brakes…

so recently my front brakes have been sounding like they grind only when they get hot or I have a heavier load. I replaced the pads almost a year ago and the rotors don’t appear or feel to be warped.. I’m not expert so I need anyone help is appreciated. Oh and I only have 78k miles 2017 trd off road

 

Sounds like pad material transferring to the rotor.
I'm going with a pad issue here.

What type and brand pads are they?
Semi-Metallic or Ceramic?

 

I would check the rotor for rust or debris, check the pads for cracking or chips and re-apply brake grease to the backing plates.

 

Brake pads, get good quality. Never skimp on brakes. Check the rotors for "hot spots" & rust.

Rust never sleeps

 

If you replaced the pads without conditioning and cleaning the old rotor, they may not have worn in correctly which can cause noise. If I am reusing rotors, I will hit them with an orbital sander to create a surface for the new pads to seat.

 

I think ceramic

 

Which ones do you guys get?!

 

OEM or TRD Performance pads.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-upgrade-stoptech-rotors-trd-performance-pads.523829/

Apparently the Stoptech rotors aren't what they used to be. Some others sold here (link at bottom of post)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...performance-pads.523829/page-65#post-29227606

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinf...xGuhh5niwEaIsHlQJ1FOGoxOZeZR/ZALwLc1Xh5206Pvn

 

I had a braking vibration on my OEM factory front brakes. Put PowerStop on 15K miles ago and very happy with them.

$213 Power Stop Brake Kit For 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug, 2003-2009 4Runner 12.56" Rotors - Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads & Drilled Slotted Rotors Replacement, K137

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FKS28C?ie=UTF8

 

Ive done quite a number of brake jobs and i also use power stop a lot and recommend them, however i recommend the geomet coated rotors. The cross drilled and slotted aren't coated and are generally unnecessary for tacomas. If you are racing your truck or do a lot of towing in mountains, then you could benefit from slotted rotors.
As for your situation, if you pad slapped them, you probably just need to go ahead and replace the pads and the rotors.

 

Replaced front brakes after realizing that the pads were gone completely. Overloaded with utility trailer on the mountain pass - do not recommend such experience.

 

was that long caliper slide pin missing?
or one of them at least
Definitely would explain any vibes in the steering wheel

 

With that mileage, they're probably ready to be replaced. Brakes are super user-preference oriented. I didn't think stock had enough bite once I upgraded to 33's, nor did the Powerstop Z23's, but I found my home with the Powerstop Z36 Extreme's. That said, if you like the stock stuff shoot me a PM, I have my OE take-offs (pads and rotors) available with only 800 miles on em (along with Z23 pads with about 500 miles on em) if interested.

Pics here: drizzoh's 3g parts for sale thread | Tacoma World

 

No pins missing on my OEM brakes. I am thinking I had pad material transferring to the rotor causing my vibration.

 

Hey everyone, not sure if my 6cyl. 6 lug 2018 TRD Off-Road 4WD is having the same issue as the OP or not, but I've had it for over 5 years now. Last year, I thought I had warped rotors (vibration in the steering wheel when braking), so I put on new rotors and pads. Anyway, the vibrations in the steering wheel are still there, but only when braking. At high speeds (60-70 mph) it is a high frequency vibration, as I come to a stop it acts like the brakes are biting hard during part of the wheels' revolution. Again, this ONLY happens while braking and started happening with the old pads/rotors and is still doing it with the new rotor/pads. It feels exactly like it did with the old rotors and pads.

I considered looking at the wheel bearings, calipers, steering linkage, driveshaft, etc., but the puzzling part is that it only happens after the brakes are warmed up (i.e. after 10 or so minutes of drives, after a few stop signs/lights). During the first few stops, there are no vibrations at all. I initially thought it was just the breaks wearing in, as I changed them last fall, had the vibrations with braking for a few weeks, then it stopped throughout the winter. I live in Alaska so it was cold all winter, but as soon as it started to warm up this spring/summer, the brake vibrations started again.

The alignment seems fine, tracks straight and true on a straight road, the new rotors and pads seem normal, normal wear, no grooves. My commute is about 45 minutes each way, so I put a lot of miles on the truck, but they are mostly highway miles, apart from some camping, fishing, and hunting during the summer months.

I appreciate any advice or suggestions from the group, also if there is a better thread I should look, please drop me a link. Thank s in advance.