I have a 1993 Toyota Pickup, 4WD, 22RE.

Three months ago my brake pad sensors started scraping, so I went to have them swapped out at a local Firestone.

Firestone did a diagnostic and estimated that the job would cost $1100 including parts and labor. I told them they could stuff it and bought the parts for $220 and my buddy helped me install new brake rotots, calipers and pads at only the price of a burrito from Taco Bell.

Despite several attempts at bleeding my brake system, I never really got the proper braking feeling back, however by gently pumping the pedal and keeping a bit of standoff distance, I didnt have a problem.

Coming down a steep ass hill today, however, had to brake hard. pushing the pedal in hard and fast I felt a hard spot in the pedal travel, a gentle grinding noise then three loud thuds. Every time I depressed the brake pedal, the truck shuddered and lurched horribly. after getting home and scratching my head, I dont know whats going on. cracking a beer while I wait for your input to help me fix it tomorrow.

 

Stuck caliper? Loose lug nuts? Dust shield bent? Spring clip on calipers missing/loose?

 

Have you checked the rear brakes? Could be the source of all your problems. If you have a leaking wheel cylinder or shoes that are worn out, then your pedal is never going to feel right. Rear brakes are very important. Check em out.

 

Thanks for the heads-up. Ill be looking into those ASAP.

 

If you have been pumping your brakes for the past 3 months, that sounds like a Master Cylinder. The hard spot of when hitting them hard and fast sounds like a leaking Master Cylinder as well. The recent sound of the 3 thuds could be anything. Might try pulling the rear hubs off and front wheels and some pics. How is the front end/steering?

I have always had a difficult time of getting the air out of the lines when doing brakes. Seems like I have to bleed alot of fluid out and I start at the closest to the Master Cylinder and work out LF,RF,LR RR. Also dont forget about the bleeder above the right rear shock.

 

You might rethink getting a brake job "at only the price of a burrito from Taco Bell. " Particularly if it wasn't right from day one. Just sayin' ....

 

I have had a similar problem. I dont think its the master cylinder because I replaced mine and it did not fix this problem. Mine feel like the pedal is stopping short of where it should. It feels stiff, not plush and it causes the front brakes to lock up. Every once and a while it will give and the brakes will feel normal again. Does this sound like your problem?

 

I'm gonna do it myself and save me some money, translated means, I'm gonna screw it up so bad I'll have to pay someone to fix it right after all.