Thoughts on my idea to fix 03 brakes

Jetes03tundra · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 05:16 PM

ok, through help form Picasso and Mevang ive finally decided on what i think i need to do. My 03 has a horrible vibration when braking at highway speeds. I had the front rotors turned and it fixed it, but has came back within 2k miles. There is a TSB for rear brake vibration with new rear drums that i was pointed out. TSB BR003-02 refers to this. For the fronts i have decided to go with Powerslot slotted rotors (notice only slotted, Not drilled) with toyota OE pads more than likely unless there are pads that work better??? anyone? heres the list im going with: Any opinions? I only have the $$ to do this once so any comments are welcome!

Rear drums:
Old drum part #: 42431-35210
Redesigned drum part #: 42431-34021

Powerslot Slotted rotors
and
Toyota OE pads

shall36 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 07:50 PM

I would get a set of high-quality rotors from NAPA or Carquest. Forget the slotted stuff...more hassle than it's worth. You might also try a softer pad compound.

Jetes03tundra · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 08:01 PM

whats some brake pads you recomend? minimum brake dust and good stopping power?

DaveS · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 08:39 PM

After years of brake problems with my '01 which forced me to turn the rotors and replace the pads a couple of times (even AFTER having the TSB performed on both the front and rear), I finally replaced my OEM rotors this spring with a set of Brembos. I also got a new set of plain toyota pads at the same time. It's been 8 months and over 7K miles since replacing everything and the squeak (non-braking) and the shudder (braking) haven't come back yet.

I second shall36's suggestion to skip the slotted and/or drilled rotors. The cooling of rotors depends on mass -- the more slotting and drilling, the less rotor mass and the less efficient the cooling will be. Get a good set of plain rotors and some plain Toyota pads and you'll be fine.

Dave

shall36 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 04:50 AM

On pads, you might check t see if Axxis offers their Deluxe pad for the Tundra. Low dust, great performance. I use them on my BMW.

Most of the pad manufacturers post tons of information about their pads on the web. You might even call someone like Raybestos and ask for recommendations.

longwoodklon · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 06:07 PM

I went to slotted rotors and Hawk HPS pads. Easily over 40k and still going strong. When I first changed the brakes I used the StreetPlus pads cause they came with free shipping for the rotors, big mistake. They caused terrible judders. Lightlyt sanded the new rotors(after only 5k miles) and went to Hawk pads and all is well.

That said, I will say I won't go with slotted again. You can feel the slight whirring of the slots, it's not too bad, but noticeable. And also the pads have worn down the rotors slightly and many places won't turn slotted rotors. Then again, I may be crazy for thinking about changing a known working system.

I thought the latest consensus was plain rotors and Toyota or Hawk HPS pads? But I think your solution of slotted rotors and Toyota pads would work fine.
It may also be worthwhile to get the rebuild kit for ~$12 from Toyota and clean up the calipers and seals while you are at it. When you do this it tends to get out the dirty fluid that a simple flush doesn't get.
/Mike