Squishy Brake Pedal - Fixed!!

You think that the rest is the problem? I always thought that the rear will work after you put so much on the break

 

Like first it's your front that will grab them your rear

 

They all work together. The front just takes more of the force due to its location and the weight shifting forward.

 

Thanks!

 

Did this fix your problem? What you describes in your previous post is spot on to what im dealing with.

 

I had excessive pedal travel and had to replace the star wheel adjuster on my driver's side rear drum.

My thread about it: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/if-you-have-poor-brake-performance-read-this-thread.494994/

 

Well this look promising. I very much appreciate the information. Ill report back ASAP.

 

You have to adjust star thing where drum just goes on then go where you can back up and hit the brakes a few times. The adjusters will tighten up where they need to be and have no mushy pedal........

 

Mmmm yeah I just did my drum breaks as well along with the spring kit

 

Im glad to hear this brought back your pedal pressure and travel. Mine has me worried about quick stops.

 

Do this to adjust the rear brake shoe clearance:

From the Shop Manual: http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old.../06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/042010.pdf

ADJUST REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOE CLEARANCE

(a) Provisionally install the hub nuts.

(b) Remove the hole plug, and turn the adjuster to expand the shoe until the drum locks.

(c) Using a screwdriver, release the adjuster 15 notches.

(d) Install the hole plug.

 

I did remove the rubber plug but for the life of me I cant find any star adjuster in there at all.

 

The old US Cars the adjuster was at the bottom of the drum. These are more towards the top above the axle. You may have removed the inspection plug for looking at the shoes.



Here is the plug:

 

As mentioned earlier, application of the parking brake advances the adjuster. My old jeep was back up n stop. Manual adjustment of Rear brake shoe clearance should only have to be done during replacement of the drum.

 

Sub'd

EDIT: Found this interesting reading....

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

 

My parking brake goes all the way down...and doesn't stop the truck from rolling one bit. Should I try "pumping" the parking brake?

I tried the reverse 5mph, and hit the brakes thing, yesterday, there was no change in pedal pressure or travel. I tried it maybe 5-6 times. Even went to 10mph. Should this have been done with the parking brake, not the actual brakes?

I think I may just pull the wheels and have a look see at this point. I also need to bleed the fluid. It looks very dirty/old.


Truck has 201k on it. I may just pull the trigger and get pads/rotors/shoes and new adjustment screw assemblies, bleed with all new fluid and really overhaul the entire braking system. Its all only $125 from RockAuto.

 

There is a cable to adjust the parking brake under the shifter bezel, inside the cab.

 

If you don't get it close enough when putting drums on they won't be able to grab and adjust. Do what was mentioned up a bit removing the oval rubber plug on back of brake plate and move the star adjuster with a screwdriver til it won't turn (not with a bunch of pressure, just til it won't move any more clicks) then do the back up thing.

 

My Truck is an Auto. So I have a Push Pedal.

 

I will do this first thing then. I'm assuming I turn it right?

Ran out to grab lunch and the pedal travel is just worrying me. I don't think the rears are even grabbing.