Changing the brake pads is a necessary procedure required for all cars. Most of the braking power stems from the front of the vehicle. Thus, the front brake pads tend to wear out faster before the rear brake pads do. The brake pads of a Scion TC need to be changed when the pad depth is less than 1/4 inch. A metal scraping sound when the brakes are applied indicate the need to replace the brake pads as well.
Park the Scion TC on a level surface and lift up the vehicle using a floor jack. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel and remove the wheel from the vehicle.
Remove the top bolt from the brake caliper using a 14mm socket wrench. Use a 17mm socket wrench if you are changing the rear brakes. Swing the caliper away from the rotor to expose the two brake pads located on each side of the rotor.
Remove the two brake pads from the caliper and remove the metal clips attached to the brake pads. Apply brake grease to the back of the new brake pads and attach the metal clips.
Locate the brake piston on the brake caliper. Using a 6-inch C-clamp, slowly push the brake piston back into its housing. The piston should sit flush against the piston housing. Remove the C-clamp.
Install the new brake pads and swing the brake caliper back into its original position. Replace and tighten the top bolt on the brake caliper using the same socket wrench used to remove the bolt.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts onto the Scion TC and repeat the procedure for each wheel.
