Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2004 Toyota Matrix Base, 4WDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Front Brake: Overhaul
HINT: Overhaul the RH side by the same procedure as the LH side.
- REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
- DRAIN BRAKE FLUID NOTE: Wash the brake fluid off immediately if it comes into contact with any painted surface.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE CYLINDER SUB-ASSY
- Remove the union bolt and gasket from the disc brake cylinder, then disconnect the flexible hose.
HINT: Gasket has 2 types: 2-piece type and 1-piece type.
- Hold the cylinder slide pin and remove the 2 bolts.
- Remove the union bolt and gasket from the disc brake cylinder, then disconnect the flexible hose.
- REMOVE DISC BRAKE PAD KIT FRONT (PAD ONLY)
- Remove the 2 brake pads with anti-squeal shims.
- Remove the anti-squeal shim No.1 and anti-squeal shim No.2 from each pad.
- Remove the pad wear indicator plates from each pad.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE PAD SUPPORT PLATE
- Remove the 2 front disc brake pad support plates from the cylinder mounting.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE CYLINDER SLIDE PIN
- Remove the 2 cylinder slide pins from the disc brake cylinder mounting.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE CYLINDER MOUNTING LH
- Remove the 2 bolts and disc brake cylinder mounting.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE BUSH DUST BOOT
- Place front disc brake cylinder mounting in vise.
- Using a screwdriver and hammer, remove the 2 bush dust boots from the disc brake cylinder mounting.
- REMOVE CYLINDER BOOT
- Using a screwdriver, remove the set ring and cylinder boot.
- REMOVE FRONT DISC BRAKE PISTON
- Place a piece of cloth or similar, between the piston and the disc brake cylinder.
- Use compressed air to remove the piston from the disc brake cylinder.
CAUTION: Do not place your fingers in front of the piston when using compressed air.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
