Tacoma Brake help needed

[tdtran]

Hi everyone,

I need your expert advice on a brake problem my truck current having.
Truck info:
- 2001 Tacoma, SR5, TRD, 4x4, double cab, V6 3.4, 58k miles

Problem history:
- About a 2 months ago, my truck start having vibrations every time I step on the brake and it was very noticable. The brake pedal also pulsated when I brake. It felt like the whole fron was rattling... I can clearly hear my change rattling in the ashtray.

Things done since:
- I Replaced new pads
- I had turned/resurfaced rotors
Problem comes back after about 4-5 days
- 2 weeks ago, I bought brand new rotors from dealer and replaced rotors and Pads again (second set)
Again, problem comes back after couple of days. However, the severity is lessen--less rattling/vibrating but still noticable. So, I thought maybe my old tires might have something to do w/ it.
- I replaced all new tires, tire balance and re-allignment were done.
Problem is still there--not severe but still noticable.

I called my dealer and they said they don't know and it will cost me about $150 to just have a look at it.

Is this a know issue w/ my truck? Is any a fix for this?

Any advice is appreciated very much.
Thanks,
Ttran

[tacoma man.]

maybe you just need to replace the rotors.

[erichz]

Try new calipers. You've pretty much ruled out everything else with the new pads, rotors, tires, balancing... Does your steering wheel shake as well when you hit the brakes? Could be front end alignment. But i'd bet on calipers.

[tdtran]

Originally Posted by tacoma man.

maybe you just need to replace the rotors.

Hi there,

Here's what I did...

1) I had the original rotors resurfaced. The problem was still there but less noticable, however, was still there.

2) As stated in my original message, I, then, bought 2 brand new rotors from Toyota dealer and replaced them. The problem is still there but less noticable, however, it is still there.

So, the rotors were done twice. First, resurfaced the original, the second time (and current) are brand new rotors from the Toyota.

Any other ideas?

Thanks for responding.
Ttran

[tdtran]

Originally Posted by erichz

Try new calipers. You've pretty much ruled out everything else with the new pads, rotors, tires, balancing... Does your steering wheel shake as well when you hit the brakes? Could be front end alignment. But i'd bet on calipers.

Hi Erichz,

I see your point about the calipers. I did check the calipers and visually they look fine--no oil leaks or boots cracking, etc... I had someone took the front wheels off and had some pump the brakes, their functions seems fine moving and releasing ok. Is there a way to check for sure.

Before I did all the above it was really bad--I could feel the floor, seat, dashboard shaking. Now, my steering still jerk back and forth a bit, very tiny bit but does not always happen. Below 30mph, I rarely feel the problem. The problem usually happens when I try to brake at higher speed, say 45mph or above. It feels more like I hit rough roads w/ small bumps causing vibrations. A bit about my driving, I drive very conservative and usually don't break hard, rather, I apply very gradual pressure.

Thanks for your inputs.
Ttran

[tdtran]

Just want to add, 4 wheels allignment was done 3 days ago by Sears mechanics.

Ttran.

[erichz]

If you're not a hard breaker, then you're rotors probably aren't the big problem, you replaced them anyway. I would have a mechanic look at the calipers. They don't need to stick a whole lot. There could be problems with the holding power of the brakes...problem at the master cylinder. I'm not a mechanic, don't have an easy way to check for sure.

[tdtran]

Erichz,

Thanks for your time and advice.
I am usually a "do-it-yourselfer" when I can. That's why I want to exhaust all means before giving up and leave it to an autoshop's hands.

Thanks, again.
Ttran

[erichz]

I am a do-it-yourselfer too, but I like to know what the hell is wrong before I start replacing and fixing everything, and wasting money. Luckily, I worked at a garage as side help for a few years and am still in with my mechanic, so I have a garage to work in and an expert to help out with the diagnostic stuff. Good luck and I hope you fix that problem soon.

[bearcat329]

just finished dealing with the exact same problem, replace the calipers, worked for me, i also replaced the rotors with new units, total cost was right at 200$ and i'm also a do-it-yourself person.
good luck!
Rick, Ore