Brake Problems

Help! Can anyone tell me why I have been thru 3 sets of Calipers 4 sets of Rotars & 11 pairs of Pads in the last 7 months. I've owned to the truck for 3 years so it isn't the way I drive

 

I don't know how its possible to go through that many brake components in 3 years.

Its either lame components or you have that thing on a racetrack.

 

I haven't gone thru that in 3 years. In the last 7 months. I've had the truck for 3 years

 

What happens to the calipers that they need replacing in such a short life?

 

Sounds like you need to find a trustworthy shop

 

Installing OEM parts will definitely help. If you continually slam or ride your brakes, that will shorten the life of brake components. Do you do all your own brake work or is a shop doing it?

 

Anotonia,

On my 4Runner with 214K miles, I have had to do the brakes three times so I agree, your experience is quite abnormal. Four things come to mind.

1. Assuming that you're not doing the work yourself, were you shown the old parts before replacement took place? If it is a brake pad, for example, they should be able to show you that the pads are worn out beyond the service limit. For rotors, they should be able to point to ridges, ..., etc on the rotor surfaces. I'm dumbfounded on the calipers. The only reason that I have ever had to replace them was due to internal corrosion and that takes a while.

2. If brake components are really wearing out faster than normal, then driving style/environment may be it but then your note indicates that this started 7 months ago having owned the vehicle for three years. Given this I am assuming that in the past 7 months, you're not doing anything beyond what you used to do. For example carrying heavy loads, driving more than before, driving with one foot resting on the brake? (apologies for saying this but my friend used to do this from time to time.)

3. Are the front wheel bearings OK? If they're damaged, the resulting heat buildup can lead to a premature brake failure but bearing failure is quite uncommon.

4. Finally have you attached an OBD tool to see what the diagnostic system messages are?

Matt

 

Ok, there’s a stainless shim that clips on the back of the pads. It creates a gap and compromises the pads effectiveness and they will drag.

 

Not sure I follow. The shim is there to act as an anti chatter. Why would it cause the pad to wear out?

 

Yeah, please explain that one. I can't see the shim causing dragging of the pad at all. The caliper is self adjusting to the width of whatever is in there...the pad and shim or only the pad.

I've always run with the shims and while my brake work has been a bit more frequent as the vehicle has aged...it's nothing like what this guy has stated.

 

The rate of the brakes being ruined makes me suspect the calipers are indeed hanging up.

But the fact that you've had THREE sets of new calipers tells me it's NOT the calipers.

The only 2 logical offenders:

Brake lines. The rubber collapses inside over time and can cause all sorts of issues. One being dragging brakes.

Master Cylinder. This thing I am not exactly familiar with yet on these cars, but on the 2002 it's a big crazy unit with motors and can go bad. But usually makes a crazy racket when it does.

Have you had your rubber brake lines replaced? That would be my first go to.

 

Well one pack of pads didn’t come with the shims so I reused the old ones.. They are not needed and probably a design flaw..

 

So is it rotors shims and the pads...well i think my brakes are set up the wrong way lmao

 

Not every brake pad sold comes with a shim. They're not a design flaw. They're there to prevent/minimize brake squeaks. There are other options to achieve the same functionality (ex: a thin layer of high temp compound applied to the back of the pad). I use both the shim and a thin layer of Permatex 24125 ceramic lubricant between the shim and the caliper pistons when I install a new set of pads.

 

Are there residual pressure valves on Toyotas? If there is, maybe they gave up.

 

I looked those up and they look like they are mostly for drum brake applications. He's having issues with the front calipers...so probably not, or if so, I think it would be in the Master Cylinder.

Again, the brake system is something I haven't delved into yet other than swapping rotors and pads.

 

If the rotors are not WARPED, I would not keep changing.
3rd gens have SMALL front rotors so overtime they will warp. Now my 3 cents, just do the Tundra/Sequoia brake caliber swap (EASY! if you can change rotor, you can do this). It will solve 90% of your prob. Now if you keep getting pulsing and lockups, check your MC and Booster for leaks. Also check your gasket in between (LINK). Give it a shot and let me know.

 

Agree, do same yr Tundra caliper and rotor swap, will resolve so many issues. May require minor trimming of dust shields. While at it, re-do lower ball joints with same yr Tundra units, cheap insurance. enjoy ur 'Runner.