Brake changing 97 Camry

[dannyv23]

Hi, my brakes just recently started squeaking just a tiny bit in the front of my 97 Camry LE and I was wondering if this is the type of job that I could undertake by myself or if its better to pay someone to change the pads? I'm pretty good with the regular maintenance like changing the oil, spark plug work, all that stuff. I also recently replaced the radiator myself after I found the original one had a crack in it. I'd like to consider myself above average when it comes to this type of stuff so am I above my head? Thanks for any input.

[Mike Gerber]

Changing pads is a pretty easy DIY job. You can use the manual at the top of this forum for a generation 3 for a guide. I have both a generation 3 and generation 4 Camry and the brakes are essentially the same. Read up a bit and then give it a try. The first time you do the job, it might help you to have someone with you who has done brake work previously.

Mike

[AccordCodger]

Well, depending on the reason for the noise, a squeak doesn't necessarily indicate new pads. Check the thickness first - should be no less than about 3/16" on all 4. if it is, you need new pads. If they are thicker you can ignore the squeak.

[dannyv23]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

Well, depending on the reason for the noise, a squeak doesn't necessarily indicate new pads. Check the thickness first - should be no less than about 3/16" on all 4. if it is, you need new pads. If they are thicker you can ignore the squeak.

Yeah I really needed to change those pads lol. One of the pads (the front right inside pad) was almost down to nothing but metal. Could that mean there is something wrong with my alignment if one pad was worn a bit more than all the other pads? The other ones were not nearly as worn as this one. I put in some ceramics and now it runs smoothly again.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by dannyv23

Yeah I really needed to change those pads lol. One of the pads (the front right inside pad) was almost down to nothing but metal. Could that mean there is something wrong with my alignment if one pad was worn a bit more than all the other pads? The other ones were not nearly as worn as this one. I put in some ceramics and now it runs smoothly again.

Did you check the slide pins to make sure they are greased and are sliding properly? Many times when one pads wears more noticeably than the other pad on a particular caliper, you have a problem with a slide pin(s).

Mike