If you have poor brake performance read this thread

So I have battled poor braking performance for quite some time. I have put new pads, rotors and ss lines on the front, bleeded the system with new fluid just this weekend and still had a what I call long pedal travel.

So I took my truck to a local shop today to just check the rear drums for adjustment. Turns out my drivers side brake adjuster is shot and needs replacement. A $9 part at Autozone.

I will install this week and report back. Hopefully the problem will finally be solved.

http://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-...drum-self-adjusting-kit-rear/9153_796735_6211

 

Installed the rear drum star wheel adjuster and finally have my good solid brake pedal back. Also the e brake pedal was nearly going to the floor and now it engages very well.

 

Can you elaborate on "shot"?

Quick google search revealed the franchise auto parts stores do not stock this item. Appears to be a low failure item.

 

Yes, please post pictures of the bad brake adjuster you replaced. I've been having the same "feel" for about the past 9-12 months. Replaced rotors, pads, front hardware, rear hardware (no brake adjuster though, it didn't come with that part), and even rear brake cylinders. I'll try this soon. Hopefully this helps with having to press the brake pedal down half way before it even bites... I'm still waiting for whats his name to machine and sell conversion plates for Wilwood master cylinders so I can upgrade my master cylinder and front brakes to 4runner rotors and calipers. I just want better braking, stock brakes fade way too much even with no load in the bed.

 

Sub'd

EDIT: Found this interesting reading...

http://www.tacomahq.com/1668/toyota-tacoma-drum-brakes-last-long/

 

I don't have any pictures of the star wheel adjuster that I replaced.

 

I'm taking mine in, in about an hour or so to have the rear brakes adjusted... I'll report back by the end of the day to lecha'll know if it worked for me.

 

http://www.partsgeek.com/b2sm254-toyota-tacoma-drum-brake-self-adjuster-repair-kit.html

Great write up here.

I doubt this really failed actually. Unless it has totally rusted out and seized the problem usually is some corrosion that seizes the star's threads (inside the brass color fitting)
Cleaning the pieces and new lubrication usually does the trick, but they aren't costly to replace.

 

For the record, upgrading rear brakes on the Tacoma has proven to not really enhance performance all that much, as all your weight is up front. If quality pads/rotors/steel braided brake lines are still not enough for you, and you're thinking you need sport car stopping power in your truck, look into the upgraded StopTech 6 piston brake upgrade. Cost you a good 2k or so, but it's an actual night and day difference over the stock stuff.

 

FYI its real easy to adjust the rear drums... you dont even have to remove rear tires.

That stated. always use your parking brake and this likely wont happen as it keeps things moving.

 

I've found it near impossible to get the brake adjusting tool in the opening at the top of the rear brake backing plate in order to turn the star wheel. You've had success on these doing that?

 

Brake adjuster tool?!?! naw two smaller flathead screwdrivers. One to spin the wheel, and one to hold the ratcheting mechanism off the wheel if it was necessary to back off the wheel

 

adjusting the rear brake shoes up snug against the drum did NOT fix this issue for me... we are going to try the brake booster next... damn it!!

 

My only complaint about my brakes is the amount of force on the pedal it takes to stop, it seems like it takes a lot more pressure than other vehicles I have owned. Same thing sitting at a stoplight, especially with the ac compressor cycling, if I don't keep firm pressure on the pedal the truck will ease forward.

When towing my 5x8 trailer and my mower I have to really watch it, I've caught myself yelling "woah"!

 

Correct a small long flat head screwdriver works much better. One to tighten adjuster. As stated above if you need to back off the wheel you need two

 

The brakes on these trucks are lacking. Rear drums account for some of this. Toyota cheaped out this.

 

Not really. Rear drums are more than enough in the rear as long as you don't exceed the payload. All your weight is up front, so even loaded up in the back, the weight shifts to the front tires. Probably something like 90/10 during hard braking. Yeah it may be cheaper to put drums in the rear than discs, but why spend the extra cash when it's not needed. I will agree the front could probably use a larger disk or some better quality stuff, but if you're not racing the truck and not hauling over its payload capacity, its more than enough. You know the only times I've wished for better brakes was when I'm speeding and have to brake abruptly, or have been braking down a hill for to long and need to brake quicker (IE Should have been engine braking most of the way)

 

No. The brakes on these trucks are not good. Like others have said, you have to mash down on the brakes to get these little trucks to stop. I can use my big toe to stop my f150 and gmc. Go test drive a new Chevy Colorado. It's brakes are ten times better than the Tacomas.

 

I've said it before when over 90% of the vehicles in 2017 have 4 wheel disks and tacomas don't, that's ridiculous.

 

ok. Then sell it and go drive your F150?