New / serviced brakes, whole truck still pulses when braking

New member here, Hi everyone. I just got my first Taco - 2009 Access cab TRD Off Road MT (Super White). Very excited, have had it for two weeks now. I've noticed some distressing (to me, at least) pulsating felt throughout the whole truck (not just steering wheel or pedals) while braking. I had it checked by two shops, ultimately getting brand new front Bosch brakes and pads today. They were a bit warped, but turns out that wasn't what the problem was. It still pulses. This is all in 2WD, normal city and highway driving. It's my daily driver, but I'll be taking it up to the mountains plenty, so lots of pulsating while braking is a concern if it'll be pronounces when driving back down the steep highways.

Today's mechanic says he thinks it's the transfer case causing it. Transmission details are over my head, so I'm asking if any of you have had this similar problem and any advice.

FYI, The rear brakes were serviced two weeks ago at the dealership where I bought it. (I bought it as-is, no warranty, in case you're wondering. Given that the competition was on CL, that wasn't a deal breaker for me.)

The previous owner may have treated the truck horribly, judging by the interior maintenance, but all the other specs, mileage and price were just what I was looking for, so I got it. I wonder if she drove it in 4WD may more than she should have.

I don't have buyer's remorse, but wanted to check here and see if anyone else has has this pulsating problem (ostensibly) unrelated to brakes. Transfer case or no? It otherwise drives great and I love it. Thanks so much for your experience and tips.

 

Pulsing in the pedal?

'dealership where you bought it'. Was that a real dealership, or a buy here pay here with a lift in the back?

Either way, doesn't mean the rears don't need attention. Drums can be checked for trueness, shoes for even wear and adequate material, all the banjo bits for being clean and lubricated.

Always start with the easy stuff, then move on to the more complex.

 

Had a similar problem in my first gen years ago. Took it to Midas 3 different times and they still couldn’t figure it out. They replaced the front pads and rotors twice before I told them to suck it and went to a smaller brake shop. Ended up being the rear drums.

 

Hi Bill, thanks. Yes pulsing in the pedal and steering wheel and seat, from what I can tell.
I bought it from Larry H Miller Liberty Toyota in Colorado Springs. Legit dealer. I can't head down there every time I want them to check it out because I live and work in Boulder. But that's where the truck was, so that's where I bought it. There's a much closer dealership in Boulder.

 

If you don't have a warranty at the dealer you purchased from take it to the dealer in Boulder. Or take it to an independant brake shop. I highly doubt that the transfer case is causing this issue.

 

Sounds like rotors but if you've had those done, maybe shoes/drums in rear. What was the "service" in the rear drums done at the dealer prior to purchase?

Matt

 

Check the rear drum hardware; those springs and what not that attaches to the brake shoes. I have seen and fixed other mechanic's mistakes where they installed the springs incorrectly. Inspect the calipers a seized piston is possible in the caliper.

Inspect ball joints upper and lower then inspect outer tie rod ball joints and check if your inner tie rods are still good; Inspect your steering rack bushings. Get an alignment checked and redone and make sure all the tires are balanced. It's got to be one of these issues.

 

Warped