I've installed coilovers, alternators, and radiators before, but never once changed anything on the brake system. Is it difficult on these cars? Anyone got a DIY?

 

no it is not hard at all... if you search in here you will find a great DIY... once you remove the brake caliper bracket the rotor will slide off (with enough force) pads are even easier then that...

 

Nothing special to it. Jack the car up, support it, remove the wheel, loosen the bolts that hold the caliper in place, not the caliper bracket, remove one, and swing the pads up out of the way for removal. You will need to use a c-clamp on the piston to retract it to fit the new pads in and over the rotor. Follow the direction that come with the pads for where to put anti-squeal compound. Installation is the reverse of removal.

*Special note on the rear pads. Disconnect the e-brake line and you will need to rotate the pistons to retract them. There is a special tool for this or you can use a pair of smooth adjustable pliers to grip it and turn it.

Once you are done make sure to pump your brake a few times before moving the vehicle or you won't have any brakes. If the pedal does not firm up you missed something, re-check.

 

Darren, here's Mike's DIY for the front brakes:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=155471

Here's a thread that talks about, and has pictures, of the special rear piston compression tool:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=165343



Link-King to the rescue once again.

 

thanks Ken. i assume once the caliper is off, it will be a no brainer to take off the rotor. as for the tool kit, i just pulled the trigger on the same one i found at Amazon for $40.

 

YEs, I'm changing rotors, thought it would just slide off. I see two threaded holes in rotors, do you thread a bolt into that and force it out, or just use a hammer???

 

Yes, you can put a metric bolt into each hole and jack the disc off the drive flange. Not sure what size it is.
There is a backing plate in the way to use a hammer on the back - but you may be able to do it where the gap for the caliper is.

Be sure to put grease on the mating flanges when re-installing to stop the parts corroding together.

I made up my own tool for pushing the rear pistons back in - might find it helpful