2003 Lexus GX 470 Logo
Posted on Mar 21, 2009

Changing front brakes on 2003 Lexus GX470

We can't compress the fourth brake cylinder while in the process of changing the front brake pads on a 2003 Lexus GX470, in order to put the caliper back on the rotor. Any thoughts/ideas?

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

  • Contributor 30 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 16, 2009
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

Joined: Jun 16, 2009
Answers
30
Questions
1
Helped
36461
Points
80

Caliper is locked up and needs replaced

  • Anonymous Sep 25, 2010

    Make sure to use a big C-clamp. Keep in mind that this is a machined part and must fit perfectly back in the chamber (mine came out when I had to put the car into neutral and I pressed the brake while the caliper was off - I suspect it flew out, but I just picked it up and cleaned it off really well with brake cleaner and fluid). From what I've read, buying a new or rebuilt caliper is silly since all the rebuilt caliper is someone putting in new rubber and fitting it back in.

×

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1586 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 13, 2008

SOURCE: Changing rear breaks

Try tapping around the rotor hat (the area that actually fits over the hub, where the lug bolt holes are) with a hammer. That usually will loosen up a rotor that's stuck due to heat, dust, etc. As for compressing the rear piston, they're a screw-in design, not a compression design like the front calipers. You need a piston retracting set (you can borrow them from AutoZone), and with that you can screw the pistons into the calipers. After removing the reservoir cap underhood, screw them all the way in so that you have ample clearance for the new pads over the new rotors, then pump the brakes a few times before you hit the road (put the reservoir cap back on first).

Ad

Anonymous

  • 359 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 06, 2008

SOURCE: changing rear brake pads

on the rear the piston winds back in at the same time as pushing it not like the front

Anonymous

  • 350 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 17, 2008

SOURCE: 2006 Ford Five Hundred anti-lock brake pad replacement

hi its rare the pads stick to the rotor but obviously this one was welded metal to metal so if the other sides not down to the metal you won,t have the same problem now getting the piston back into the caliper if you don,t have the tool its going to be fiddling but you need to get some pressure on the piston as to shove it back in not to much as you have stated it has to be screwed back in once a pressure has been applied [could try using you c-clamp ] then the slots in the piston insert something that will turn the piston it will locate and start to screw back your going to need pateince as it is fiddling with the correct tool you may need a few attemps but the other side should not be as bad as the piston has not gone past the point of return take your time and check for leaks when you have them all assembled yates210456

Anonymous

  • 437 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 02, 2010

SOURCE: changed frt and rear brake

The piston must be rotated as it is pushed into the caliper. There is a special tool for this that is sold at just about all parts houses. The tool looks like a small square with various pins for various applications that goes on the end of your 3/8 drive ratchet.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 31, 2010

SOURCE: Brakes are still spongy after changing the pads, one caliper, and master cylinder. bled front brakes.

I just went to Brake Masters this morning and had them replace the Master Cylinder since I was experiencing the pedal very spongy and going to the floor. When they replaced the Master Cylinder and they gave me back the car, the brakes were still spongy and going to the floor. I addressed this to them and they took another look at it, but when I took it for a second time, the brakes were extremely spongy. It was almost like they gave me back my car in worst condition to when I brought it in. Can you help?

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

I have a 03 ford taurus the break pedal gose to the floor after changing the rear breaks and the front pads and after changing the master cylinder? what else could b the problem

You've done major work and now you'll need to completely bleed air out of the system, to get the fluid to go all the way through. You may also need to adjust the rear brake shoes.

First, bleed the Master cylinder to get fluid through it. This should have been done before installation. Loosen the lines at the M. Cylinder and fill up the reservior with brake fluid. Pump the brake pedal slowly with the cover on the M. Cylinder to prevent fluid from splashing out. Once you've got fluid coming through the M.Cylinder, tighten the brake lines at the M. Cylinder.

Bleeding the brakes is a 2 person operation. You always bleed the brake the farthest from the master cylinder, then the next, the next, and finally the drivers front brake which is the closest to the M. Cylinder.

If you are unfamiliar with this process, you need to remember that you can't let the brake fluid get low in the M. Cylinder, or you have to start all over when air gets back into the lines.

When one person pumps the brakes, after several pumps hold the pedal down as far as it will go and keep pressing to the floor as the other person loosens the bleeder valve. Don't let off of the pedal before tightening the bleeder valve. Then repeat until all of the air is gone.
Teamwork and communication. Both of my wives were able to assist me in bleeding brakes.

You will have to add fluid and repeat this process until you have a firm pedal.

One man bleeder valves work if used properly, but who tells you what is happening at the other end while you're pressing the pedal?

Good luck.
0helpful
1answer

Changing the rear brake pads and can't compress the piston into the caliper- any ideas? 2003 rendezvous

FIRST REMOVE SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID FROM THE BRAKE MASTERCYLINDER. THEN USE A LARGE C - CLAMP AND LEAVE THE OLD BRAKE PAD IN PLACE ON PISTON SIDE THEN COMPRESS THE PISTON IN CALIPER BORE. IF YOU SEE SIGNS OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AROUND PISTON SEAL.THE BRAKE CALIPER NEED REPLACING.WHEN YOU FINISH BRAKE JOB NEW BRAKE SHOES IN PLACE MAKE SURE BRAKE MASTERCYLINDER COVER BACK ON MASTERCYLINER THEN PUMP BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL NEW BRAKE PADS SEAT AGAINST BRAKE ROTOR.CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN MASTERCYLINDER MAKE SURE ITS NOT LOW.
1helpful
1answer

