Hello, I am a new member and got a question about brakes.

I replaced my 99 SR5 with an 03 Limited V6 2 weeks ago. The brakes on the 03 seems to be too low (meaning the pedal is almost to the floor) but it works. Same thing with the foot emergency brake. Is this normal for an all-disc brake system? My SR5 with drums at the rear brakes harder with just a little tap on the pedal and I maybe just used to the old one.

I took it to the stealership and the service manager told me it is normal and it cannot be adjusted unlike the drums. Am I being told the truth or just given the runaround?

Andre

 

yup the brakes are soft, just get use to it

 

yeah many of the reviews I've read described the brakes as spongy or mushy. It takes a little getting used to but it's ok.

I think it's a toyota characteristic because it was the same on the GS I used to own and I hear the Camry is the same too. They must think it's a good thing to be spongy

Maybe they are thinking a progressive push on the brake is easier to modulate than a more direct on/off like on the Taco. I think the brake feel is suited to a lux car or sedan but a bit out of place on a rough-n-tumble suv. My friends describe my 4Runner as a luxury truck so maybe the spongy brake is for the Limited crowd

There are some improvements I would make but the only BIG improvement would be the headliner. If that were improved I would be perfectly happy otherwise.

 

The brakes are spongy and sometimes pulsate under normal conditions. I like the stop on a dime feel that the drums have, but the discs are superior, so I will have to get used to it.

 

Your '99 had vacuum powered brake hydraulics. The '03's have very sophisticated electric-hydraulic powered brakes that do much more (TRAC, VSC, ABS, DAC, HAC?). The '99 took a lot of leg for max braking, the '03's work more on pedal travel distance. Not much happens in the first inch or so of travel, then they come on big time. No adjustments on the primary brake system, not sure about the e-brake.

 

Thanks a lot for the info guys.

Now I can sleep much better.

 

Sac State,

You notice the brake pulsation too! I complained to my dealer about this. They mic'd the rotors and they were fine. Anyone know what is causing the brake pulsation?

 

No pulsation here, but I tend to lay off the brakes

 

TDM: It only pulsates when I first start the truck and driving through the neighborhood. Guess it might be the system charging itself up. My e-brake is non-existent, gotta get the dealer to adjust.

 

Same here. I only notice the pulse at about 30-40 mph. Other than that it's fine. Maybe just the truck because the pulse is very slight and isn't getting any worse. Just a very weird feeling but I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one to notice.