How to Change Front Disc Brakes & Rotors on a 2007 Camry

Toyota launched the first Camry in the 1983 model year, as the makers attempted to cash in on American's desire for front-driven, four-cylinder vehicles. Toyota hit the mark, as the Camry became an instant success. The 2007 Camry was the first year model of an all-new design. This Camry had a more aggressive body style, as well as a sleek new headlight and taillight design. The 2007 Camry came fitted with a 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine that created 158 horsepower, and had an optional 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V-6 engine available. The 2007 Camry also came standard with front disc brakes. Toyota recommends replacing the front brake pads when the lining reaches 0.039 inches or less, and the front rotors when they measure thinner than 0.983 inches.

Things You'll Need

  • Turkey baster
  • Small container
  • Ratchet
  • Socket set
  • Floor jack
  • Jack stands
  • 8-inch C-clamp
  • Combination wrench set
  • Bungee strap
  • Rubber mallet
  • Torque wrench
  • 1 quart new DOT 3 brake fluid
  • Check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is more than half full, remove fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster until it's only half full. Transfer this fluid to a small container.

  • Loosen the front lug nuts with a ratchet and socket, but do not remove them at this time. Raise the front of the Camry with a floor jack and place jack stands under the subframe. Lower the vehicle until only the jack stands support it.

  • Remove the Camry's lug nuts and pull the front wheels from the vehicle.

  • Position an 8-inch C-clamp over the brake caliper so that its screw side touches the outer brake pad and the fixed part touches the rear of the caliper. Tighten the C-clamp until it cannot tighten any farther -- this compresses the internal caliper. Remove the C-clamp.

  • Hold the caliper pins on the rear of the caliper with a combination wrench and remove the caliper bolts with a ratchet and socket. Remove the caliper from the brake system and hang it from a nearby suspension component, using a bungee strap.

  • Pull the two anti-squeal springs -- the W-shaped metal spring -- from the rear of the brake pads. The brake pads have one upper and one lower spring. Pull the brake pads from the caliper bracket.

  • Remove the caliper bracket bolts with a ratchet and socket and pull the bracket from the Camry.

  • Pull the rotor off the Camry. Lightly tap the rear of the rotor with a rubber mallet if the rotor does not pull off easily.

  • Install a new rotor onto the front of the Camry. Reinstall the caliper bracket around the rotor and tighten the bracket bolts to 79 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a socket.

  • Install the new brake pads onto the caliper bracket with the pad wear indicators positioned at the top of both pads. Insert the anti-squeal springs into the small holes on the rear of the brake pads.

  • Sit the caliper on the caliper bracket. Hold the caliper pins with a combination wrench and tighten the caliper bolts to 25 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

  • Repeat Steps 4 through 12 for the brake pads and rotors on the other side of the 2007 Camry.

  • Reinstall the front wheels on the Camry and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the Camry with a floor jack, then remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts to 76 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

  • Press and release the brake pedal until it feels firm. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Add DOT 3 brake fluid until it reaches the "Max" level on the master cylinder. Close the master cylinder lid and the Camry's hood.