Step 1: Gather Required Tools and Materials

• Socket set and ratchet
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake piston tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake pads
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Brake fluid (if needed)
• Anti-seize compound
• Gloves and safety glasses

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle

• Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
• Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels a little, but do not fully remove them.

Step 3: Lift the Vehicle

• Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground.
• Secure the car with jack stands for safety.

Step 4: Remove the Wheel

• Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheel to expose the brake caliper and rotor.

Step 5: Remove the Brake Caliper

• Locate the caliper bolts; typically, there are two bolts holding the caliper in place.
• Use the socket set and ratchet to remove the caliper bolts.
• Carefully slide the caliper away, avoiding excessive stress on the brake line, and use a wire hanger or bungee cord to hang the caliper safely.

Step 6: Remove the Old Brake Pads

• With the caliper removed, the brake pads should be visible on the rotor.
• Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.

Step 7: Compress the Brake Caliper Piston

• Before installing new brake pads, the piston inside the caliper must be pushed back to create space for the new pads.
• Use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to compress the caliper piston back into its housing.

Step 8: Install New Brake Pads

• Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound on the back of the new brake pads to help prevent noise.
• Place the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are aligned correctly.

Step 9: Reinstall the Brake Caliper

• Carefully place the caliper over the new brake pads.
• Reinsert and tighten the caliper bolts using the socket and ratchet.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque setting.

Step 10: Reattach the Wheel

• Place the wheel back onto the hub.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs.

Step 11: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts

• Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack.
• Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque setting.

Step 12: Check and Adjust Brake Fluid Levels

• Check the brake fluid reservoir and add fluid if it is low.
• Pump the brake pedal to ensure the brakes are working properly before driving the vehicle.

Step 13: Test Drive

• Carefully test drive the vehicle at low speeds to ensure that the new brake pads are functioning correctly.
• Listen for any unusual noises and double-check components if needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to replace the brake pads on a 2018 Toyota RAV4 efficiently and safely.