Question Replace brake pads only? - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

sicpits · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a '02 Sequoia and purchased a Haynes repair manual. It shows how to replace the front brake pads only with the caliper still attached. Is it advised to only replace the pads and not the rotors or even resurfacing the rotors before installing new pads?

guyaverage · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 12:18 PM

I replaced the pads on my '01 (factory pads with 105k miles) with new factory pads from the dealer, I didnt replace or resurface the rotors and they are smooth as can be. As long as the rotor is not scored, worn beyond limits, overly rusted, or producing vibrations while braking, replacing just the pads is fine.

sicpits · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks guyaverage.

I felt the rotors through the wheel and they feel smooth as can be. I think I'll go ahead and just repalce the pads. That will save me some money.

kanielb1 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 10:14 AM

Norco, LA??

eharri3 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 04:58 PM

In general since pads are so cheap it's usually not a bad idea to replace them when you replace rotors just so to save from having to do more brake work any time soon. Rotors I would leave alone unless they're worn.

waiting tundra · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 11:03 PM

Changing the pads is easier than removing the tire, removing the rotars a little harder, about the same as changing the oil on a gen 2 tundra lol. Seriously I've changeg just pads on a bunch of my own cars as long as the rotars aren't grooved badly no problems. Most part stores will turn your rotars for less than 10$. Heck you can buy new rotars and pads cheaper than a lot of places will do a freakin basic brake job. Be sure to bleed the brakes till clean brake fluid comes out(real important IMHO) also make sure your caliber pens are freed up and well lubricated. Turn a few wrenches, get a better job and save a few hundred dollars he!! yea.

sicpits · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 05:48 PM

Yes, Norco CA. Horsetown USA.

sicpits · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 05:51 PM

Should the rotors be turned everytime the pads are replaced?

Kenpachi Z · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:32 PM

All replies so far are all true and changing just pads is fine(have done it a few times myself before),what i would be concerned about on the rotor is.the rotor is surely glazed by now and has a nice slick surface on it,which if you put your new pads on without a resurface you are not getting all the stopping power you should have.I would get the rotors resurfaced.