2006 Tacoma front brake pads

[CarbonCruiser]

I have a few questions about changing the front brake pads on my 2006 TRD 4WD tacoma.

1. Can I pull the pins holding the brake pads in. Compress the cylinders with a pry bar or screw driver, pull the old pad and put the new one in. And repeat for the other side. Or do I need to unbolt the caliper for this process?

2. Does forcing the fluid back into the reservoir cause any issues?

3. What is the typical life of brake pads on these trucks?

Any other tips?

 

[othater]

I changed my 06 Tacoma around 50K and they still had plenty of life left. I'm now coming up to 100K and will just take a look on my next oil change. Still no shimmy or pulsing from the rotor. (lucky).
I would not us a pry bar or screw driver, use a wooden dowel or invest in a pad spreader from harbor freight or parts store.
Just take your time spreading and watch the fluid in the reservoir so it doesn't overflow. You might need to remove some of the fluid.
Grease the back of the pad shims and caliper lube on the pins.
I did not remove the caliper.
Good luck.

 

[Jeremy9A]

If nobody has added fluid, it shouldn't overflow when you push the pistons back in.

I have always used a small prybar to push the pistons back in. You can use a prybar or screwdriver in between the pad and rotor for each side of the caliper, I always do.

Apply some light grease to the pins when reinstalling.

When pumping the brakes, only do half pumps to get the pads back into contact. IF you mash the pedal all the way to the floor, you can damage the master cylinder.

 

[Sam Stewart]

All of the above comments are solid. I would like to say that there is no "expected" or "average" life for brakes. There are just too many factors to consider. Most importantly the driving style of the driver. Some people are just really hard on brakes. Other factors like towing, constant short trips or mostly highway driving can have a big impact as well.

 

[Brake Weight]

Try not to scratch the rotor when prying.

 

[CarbonCruiser]

Thanks for the replys. So I dont need to clamp the soft line and open the bleeder when forcing the pads open? I can just let the fluid push back to the reservoir? No damage to the ABS system?

 

[40Habits]

No, you don't need to do that and it won't affect that ABS. I have used about every method changing pads and the $10 spreader works the best but a big screw driver is just as effective.