Brake Issue

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supdizzle

supdizzle

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Threads
37
Messages
251
Location
Boulder, CO
My brakes have been starting to stick more often at end part of the depress stage in the braking cycle. While depressing the brake it feels like it is rubbing against something and then lets free. This has started to happen more frequently, so I took it to a local Toyota Dealership. After four hours the service advisor called me and said I would require a new "Brake Computer Unit" for 3,0000 installed. He had mentioned that the braking is completely electronic and there is no Master Cylinder or Booster. He mentioned that the computer was not "computing" correctly and not letting up the pedal, and then resetting to release. They were not sure if that was the problem but wanted to charge another $250 to research it more on top of the $55 charge to diagnosis. When I received the Quote I got a part number and the part name was changed to Brake Actuator. I researched the part online and it mentioned the part was a new Master Cylinder and Booster. At this point I am completely confused.

My question is could this be a mechanical problem? And if so can the part causing this be replaced or rebuilt instead of a 3k investment?

Any help is greatly appreciated! :grinpimp:
 
Run from that dealer! The brake system has an electrically boosted master cylinder and is computer monitored and modulated but I have never heard of replacing both the booster and the computer. There are few failures of the MC on the board and none of the brake ECU that I can remember.

First test or replace the brake switch on the pedal. This is cheap and easy. Several brake system failures on the board have been brake switch related.

Next I would start with a complete brake system check to include removing, inspecting and lubricating each pad, pad guide, caliper pistons, caliper pins and brake hoses. Then bleeding the entire system installing new fluid.

Next I would rebuilt the Master Cylinder using a Toyota Rebuild kit. Skidoo has a great write-up here - master-cylinder-rebuild-diy.

Only after trying these procedures myself or with a good independent mechanic would I consider returning the truck to the dealer.

P.S. Have you checked your floor mat positioning ?
 
I wish it was my stupidity with the floor mats.... would be a lot cheaper. Thanks for the advice, I will be sure to try those steps with an independent. :)
 
It sounds to me like your unit is still working just sticky.

My dash light up and a buzzer came on a few months ago. The brakes went completely dead and would only get a little pressure the last 1/2" from the floor.

Most mechanics and dealerships will tell you to buy the whole unit because they dont want to spend the time diagnosing the problem. They want the easy fix and want to make sure they fix it the first time.


I spent days trying to find the part cheap but nobody could beat the MUD discount. Cost of part and install was about 2100.
 
UPDATE:

Went to an independent without saying a word to see their diagnosis. They called and said they were dumbfounded. They could not diagnosis what the problem was and did not feel comfortable taking apart the master cylinder (which seems to be where the issue is) because of the electronic programing. I am going to try one more place, a Toyota Specialist shop and we will see what happens. Wish me luck.
 
Standing by as I have the same problem and looking for answers :popcorn:
 
NMuzj100 said:
Run from that dealer! The brake system has an electrically boosted master cylinder and is computer monitored and modulated but I have never heard of replacing both the booster and the computer. There are few failures of the MC on the board and none of the brake ECU that I can remember.

First test or replace the brake switch on the pedal. This is cheap and easy. Several brake system failures on the board have been brake switch related.



Has anyone solved the sticky pedal release issue by replacing the brake switch?
Click to expand...
 
CarbonCruiser said:
NMuzj100 said:
Has anyone solved the sticky pedal release issue by replacing the brake switch?
Click to expand...

Not specifically. I think most of the switch issues presented differently but if the service adviser is blaming the brake "computer" and wants to replace the ECU and the MC/Booster I think it bears looking at.

It'll also get you up under the dash inspecting the physical parts of the pedal.
Click to expand...
 
UPDATE: So no one could find a problem with the brakes. The only solution was to replace master cylinder and actuator for $2,800 dollars.
 
LOL.... My Brother in Law moved here from Mongolia about 7 years ago. He is the one that got me into Land Cruisers.
 
^ So, how are your brakes? Did you have the dealer replace the MC and actuator?
 
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