why does my Toyota Highlander Fourth Generation (2020-present) have uneven brake pad wear

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and securely lifted using jack stands.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.

2. Remove Wheel

• Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts.
• Take off the wheel and set it aside.

3. Inspect and Clean Braking Components

• Inspect Calipers:
  • Check for any signs of sticking or corrosion.
  • Clean caliper slides with brake cleaner and a wire brush.
• Check Brake Pads and Rotors:
  • Measure the thickness of each brake pad with a caliper.
  • Inspect rotors for wear using a micrometer; replace if below manufacturer specifications.

4. Replace Components as Necessary

• Brake Pads:
  • If wear is uneven, replace the brake pads on both sides of the axle to maintain balance.
  • Use a brake pad spreader to compress the caliper piston before installing new pads.
• Calipers (if needed):
  • If calipers are sticking, they may need to be replaced.
  • Remove the caliper bolts and detach the caliper; install the new unit following the manufacturer's torque specifications.

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Reconnect the negative battery terminal.