why does my Toyota Camry XV50 make a grinding noise when I brake

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and secured with wheel chocks.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Remove Wheel

• Loosen lug nuts using a lug wrench.
• Raise the vehicle with a jack and secure with jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspection:
  • Check brake pads for wear; if they are less than 3mm thick, they need replacement.
• Replacement:
  • Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor.
  • Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  • Install new brake pads in the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• Inspection:
  • Check the rotors for any deep grooves or warping.
• Replacement:
  • If rotors are worn, remove the caliper bracket by unscrewing the bolts.
  • Slide the rotor off the hub.
  • Install new rotors, ensuring they are clean and properly seated.
  • Reattach the caliper bracket with the correct torque specifications (usually around 80-100 ft-lbs, but check the service manual for the specific value).

5. Reassemble

• Reinstall the caliper over the new pads and tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque.
• Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque (usually 75-80 ft-lbs).

6. Test

• Refill brake fluid if necessary.
• Start the vehicle and pump the brakes several times to ensure proper function.
• Test drive to confirm the grinding noise is resolved.