Best front brake rotors and brake pads for 2003 Sequoia SR5 4WD

[aguison]

Dear 1st Gen Sequoia forum,
I'm monitoring my front brakes since it's giving a high pitch squealing sound mainly on cold days backing out of the garage. What could this be?
Maybe it's a warning sign my brakes need replacing? I asked my mechanic and she told me their shop uses Akebono rotors and Advics brake pads - anyone here have any experience with these? My goal is to see if I can get something a lot better than what I have now (I got this '03 Sequoia in late 2022) and not even sure if what I have is OEM. Any recommendations from this group would be g r e a t l y a p p r e c i a t e d !

 

[SequoiaSurveyor]

Hello there,

Any squeaking of brakes is an indication that something is wrong. Most likely you are into the squealer indicator of the brake pad. Left unchecked, you risk damaging your rotors. The great news is brake pads are cheap. You can replace them yourself if you have any mechanical experience. Youtube will have "how to" videos. if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, sounds like your mechanic can do it and uses quality parts. Get them brakes changed. Good luck aguison

 

[zaxtree]

Dear 1st Gen Sequoia forum,
I'm monitoring my front brakes since it's giving a high pitch squealing sound mainly on cold days backing out of the garage. What could this be?
Maybe it's a warning sign my brakes need replacing? I asked my mechanic and she told me their shop uses Akebono rotors and Advics brake pads - anyone here have any experience with these? My goal is to see if I can get something a lot better than what I have now (I got this '03 Sequoia in late 2022) and not even sure if what I have is OEM. Any recommendations from this group would be g r e a t l y a p p r e c i a t e d !

I would not recommend replacing your stock front brakes with the same small ones that came on the 2001 to 2004 models, they are under powered for the vehicle and Toyota learned as much and put larger ones on the later model years.

I recently upgraded my 2002 with 2005 and up front brake calipers and decent pads. The 05 to 07 calipers are "at least 11% better" to quote Matt's Off-road Recovery. Seriously though, there's tons of videos and how to blogs about this. The larger calipers fit with most 16" rims and bolt on (see my pic below). I bolted up the new caliper to test fit it before disconnecting the older/smaller one from the brake line. Also the dust shields will require slight trimming. I used strong metal shears and a grinder. Any parts store can sell you the larger calipers and will take your smaller OEM ones for the core charge.

There's a marked difference in stopping power. I run 16" aftermarket wheels with 33" tires.

Another bigger caliper option is from the Lexus GX 460, it can fit with some modification to the calipers and dust shield. 17" or larger wheels are required for clearance. Google search Sequoia (or Tundra) GX brake upgrade and you'll find lots of information and you tube videos.

Good luck!