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TacomaGeneral discussion forum for the 2005 and later Toyota Tacoma.
This is a discussion thread titled "Inconsistent/Spongy brakes", within the Tacoma forum, part of the Truck Forums category.
I just got a 2005 Tacoma with TRD Offroad package that has 60k miles from a private owner. Recently I noticed that the brakes feel a bit inconsistent. Sometimes they feel nice and firm like my 02 Tacoma's, and then they soften up as if there's air in the lines. It goes in and out like this while I'm driving. I've noticed that when the brakes feel spongy, my emergency brake is also spongy; I can pull the emergency brake out with little resistance. When they are nice and firm, however, the emergency brake is also nice and firm.
I bled the brakes and it made no difference. I tried adjusting the brake using the emergency brake method, and it made no difference either. I also checked the front brake pads and they look almost new, and there is enough fluid in the reservoir. I was unable to take the brake subassembly off to look at the rear brake shoes though.
1) Has anyone had this experience with the brakes and known what it was?
2) If the rear shoes are low, do they make a sound like the front brakes?
3) Are the rear brakes and emergency brakes connected in a way that the shoes could be wearing down and simply have to be replaced?
4) Anyone know an easy way to remove the rear brake sub-assembly (drum brake cover)? I removed the tire, took off the emergency brake, and it wouldn't come out. I tried prying it a bit and it wouldn't budge. I also tried the service manual's way by using 2 screw drivers to adjust a screw and it didn't loosen the cover. is there another way you guys know?
my trucks brakes are spongy also. Dealer says "they're a two stage brake system" what ever the heck that means.
It always seems my brakes are engaged when driving. Sometimes when I press the e brake and let it slam off it helps out a little. some told me to drive really fast backwards and slam the brakes to reset something. never figured it out.
my trucks brakes are spongy also. Dealer says "they're a two stage brake system" what ever the heck that means.
It always seems my brakes are engaged when driving. Sometimes when I press the e brake and let it slam off it helps out a little. some told me to drive really fast backwards and slam the brakes to reset something. never figured it out.
it's supposed to reset the rear brakes. i've seen it done with the emergency brake. i wonder what a 2 stage brake system is.
To adjust the rear brake, you're supposed to set the emergency brake 3 or 4 times in a row. To remove those rear drums, you need to find 2 bolts that fit in the threaded holes in the drum (those 2 threaded holes on opposites sides near the lug bolts/studs). You run these bolts in with a wrench and that forces the drum off the hub...this is the same method required on Toyotas to remove the front discs too.
At 60K miles though, the rears should have plenty of pad left. The brakes on the 05+ Tacomas are known for their "spongy" feel, so don't assume anything is necessarily wrong with them.
__________________
"It's not what you know. It's knowing where to find the answer."
'05 4x4 DC LB SR5 Tow Pkg BFG All-Terrain T/A KO, Leer Tonneau, Westin Platinum Nerf Bars, Fog Light Mod, Orig. Owner 12/3/04
Moose, thanks for the info, especially on removing the drums. by setting the E brake, u mean reverse and pull on the E brake, correct?
my real concern is the inconsistency. sometimes firm, sometimes not. and when they're spongy, the emergency brake is also spongy. the E brake should always be firm. I think it could be that the shoes just arent always making strong enough contact against the drum, hence the brakes and E brake acting up at the same time.
I've already adusted them so I'll inspect them ASAP. I'm hoping it's just that the shoes or springs have to be replaced but i feel doubtful. I'll update once i've had a look at them.
The brake booster on the Tacoma V6 is a tandem system. That means that it has two constant pressure chambers and two variable pressure chambers. So, this type of brake booster can supply a good amount of brake boost in a compact enough package.
The amount of boost is really what makes the pedal feel spongy, and there's quite a bit on the Tacoma. Now, if you ever turn the engine off while driving, or have had the battery completely discharge w/ an alternator problem, you'll know that a lot of force is needed to push the brake pedal once the booster reserve is used up.
Increased pedal feel can be accomplished by tuning the amount of brake boost to the desired level of resistance and the undesired effect of fatigue. The Toyota tandem system uses two pistons, one at each constant/variable chamber pair.
