2013 Toyota Highlander Brake Pad Replacement
Complete guide to 2013 Toyota Highlander brake pad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Brake Pad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2013 Toyota Highlander. This repair involves replacing the damaged brakes component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement brakes part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
Locate the plastic panel shown in the photo, near the hatch.
Insert a flat head screwdriver in the top indentation.
Pry open and pull out the plastic panel.
Step 2:
Grasp the black plastic base of the cable and twist counter-clockwise to unlock the bulb.
Pull the connecting black cable from the entire compartment.
The brake light is at the end of this black cable.
Step 3:
Hold the black socket bulb holder in one of your hands and pull gently on the light until it pops out.
CAUTION: Too much pressure can break the light bulb.
Put on latex gloves before handling a new bulb.
Grab the new replacement bulb and gently push into the socket.
REMINDER: Use a compatible bulb. For this model we used "LONGLIFE 7443 Sylvania bulbs"
Step 4:
Test the replaced bulb by pressing the brakes on your car.
Align the black socket bulb holder with the hole/lock in the taillight compartment.
Twist clockwise until you feel it lock in place
Step 5:
To place back the plastic panel, make sure the bottom clips are aligned.
Push plastic panel in until you hear a small "click."
Step 6:
Test the brake light again to ensure working condition.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $90-$180)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($150-$300)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2013 Toyota Highlander instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5995 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2013 Toyota Highlander generates 6000 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 5 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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