Brake issue after front wheel bearing replacement.

[virginiasand100]

Brake issue after front wheel bearing replacement. We have a 2019 (200 Series) and had to have new front wheel bearings at 77K. I found that very odd, however I had the LC back to the dealer two more times after the repair due to the drastic change in brake pressure and brake pedal travel (increase) to stop the vehicle. Before the wheel bearing job, and since the vehicle was new, the brakes were sensitive. Now, my wife and I have had few close calls with a lack of response when stopping. Brakes feel spongy as well. The Toyota dealer does not seem to think anything is wrong but clearly something is not right. Any thoughts? Is something else going on?

 

[doru]

Hubs themselves have nothing to do with brakes.
Replacing the hubs should not have affected the brakes, but we do not know what the dealer has actually done.
The usual causes of your issues are air in the system and/or pads contamination. Assuming the old parts were reused.

 

[TeCKis300]

Brake issue after front wheel bearing replacement. We have a 2019 (200 Series) and had to have new front wheel bearings at 77K. I found that very odd, however I had the LC back to the dealer two more times after the repair due to the drastic change in brake pressure and brake pedal travel (increase) to stop the vehicle. Before the wheel bearing job, and since the vehicle was new, the brakes were sensitive. Now, my wife and I have had few close calls with a lack of response when stopping. Brakes feel spongy as well. The Toyota dealer does not seem to think anything is wrong but clearly something is not right. Any thoughts? Is something else going on?

Very possible they did not preload the hub bearing properly or something is going on with the hub assembly.

What it sounds like you're experiencing is brake pad knock back. Basically, due to play in the bearing/hub, it's allowing the brake rotor to flex/runout (especially with turns) which pushes the brake pad and brake piston away from the rotor. When you press the brake pedal, it's using some travel to bring the pads back to the rotor before applying friction.

Is there a difference in brake feel/travel when applying the brakes back to back. Versus after some maneuvering and turns?

 

[Sandroad]

It’s extremely unlikely both (or even one) front wheel bearings were bad at that year and miles. What were the symptoms that led to that diagnosis? Maybe there is a clue to the brake issue?

I wonder if the tech fully removed the calipers instead of just hanging them up out of the way? If so, a full brake bleeding is needed and would fix the soft pedal. It’s also possible some very greasy hands reinstalled the rotors and everything is contaminated. Anyway, between bleeding, cleaning, and bearing adjustment check, I bet the brakes will end up ok.

 

[bloc]

asically, due to play in the bearing/hub, it's allowing the brake rotor to flex/runout (especially with turns) which pushes the brake pad and brake piston away from the rotor. When you press the brake pedal, it's using some travel to bring the pads back to the rotor before applying friction.

This would be my suspicion.