Things You'll Need
Jack
Jack stand
Block of wood or brick
Tire iron
Proper-size metric sockets and ratchet
Medium-size C-clamp
New set of brake pads
Can of brake cleaner
Brake fluid
In order to keep your 2001 Toyota Corolla running smoothly and safely, you'll need to take proper care of the car. This includes routine brake maintenance. Check the brakes regularly, particularly the front brakes, as they have a tendency to wear down faster than rear brakes. When examining the brake pads, if they appear to be less than ¼ of an inch thick, you should plan on replacing them soon. If they appear less than 1/8 of an inch thick, you are on the verge and damaging your rotor and thus incurring greater repair costs. When you begin to hear scraping, whistling, screeching or squealing from the wheels when you apply your brakes, or when you are not applying your brakes, it might be time for to replace the brakes. Most cars brakes today are designed to emit a squeal or screech when the pads are worn--it's a preventive device whose purpose is to make you aware your brakes need changing.
Step 1
Park your Toyota Corolla on a flat surface where you'll be comfortable working. Turn off the ignition and pull (apply) the emergency brake. You'll also want to open the hood and take the cap off the brake fluid master cylinder. If you don't wish brake fluid to get on your engine, wrap an old rag around the master cylinder.
Step 2
Place a block of wood or a brick behind the rear wheel, opposite the side you'll be working on. This will help prevent the car from rolling off the jack.
Step 3
Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel, then jack the car up. Once the tire is off the ground, place your jack stand under the frame of the Corolla and lower the Corolla onto the stand. Finish removing the lugs. Then slide the wheel off the studs and place it to the side, out of your way.
Step 4
Spray the Corolla's rotor and caliper assembly with some brake cleaner. This will help clean the brakes, remove any dust, and loosen the parts you'll need to remove.
Step 5
Check the back side of the caliper. You'll see two bolts holding it in place. Remove both of these bolts using the proper-size metric socket and ratchet. After the bolts have been taken out, remove the caliper and rest it on top of the rotor.
Step 6
Remove the old, worn brake pads from the bracket on the rotor, but observe them in place before hand so you'll know exactly how they are installed. You must install the new ones in the same position. If you didn't get shims with your new brake pads, remove the old shims and attach them to the new pads.
Step 7
Clip the new pads into the caliper bracket in the correct position.
Step 8
Squeeze the caliper piston back inside the caliper assembly. To do this, place an old pad against the piston and hold it place while you tighten your medium-size C-clamp against it. Tighten the clamp against the pad until you push the piston back inside the caliper.
Step 9
Bolt the caliper back into its original position, making sure you tighten the bolts until they are snug.
Step 10
Replace the wheel and lug nuts, remove your jack stand and lower the car. Finish tightening the lug nuts.
Step 11
Install the new pads on the other side of your Corolla using the same method. Remember to move your block of wood or brick to the other back wheel. When you're done, check the master cylinder and add brake fluid if necessary.