2003 Lexus es300 has high pitch squeel in front driver side tire, stops when brakes are applied or when I turn the wheel

u need front brake pads...the noise u hear is a warning sensor that is on the brake pad...it will touch the brake rotor when the brake pads r getting very low an about ready to start grinding into the brake rotors
1helpful
3answers

Need help changing brake pads and routers on 2003

Remove brake fluid from the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir until the reservoir is approximately 1/2 full. Discard the removed fluid.
  1. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle. Remove the front wheels.
    1. Remove or disconnect the following:
    2. Front brake caliper guide pin bolts
    • Brake caliper by slowly sliding it up and off the adapter and brake rotor. Support the caliper out of the way with a strong piece of wire. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose or damage to the brake hose will result.
    1. If necessary, compress the caliper piston into the bore using a C-clamp. Insert a suitable piece of wood between the C-clamp and caliper piston to protect the piston.
    2. Outboard disc brake pad from the caliper by prying the brake pad retaining clip over the raised area on the caliper. Slide the brake pad down and off the caliper.
    • Inboard disc brake pad from the caliper by pulling the brake pad away from the caliper piston until the retaining clip on the pad is free from the caliper piston cavity
  • To install:
    1. Be sure the caliper piston has been completely retracted into the piston bore of the caliper assembly. This is required when installing the brake caliper equipped with new brake pads.
    2. If equipped, remove the protective paper from the noise suppression gaskets on the new disc brake pads.
    3. Install or connect the following:
      • New inboard disc brake pad into the caliper piston by pressing the pad firmly into the cavity of the caliper piston. Be sure the new inboard brake pad is seated squarely against the face of the brake caliper piston.
      • Outboard disc brake pad by sliding it onto the caliper assembly
      • Brake caliper assembly over the brake rotor and onto the steering knuckle adapter
      • Caliper guide pin bolts and torque to: 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) on 2002–04 models or 26 ft. lbs. (35 Nm) on 2005 models
      • Front. Apply the brake pedal several times until a firm pedal is obtained.
    4. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid as necessary. Road-test the vehicle.

    For the rotors:

    1. Remove brake fluid from the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir until the reservoir is approximately 1/2 full. Discard the removed fluid.
    2. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle. Remove the front wheels.
    1. Remove or disconnect the following:
    2. Front brake caliper guide pin bolts
    • Brake caliper by slowly sliding it up and off the adapter and brake rotor. Support the caliper out of the way with a strong piece of wire. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose or damage to the brake hose will result.
    1. If necessary, compress the caliper piston into the bore using a C-clamp. Insert a suitable piece of wood between the C-clamp and caliper piston to protect the piston.
    2. Outboard disc brake pad from the caliper by prying the brake pad retaining clip over the raised area on the caliper. Slide the brake pad down and off the caliper.
    • Inboard disc brake pad from the caliper by pulling the brake pad away from the caliper piston until the retaining clip on the pad is free from the caliper piston cavity
  • To install:
    1. Be sure the caliper piston has been completely retracted into the piston bore of the caliper assembly. This is required when installing the brake caliper equipped with new brake pads.
    2. If equipped, remove the protective paper from the noise suppression gaskets on the new disc brake pads.
    3. Install or connect the following:
      • New inboard disc brake pad into the caliper piston by pressing the pad firmly into the cavity of the caliper piston. Be sure the new inboard brake pad is seated squarely against the face of the brake caliper piston.
      • Outboard disc brake pad by sliding it onto the caliper assembly
      • Brake caliper assembly over the brake rotor and onto the steering knuckle adapter
      • Caliper guide pin bolts and torque to: 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) on 2002–04 models or 26 ft. lbs. (35 Nm) on 2005 models
      • Front. Apply the brake pedal several times until a firm pedal is obtained.
    4. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid as necessary. Road-test the vehicle.
    5helpful
    3answers

    Changing the front brake pads on a 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6

    no that is only the older rear calipers on gm and others. the fronts do not have that style caliper and sound like the calipers are frozen and may be way your changing the pads. try opening the bleeder screw and then compressing them if they go then you need need brake hoses and if not you need calipers. god luck man
    2helpful
    2answers

    Do I need to take both bolts off front brake calipers to change front pads

    yes you do.the caliper has to be removed to get pads off and piston on caliper needs to be pushed back in with a C clamp before new brakes will fit back on.
    0helpful
    1answer

    Changing the rear brake pads on 91 mu

    Chalk the front wheels, car is on jackstands i hope, release the handbrake, use the old pad with a c- clamp to compress the pistion on the caliper, install new pads. may have to take the cap off the master cylinder, if none of this works, open the bleeder valve, and compress the piston, rebleed the caliper.
    0helpful
    1answer

    Brake pads

    if they are both disc pads then it would be the same but if you have drum brakes at the rear then it would be different.

    tnx 4 using fixya,

    drcool

    Not finding what you are looking for?

    1,854 views

    Ask a Question

    Usually answered in minutes!

    Top Lexus Experts

    ROBERT GARCIA
    ROBERT GARCIA

    Level 3 Expert

    926 Answers

    ZJ Limited
    ZJ Limited

    Level 3 Expert

    17989 Answers

    Ronny Bennett Sr.
    Ronny Bennett Sr.

    Level 3 Expert

    6988 Answers

    Are you a Lexus Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

    Answer questions

    Manuals & User Guides

    Loading...