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My Brakes are "Better"

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by WVtriple, Jun 28, 2010.

  1. Jun 28, 2010 at 6:54 PM
    #1
    WVtriple

    WVtriple [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So after reading, ahh, skimming the 88 posts we have on our soft, mushy, and just over all poor brakes, I decided to give one remedy a try.
    I installed a set of slotted rotors, with ceramic brake pads.
    Now to clarify as to what was made better with this set up. The initial "bite" once the brake is depressed has been greatly improved over stock. Travel to get to that "bite" has also improved or shortened. Ability to modulate the brake pedal with fine motor skill has increased ten fold.
    BUT the softness is still there, not near the amount with the stock set, but non-the-less its still there. I will probably live with set up for a period, then upgrade to the stainless steel lines. At least the options for improvement are available and to me very affordable.
     
  2. Jun 28, 2010 at 7:06 PM
    #2
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    A simple brake bleed might help with the soft feel...Top up the fluid and make sure the lines are full of good fluid with no condensates. See what happens. That should also be pretty cheap (just a bottle or two of fluid).
     
  3. Jun 28, 2010 at 7:44 PM
    #3
    vermintrex

    vermintrex Well-Known Member

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    BFG A/T KO 265/70/17, '11 FJ wheels, 5100's all four corners, Eibach springs, 1/4" Taco lean spacer, Leer 100XR, WeatherTech liners, trimmed mud flaps and I farted in it.
    My brakes feel fine, dunno what else to say.
     
  4. Jun 28, 2010 at 7:52 PM
    #4
    WVtriple

    WVtriple [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I guess brakes are subjective, since I have three other vehicles with IMHO, superior brakes compared to the Tacoma's, I don't want to accept mediocrity, and bought another Toyota to expect competence.
     
  5. Jun 28, 2010 at 7:52 PM
    #5
    outlawtacoma

    outlawtacoma Well-Known Member

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    my feel like crap too, I am gonna bleed mine on next oil change if I have the time.
     
  6. Jun 28, 2010 at 9:00 PM
    #6
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    You have a 2010. There isn't anything you should be saying, YET.
     
  7. Jun 28, 2010 at 9:38 PM
    #7
    vermintrex

    vermintrex Well-Known Member

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    BFG A/T KO 265/70/17, '11 FJ wheels, 5100's all four corners, Eibach springs, 1/4" Taco lean spacer, Leer 100XR, WeatherTech liners, trimmed mud flaps and I farted in it.
    Why shouldn't I be saying anything ? Do I need your permission or something ?

    It's my experience that they feel fine. I drove an Audi A3 prior to the Tacoma and while the truck is heavier, I don't feel like the brakes are particularly bad or "mushy". Before the A3 I had a Mazda 3 which probably stopped better than the Audi, again, nothing about the Tacoma that has me fretting over the brakes.
     
  8. Jun 28, 2010 at 9:56 PM
    #8
    StandingCow

    StandingCow Well-Known Member

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    I guess some people feel the mushiness more than others. I don't notice anything wrong with em.
     
  9. Jun 28, 2010 at 11:04 PM
    #9
    CtTaco

    CtTaco Well-Known Member

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    stainless lines? they made a huge difference in my 2000 S4, but then again, so did the stoptechs added shortly thereafter. too bad the only performance braking kit from trd only fits 5 lug :( with the SC you need all the help you can get to stop this thing ...
     
  10. Jun 29, 2010 at 5:33 AM
    #10
    trailhoor

    trailhoor Well-Known Member

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    my stock brakes felt like shit. I changed all my hoses out for stainless lines and put aftermarket pads in the front. For sure made a noticeable improvement. I can now push my brake pedal and not wonder wtf the toyota engineers were designing the stock brakes for. I mean, I can probably live with this setup.

    Anybody know where to get better shoes for the rear drums? The read disc conversion is a bit costly...
     
  11. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:16 AM
    #11
    black_magic2010

    black_magic2010 Well-Known Member

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    speaking of 5 lug, its weird that the full size tundra is 5 lug while the taco is 6 lug. I like the tundra wheels but i guess i can never put them on my taco.
     
  12. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:36 AM
    #12
    outlawtacoma

    outlawtacoma Well-Known Member

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    This is news to me! I have seen Tundras with Ivan Stewart wheels and they are 6 lugs. I have never seen a recent model full size truck with 5 lugs.
     
  13. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:43 AM
    #13
    NAAC3TACO

    NAAC3TACO Middle aged member

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    Yea, I don't really think much about my Tacoma brakes until I drive my wife's 2007 Civic. Honda greatly improved their brakes over the last few years and I nearly throw myself through the windshield when I first drive it after driving the Tacoma.

    I hear steel braided brake lines increase the brake feel quite a bit in the Tacoma. You might try that.
     
  14. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:50 AM
    #14
    achirdo

    achirdo I Weld!

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    OP- what was your total cost for the set up if you don't mind me asking? And also how much are stainless steel lines?
     
  15. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:52 AM
    #15
    Sideways

    Sideways Well-Known Member

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    WV, where did you get the slotted rotors and ceramic pads?
    How much, if you don't mind my asking.
     
  16. Jun 29, 2010 at 5:03 PM
    #16
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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  17. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:01 PM
    #17
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    Because you haven't had your truck long enough to have deteriorating brakes like myself and many others. It's sad I actually had to explain that.
     
  18. Jun 29, 2010 at 9:25 PM
    #18
    vermintrex

    vermintrex Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I'm all broke up about it. :D
     
  19. Jul 17, 2010 at 10:14 AM
    #19
    rockiemtnlvr

    rockiemtnlvr New Member

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    Im new to this forum and i have a 2010 DC LB, i noticed my brakes were soft and mushy right off the bat, finally had them bled and the dealership helped for about a month. the brakes are not consistent sometimes they grab other times not so well. im considering changing out to stainless brake lines.
     
  20. Jul 17, 2010 at 10:23 AM
    #20
    Thucker

    Thucker Well-Known Member

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    I just got my 2010 DC LB about a month ago. I noticed my brakes are on the softer side too, and not as responsive compared to other trucks and cars that I've driven.

    I'm going to wait until I go through the first set of brake pads, them I'm going to slotted rotors, ceramic pads, and SS braided lines.
     

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