Should I do the TSB? - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

bgodfrey · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 01:53 PM

Hi,
My 2002 Tundra (~75K miles) has developed The Vibration. The dealer says he can replace the pads and turn the rotors for $500 +change or he can do the TSB for $2100. I am out of warranty, so they won't do the TSB for free. My questions:

1. If I get the TSB upgrade, will the truck brake better than with the original calipers/rotors? Even when new the braking was pathetic.

2. Can I get a better improvement with an aftermarket brake upgrade? (Note: I am not a customizer, so coolness is not relevant.)

3. Can I save money with an aftermarket upgrade or will it cost more? I would not be doing the work myself.

Thanks,

--Brian

maisano · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 02:07 PM

seems very high to me. did you read this post

Just did the TSB Tundra brakes myself

bgodfrey · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 02:26 PM

I did read it, but I'm not doing the work myself. Also, the TSB supposedly upgrades the rotors, hub, etc. I have found many postings elsewhere online stating the dealer quote at $2000 to $2300 for the full TSB. I certainly agree that it is a lot of money for me to have to pay to correct a design defect.

Any other input is urgently requested. The truck is sitting at the dealer right now and I need it back. :-)

Thanks,

--Brian

bgodfrey · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 03:57 PM

I talked to a guy at Off Road Warehouse in Escondido. He says he can replace my rotors with slotted ones and replace the pads with high performance pads for $550. And he says that braking will be better than original. Is he right?

Thanks,

--Brian

MEvang · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 09:37 PM

Skip the useless slotted rotors they serve no purpose and you don't need performance pads unless you tow alot or beat the trucks brakes. Check out the write up here How To: Early Tundra Brake Upgrade you can do this yourself and save a lot. If your not comfortable doing so get someone to help or take it to shop that will follow these instructions.
I did this upgrade 3-4 years ago and have had no more issues with the brakes and they work just fine. I used Toyota pads and keep the rear brakes adjusted properly. I have also on occasion towed our camper with now issues
Mike

bgodfrey · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 09:50 PM

Thanks. I'll see if a brake shop will do the upgrade you've described. I could do it if I had a level place to work, some time, and another backup car. But in my current situation (1100 miles from home, living in a place with not an inch of level ground, etc.) I'll pass.

I do appreciate the advice against the slotted disks. Someone else has told me that they are good if the slots are cast in, but that they develop cracks if machined in.

I do tow a boat, and the occasional work trailer, but not often and not far. But I really hate the pathetic braking of the original stock brakes, even when brand new. That's why I'm looking around.

Thanks,

--Brian

MEvang · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 07:36 AM

This upgrade real helps.
Mike

luvmytruk · #8 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 09:23 AM

I have an 02 with the weak, fragile, useless, crappy, pathetic, horrible, tiny calipers also. About a year ago and 20k miles I put Brembo slotted rotors and Hawk hps pads on in an attempt to improve my breaking performance (anythings gotta be better right?). Doing that and adjusting my rears did help a good bit. Dont get me wrong!!! I have read and printed Mikes caliper upgrade and fully intend on doing this in the up coming month or two. My rotors are great (no warping at all) but the calipers are garbage. For what I spent on the brembos and pads I could have gotten a caliper or two. In other words I still dont get that warm fuzzy feeling when I am breaking....EVER!! Hope this helps your dicision.

bgodfrey · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 01:35 PM

Thanks. It looks like I need to get the newer calipers and probably skip the rest of the full TSB. I might even be able to afford that.

--Brian

MEvang · #10 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 08:13 PM

I had talked to a few Toyota techs before I wrote the write and many (maybe most) were not doing the bearing part of the TSB any ways. Some were trimming the shield as I suggest and some were modifying the new shied to slip around the hub. (That's how flat raters make money) The bearing is only changed because of the hub removal needed to change the shield.
If done by the dealer though you do get new calipers and I suggest rebuilt aftermarket calipers.
These two thing is what saves lots of money and time.
Mike