SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2003-2007 Toyota Corolla and Matrix.
COMPLAINT: Front brake squeak noise when the car is traveling in reverse at low speeds.
CAUSE/SOLUTION: OE brake components may vibrate at a high pitch in reverse gear. Redesigned front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to correct the condition.
Some Toyota Corolla or Matrix drivers may experience front brake squeak noise when the car is traveling in reverse at low speeds.
Updated front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to improve this condition.
Repair procedure
1. Conduct a road test to verify the noise condition usually occurs when backing out of a parking space and/or turning in reverse.
2. Remove and replace the front disc brake pad support plate (two per each caliper, see art).
NOTE:
• Use the same procedures for the RH side and LH side.
• The procedures listed below are for one side.
A. Remove the front wheel.
B. Remove the caliper by holding the front disc brake slide pin and removing the two bolts.
C. Remove the two front brake pads from the front disc brake cylinder mounting.
D. Remove the anti-squeal shims and the pad wear indicator plates from each pad.
E. Remove the two front disc brake pad support plates from the cylinder mounting.
F. Remove the front disc brake cylinder mounting plate by removing the two bolts.
G. Install the new disc brake cylinder mounting plate with the two bolts. Torque: 79 ft.-lb. (107 Nm).
H. Install the two new disc brake pad support plates. Apply disc brake grease to the back of the brake pad support plate.
[PAGEBREAK]I. Install the front anti-squeal shims.
a. Apply disc brake grease to the anti-squeal shims. NOTE:
• When replacing worn pads, the anti-squeal shims must be replaced together with the pads.
• Install the shims in the correct positions and directions.
• Apply a thin layer of disc brake grease to the area that contacts the anti-squeal shim.
• Disc brake grease can come out slightly from the area where the anti-squeal shim is installed.
• Make sure that disc brake grease is not applied onto the lining surface.
b. Install the anti-squeal shims and the pad wear indicators to each pad. Install the pad wear indicators in the correct positions and directions.
J. Install the two front brake pads with anti-squeal shims to the disc brake cylinder mounting. Apply a small amount of the disc brake grease (0.04 - 0.08 in. [1 - 2 mm] thick). Do not apply grease to the friction surfaces of the brake pads or the disc rotor.
K. Install the caliper with the two bolts. Torque: 25 ft.-lb. (34 Nm).
L. Install the front wheel. Torque: 76 ft.-lb. (103 Nm).
Road test the vehicle to confirm that the front brake squeak noise is no longer present. ■
Written by ALLDATA Editor Tom Purser and Technical/Marketing Writer Jeff Webster. Purser is an ASE-certified Technician with 17 years of dealership and independent shop experience. Webster has 20 years of experience as a writer/editor. The database is provided by ALLDATA, a registered trademark of ALLDATA LLC. ALLDATA is a corporate division of AutoZone Inc. The company’s Web site is www.alldata.com.
