Low mileage 2011 Toyota Tundra with poor brake performance. Due to significant under-vehicle rust damage to the brake system, a complete front and rear brake replacement was performed with new brake pads, new rotors, and re-manufactured calipers.
In This Article
Introduction
Problem
Causes
Diagnosis
Repair
What To Expect
Cost
Maintenance Tips
Recommended Brake Repair Shop
Customer Reviews
Toyota Tundra Brake Problem Description
The owner reported a soft, spongy brake pedal and poor brake performance. Rust damage to the brake system required major brake system repair.
Toyota Tundra Brake Problem Causes
Although this was a low mileage Toyota Tundra with only 56k miles and looked very clean and well cared for, there was no maintenance history, and we found signs the vehicle had limited use or was unused for extended periods of time.
The vehicle had been used in severe winter road conditions and had extensive rusting of the under-vehicle chassis. Our Toyota technician suspected the brake fluid had not been replaced since the vehicle was new, and the brake system had not been serviced in over 12 years, resulting in rusted brake parts. One brake caliper had a recently broken-off brake fluid bleeder screw.
Two possible reasons for the reported soft brake pedal feel and poor brake performance are contaminated brake fluid or rust buildup on the brake rotors, preventing the brake pads from fully contacting the brake rotors.
Toyota Tundra Brake Problem Diagnosis
Our technician lifted the truck on a hoist and did a full wheels-off visual brake inspection. The assessment of this brake problem was based on the technician's experience with brake repair. They recommended a full, front, and rear brake replacement, a brake fluid flush and replacement, lubrication of the parking brake cables and mechanism, and replacement of rusted brake lines and flex hoses.
Toyota Tundra Brake Repair
The vehicle owner decided to have the front and rear brake replacement, the unsafe rusted brake lines replaced, rust damaged brake hoses replaced, and a brake fluid flush done.
Our technician performed a complete front brake service, replacing the front brake pads, both brake calipers, front brake rotors, and both brake hoses.
Then, a complete rear brake service, replacing the rear brake pads, both rear brake calipers, both rear brake rotors, and both brake hoses.
The final service was a brake fluid flush and replacement. The brake system was flushed with new fluid and the brake system was bled until the fluid ran clean, including the master cylinder, ABS pump, brake calipers, brake lines, and brake hoses.
What To Expect With Toyota Tundra Brake Repair
Most brake repairs can be complete in the same day.
An accurate brake cost estimate will require a wheels-off inspection. Brake pad thickness, brake rotor thickness, brake caliper condition, brake hose condition, and brake line rust all require hands-on inspection to provide a detailed brake repair estimate.
Rusted bolts and brake hardware can also be hidden until a close wheels-off brake inspection is performed.
Since brake repair is a safety issue conscientious brake repair shops will not do brake repairs that compromise brake safety.
Toyota Tundra Front Brake Service Cost
A national average cost for Toyota Tundra Front Brake Service with calipers with lower axle lines, replacement of front brake pads, replacement of the calipers, and replacement of brake rotors ranges from $1,000 to $1,200. Labor: 40%, Parts: 60% in 2023. Environmental disposal fees and taxes are not included.
Toyota Tundra Rear Brake Service Cost
A national average cost for Toyota Tundra Rear Brake Service with calipers with axle lines, replacement of rear brake pads, replacement of rear calipers, and replacement of rear rotors ranges from $1,100 to $1,350. Labor: 37%, Parts: 63% in 2023. Environmental disposal fees and taxes are not included.
Toyota Tundra Brake Fluid Service Cost
A national average cost for Toyota Tundra Brake Fluid Service ranges from $175 to $250. Labor: 74% Parts: 26% in 2023. Brake fluid service includes flushing and bleeding the brake system, including the master cylinder, ABS pump, brake calipers, brake lines, and brake hoses, until the fluid runs clean. Environmental disposal fees and taxes are not included.
Toyota Tundra Brake Maintenance Tips
Brake fluid should be replaced every two years regardless of the amount of use the vehicle gets and distance driven (except vehicles with silicone-based brake fluid). Regular brake fluid is alcohol based and absorbs moisture. Brake systems are vented to the atmosphere and absorb moisture with time, not the distance they are driven. Brake systems deteriorate even when the vehicle is parked!
Vehicles operated in areas where road anti-icing chemicals are used in the winter suffer from rust and corrosion of brake parts. Washing the under-vehicle chassis a couple of times each winter, and in the spring, focusing on the wheel and brake areas, can help slow the rusting of the brake system.
Vehicles that are used in severe winter road conditions like experienced in Ann Arbor, MI should have an annual brake inspection and brake hardware lubrication service to prevent rust and premature brake failure and replacement.
Recommended Toyota Brake Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Hoover Street Auto Repair for all your Toyota Tundra brake service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our Toyota technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose and repair your Toyota brake problems correctly. We are a Toyota brake service specialist.