back in.

[thestugots]

Excellent guide, I've just replaced the discs and pads on mine this weekend and wished I'd seen this beforehand!

I found this video very useful:

(Second half, first half is rear brakes and discs)

[grege102]

Good How to!

I pretty much did the same to all mine the other day when checking the calipers were working correctly!

[is200 Newbie]

Just an update to this - I have moved over to the proper red rubber grease for the pins from Toyota instead of the Castrol lm

[alanuk]

Hi guys do you know where to get replacement shim kit and especially the clip that holds the pins in place. I was changing my pads and discs and it must have snapped of since my breaking was vibrating and pads where empty

[Ishaq]

Hi guys do you know where to get replacement shim kit and especially the clip that holds the pins in place. I was changing my pads and discs and it must have snapped of since my breaking was vibrating and pads where empty

Hi Alan

I recently got a pair from Lexus US on their eBay store - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181314440761?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hope this helps