why does my Toyota Corolla E140 (2006-2013) make a grinding noise when braking?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical issues during repairs.

2. Remove Wheel

• Use a tire iron to loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
• Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the brake assembly.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench.
• Carefully slide the caliper off the brake rotor and suspend it with a bungee cord to avoid stress on the brake line.
• Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Inspect the caliper pistons; retract them if necessary using a brake caliper tool.
• Install new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are seated properly.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• If the rotors are damaged, remove the caliper bracket and rotor.
• Clean the hub surface and install new rotors, ensuring they are properly aligned.
• Reattach the caliper bracket and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reinstall the caliper over the new brake pads and torque the caliper bolts to the specified torque.
• Replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Reconnect the battery.