why does my Toyota Highlander XU70 (2020-Present) rear brakes squeak

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Safely lift the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel covering the rear brakes.

2. Inspect and Remove Brake Components

1. Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors
   • Visually inspect the brake pads for uneven wear or glazing.
   • Measure the thickness of the pads; replace if below the manufacturer's specifications.
2. Remove Brake Caliper
   • Use a socket set to remove the caliper bolts.
   • Secure the caliper with a bungee cord or rope to prevent strain on the brake line.
3. Remove Brake Pads
   • Slide the brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
4. Inspect Brake Rotor
   • Check for scoring, warping, or rust buildup on the rotor surface.
   • If damaged, replace the rotor.

3. Clean and Lubricate

1. Clean Brake Components
   • Use brake cleaner to remove dust and debris from the rotor, caliper, and pads.
   • Wipe down the caliper bracket and any other brake components.
2. Lubricate Contact Points
   • Apply anti-squeal grease to the back of the brake pads and on contact points of the caliper.
   • Ensure no grease gets on the friction surface of the pads or rotor.

4. Reinstall Components

1. Reinstall Brake Pads
   • Slide the new or cleaned brake pads back into the caliper bracket.
2. Reattach Brake Caliper
   • Reposition the caliper over the pads and secure it with caliper bolts.
   • Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (typically around 20-30 lb-ft, check specific specs).
3. Reattach Wheel
   • Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

5. Final Checks

• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the specified value (usually around 80-100 lb-ft).
• Pump the brake pedal a few times to position the brake pads against the rotor.