2003 Tundra 4x4 rotor replacement

ericb · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 09:56 PM

9K into my Wagner pads, my front end started shuddering when braking. Since I have 69K on the truck, I order Brembo rotors and Hawk ceramic pads because I tow.
Upon removing the Wagner pads, I found the pad material had broken loose from the metal which caused the shudder.
So I searched the forum and found a thread that suggested I remove the calipers from the rotor without removing the brake line. Great, except the brake lines are metal tubing and don't look like they have much flex in them. Can this be done or should I go ahead and remove the brake lines. Not looking forward to bleeding the brakes but looks like it could be easier with the wheels off.
BTW, the shim kit was $46 at my dealer! Yikes!

MEvang · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 08:06 AM

You can do this. Brake tubing is a soft composite steel and copper alloy. If not rusty and in good condition it can take bending. But I will causing you, you must support the caliper and the more it is bent them more chance of it cracking. If you want to do this properly I would suggest your first make sure the bleeder will open, then simply remove the line from the back of the caliper or at the hose which ever is easiest to loosen. Plug the line/or hose, do not let the master empty. Once reinstalled flush the front brake circuit with new fluid.
Mike

ericb · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 09:36 AM

I replaced the passenger side pads first (Hawk ceramic), but couldn't break the caliper bolts loose (rusted) readily to replace the rotor, so I moved to the driver side and found the caliper pistons were frozen in place. Had a heck of a time getting the old pads out, the inside shims actually had a hole the size of the piston. By this time I figured I needed to take it to the dealer. Got the new pads in place without shims, called the dealer for appointment. They had no Toy calipers in stock but said they could get after market calipers right away. Since I needed to have it for a towing trip in two days, I went with it. They called at work to say the new calipers were loaded so I told them to replace with the Hawks and adjust the rear brakes.
End result: a flattened wallet but smooth, strong braking like I've never known before with the Tundra. Once the Hawks broke in, the braking while towing is excellent. The Brembo rotor/Hawk ceramic pad combo is great!