Maybe you could try the 4 cylinder Tacoma's single chamber brake booster. The larger brakes and smaller booster will definitely give you more resistance ... and feel, but will there be enough force to activate the ABS system in an emergency?
But he said the emergency brake has the same intermittent problem which leads one to believe it's something inside the drums.
__________________
"It's not what you know. It's knowing where to find the answer."
'05 4x4 DC LB SR5 Tow Pkg BFG All-Terrain T/A KO, Leer Tonneau, Westin Platinum Nerf Bars, Fog Light Mod, Orig. Owner 12/3/04
But he said the emergency brake has the same intermittent problem which leads one to believe it's something inside the drums.
Right. And it definitely would be related to the drums. Come to think of it, I've had some similar spongy pedal issues, but the most interesting one was when my rear drum shoes stuck after releasing the e-brake and the brake pedal in reverse. That was when it was least spongy and didn't travel as far (like after you replace your worn brake pads). After I pressed the gas they broke free, and the pedal felt like it usually did.
well, i took the drums off using 05Moose's advice by finding a bolt and screwing it the 2 threaded holes on the front of the drum. it came right out easily. the shoes and drums looked perfectly new. the brakes and e-brake are still spongey. I'm going to try bleeding the brakes again as soon as I can get someone to help me with pushing the brake pedal.
is the e-brake also operated through the hydraulic brake lines? if so, then air in the system could affect it too. this sucks!! i miss my old tacoma's brakes!!
Perhaps the previous owner had a line replaced, the master cylinder, or simply got air into the brake system. If you have ABS, the module probably has air in it. While this should activate the ABS light, never assume the previous owner did anything the right way.
If there is air in the ABS module, you will never be able to bleed it off the traditional way. You can take it to the dealer or garage and have the ABS activated by a scan guage tool. That will purge out the air. You can also do it yourself with a reasonable chance of success by slamming the brakes on while moving and activating the ABS that way. Obviously do this on a deserted parking lot or road. The results are more consistent with the garage method though.
This is one possible reason for your spongy brakes, but no guarantees.
__________________ "Si vis pacem, para bellum"-Vegetius
2005 Tacoma Doublecab TRD Offroad 4X4 shortbed - Modifications - Fog light mod, Debadged, Black Toyota grille emblem, Map Light Mod, DRL mod
Factory Accessories - Tacoma Bedmat, Extra set of D-rings installed in front bed bolts, Extra set of factory tie downs
Optional Options - FilterMag, Fumoto valve, Westin Suregrip running boards w/LED lights, WeatherTech Floorliners, WeatherTech window visor vents, Prestige remote car starter w/keyless entry, SilverStar headlight and turn signal bulbs, Toytek 2" lift, Muth heated signal mirrors, WAAG grille guard (center only, I'm old school), Taillights tinted by JonsTintedTails.com, Anthracite FJ Cruiser wheels w/ 265/75r16 BFGoodrich A/T
well, i took the drums off using 05Moose's advice by finding a bolt and screwing it the 2 threaded holes on the front of the drum. it came right out easily. the shoes and drums looked perfectly new. the brakes and e-brake are still spongey. I'm going to try bleeding the brakes again as soon as I can get someone to help me with pushing the brake pedal.
is the e-brake also operated through the hydraulic brake lines? if so, then air in the system could affect it too. this sucks!! i miss my old tacoma's brakes!!
The E brake is cable operated. You can find it running underneath the bed on the passenger's side...I know because I had to add some duct tape to a metal coupling on it years ago because it would bounce against the bed making a rattle on bumpy roads.
__________________
"It's not what you know. It's knowing where to find the answer."
'05 4x4 DC LB SR5 Tow Pkg BFG All-Terrain T/A KO, Leer Tonneau, Westin Platinum Nerf Bars, Fog Light Mod, Orig. Owner 12/3/04
thanks for the info, guys. i'm waiting for my Warranty transfer to kick in. i still have over a year on it. as soon as that comes in, i'm going to take it in to get checked out. can i tell them i looked at the brake pads and shoes or will they try to say that voided the warranty on the brakes?
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Inconsistent/Spongy brakes
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