2012 Front pads/rotors (pics) change now?

Original owner of a 2012 Tacoma 2.7L 4x4 5-speed MT SR5 with 98,350 mi. on the clock. I do 95% of all my maintenance and have been thinking about original front brake replacement. Current pads are between 3-4 mm (.118 - .157). Owner's manual said change @ .039 (1 mm). I read somewhere best to change pads @ 3 mm. Rotors are pretty rusted up as pictures show since I live in snow/rust belt along Lake Erie. If I choose Toyota OEM I'm looking at a little under $250 which is reasonable to me. Would you wait and let them whittle down a little more or change now? Currently no vibration, noise or pulling. Great brakes since get go. Thanks!

LEFT SIDE:

RIGHT SIDE:

 

Replace everything your calipers are a mess and guess rotors too. Look at those slide pins.
Surprised the pistons even retract. Lots of posts on best setups. Pull it all and replace.
Shoot the brake lines with penetrating oil a few times and make sure you have brake wrenches or you will strip them.
Don't push your luck!

 

Wow! Personally I would replace the calipers, rotors and pads.

My 2008 TSX had "rusty" calipers that were starting to malfunction, so I replace everything front and back. They looked 100% better than those...lol



The new ones look much better. And without all of the hardware rusted, I can actually work on these:

The rear before:


Indicator of braking issue:


And the final product:

 

Looks like the final product didn't make it the first time:

 

Dang dude!!! I would totally replace all that!

I replaced calipers and rotors last year on my 2008 and it made a huge difference in stopping power. Looks like you live in a snowy area that salts the road. Maybe just keep up with that maintenance side of things.

 

Yes, looks ugly for sure. Welcome to the salt/rust belt. Originally intended to replace with Toyota OEM parts, but now going to roll the dice with aftermarket @ 1/2 the cost and decent reviews (Raybestos Element 3). If I get 4-6 years out of these new rotors, pads & calipers I guess then I did good. If they are loud, squeak, vibrate etc I'll leave honest feedback. Pictures once new parts arrive and installed.

 

I tried going aftermarket and 2 months later went in to the dealer to purchase OEM rotors, calipers and brakes. It just doesn’t feel right when you brake.
Advice: save yourself the money and get the good stuff from the get go (if you have the funds of course)

 

This is the general consensus here about Tacoma brake products. I have to find out for myself I guess..... but I'm remaining positive.

 

I'm in a similar situation myself. What should calipers/rotors/pads cost:
1. To do it yourself
2. Have a shop you trust (not dealer) do the job

I have an idea as I have looked on Rock for reman parts, but don't know if that is the way to go. I never was happy beyond "they are ok" with OEM brakes, so looked at upgrades and was shocked at cost.

 

diy get powerstop or stop tech kit

 

OMG those look bad(rust). If you’re thinking about it now, I would do it now. OEM for everything. Make sure you have the right tools and it’s a simple task. You will probably have to cut those slide pins out though.

 

jeez

where the hell you been drivin' that Taco ?

 

I would just recommend in the future you keep up with greasing the pins and back of the pads. Maybe every time you rotate the tires and especially just before winter.

 

Meh. All these dudes in here freaking out over a little rust...


Id just wire brush the caliper and see if the pistons retract smoothly like they should. If they do I see no point in pissing away the money to replace them with cheap remans, even if they come with shiny red paint on them. You can always pull them off and make them pretty with some time and a can of caliper paint.

As for rotors and pads, and I may catch some flak here, but Id run down to Oreillys and grab a set of Brakebest select rotors and ceramic pads. They are made by Bosch which is OEM for a lot of European cars out there. Also, the rotors have an anti-rust coating on them that you dont have to pay extra for.

 

Yes this rust is nothing new to rust belt/salt state owners. This truck has never been abused, serviced faithfully, no extreme off-roading etc. It's just harsh winters with freezing temps, lots of snow & SALT on roads. Can't wash it when it's under 32 degrees unless you want real problems. I'll follow up this evening possibly with pics once I take take everything off.

 

Dang..... that’s not what I consider “ a little” rust.

and for it to be on a part that your life depends on to stop your vehicle too!!

 

Just replace everything with new Factory Toyota parts,and then take better care of maintaining them as far as the rust goes.

 

got a stop tech kit for the wifes outback, just pads and rotors, but i'm really impressed with them a year later. Stop great!
i'm debating going that route in the Taco when the time comes. I currently have some Napa Eclipse calipers, rotors, and pads now I would describe them as "fine"

 

I'd replace everything, but honestly looks normal for the age. Probably could get away with going a little longer if it still stops good. My thing is that I spend my money in tires and brakes and get good stuff. Big tires for winter and some highway tires for summer replace both sets every 2-3 years. And brakes every 3, I drive a lot.
Powetstop has the best value from what I've seen, I love em. Rock Auto has a tacomaworld discount on everything.

 

All these people saying replace everything live in the south or the west. If you took that approach to everything on the truck you'd be buying a new vehicle every 5 years. Those calipers are perfectly functional I just feel bad for whoever has to bleed them next when the nipple shears right the hell off.

I say run them another oil change and then change out the pads since they feel fine and you still have some pad left. Measure the rotors and check the rotor thickness against the manufacturers specs. The rust doesn't matter unless it causes cracking from inside the rotor.