I just helped my friend change his calipers and pads on a 92 Camaro, and it was surprisingly easy. I never looked into doing my own brakes before.

I looked at the Chilton manual for my car, and the factory service manual. The front pads seem to be easy, but they mention anti-squeal springs, and four pad support plates. They are hard to see exactly how the come off and go back in from the pictures. Is this something that once I actually do the work will become obvious from seeing it in person? Or are there any hints/tips to these parts?

The rear drums/shoes look a little more complex, but not impossible. Is this something an average DIYer should attempt?

A digital camera comes in handy in your situation. When you pull the plates and pads apart take your own pictures then reference them when you reassemble. Same for the rear brakes. No camera? Do one side at a time and use the other side as a reference. Brakes are a common DIY project. When you're done, you'll wish you had been doing your own brake jobs all along, not to mention that bigger bulge in your hip pocket.

There is an actual generation 3 Toyota Factory Service Manual stickied at the top of this forum, that is available for free downloading. I believe it is actually from a 94. The brake section of that manual should give you some additional assistance.

In my opinion, brake work is one of the easiest things the DIY home mechanic can actually do, especially front disc brakes. Do them and then see if you feel like trying the rear drums. The rear drums do need to be adjusted after changing the shoes and that takes a little bit of experience/feel, but is still doable.

Mike

Rear brakes can be tricky if you haven't done them before,take one side apart at a time,check the wheel cylinders to make sure there not leaking,make sure you clean and lube your adjusters and your backing plate were the shoes rest on,if not you may get a squeak noise,also replace you spring hold down kit,also check your hold downs before you put the drum back on,i also adjust the brakes with a little drag on the drums,then pump the brakes and pull the parking brake,by doing this you are centering your shoes,then recheck your adjustment.

It's almost as easy as changing oil for discs but drums need adjusting that's all that's kind of tricky but you'll get it

Thanks!

As far as greasing, what grease should I use. I tried searching advance for brake grease, and the best I could come up with is caliper grease.

Do I use the same grease on the inner shim for the pads as I do on the backing plate and adjuster of the drums?

Thanks!

As far as greasing, what grease should I use. I tried searching advance for brake grease, and the best I could come up with is caliper grease.

Do I use the same grease on the inner shim for the pads as I do on the backing plate and adjuster of the drums?


I use synthetic high temperature disc brake grease for all the above. I also use it to lube the front disc brake caliper slide pins. I bought it years ago from Trak Auto when they were in my area. They are no longer here; maybe you have them in your area. A tube of the stuff will last you a very long time. I haven't had to buy any more of the stuff for at least 10 years.

Mike