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brake master cylinder failure

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Louise, Oct 28, 2010.

  1. Oct 28, 2010 at 10:11 AM
    #1
    Louise

    Louise [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2005 Taco 4x4.
    when I have my truck serviced by the dealership they never mention my brake pedal function. But....... when I take it to a mechanic I know,... he continually insists that my master cylinder needs replacing because the brake pedal sinks too low when depressed. It doesn't feel different to me but he keeps mentioning it and I am confused as to what to do. anyone have suggestions??
     
  2. Oct 28, 2010 at 10:17 AM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Try bleeding them first. A master cylinder replacement based on pedal placement seems like an expensive fix to a problem you may not have (unless there's more that he's seeing and not telling you about). How are the brakes, do they work well, does the pedal keep sinking and never firm up, what are you experiencing when you drive?
     
  3. Oct 28, 2010 at 11:55 AM
    #3
    Louise

    Louise [OP] New Member

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    Hi Mike,
    The brakes feel fine to me. Yeah, he is kind of right in that they aren't light touch brakes. I have to depress the pedal in but it stops immediately.
     
  4. Oct 28, 2010 at 12:08 PM
    #4
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Like I said, I'd start with the small (inexpensive) things first. Maybe a simple brake bleed to start and see if it firms up the pedal at all. This is a pretty simple task, you'll need a friend to help you but only takes about an hour tops. I'd also ask your mechanic what he's seeing to indicate you needing a new master cylinder. That's a fairly serious problem, not to scare you but if your master goes, you lose your brakes and you have to resort to the e-brake. If the brakes were off, I would think the Toyota mechanics would have mentioned something when they drove your truck into their shop. Not saying they missed it or ignored it, but usually they look for reasons to charge you more.

    EDIT: Something to keep in the back of your head also, a lot of unsavory mechanics will claim a brake problem knowing they won't get questioned. A lot of people aren't familiar with how their brakes work and, since they're a very important safety feature, don't question a mechanic telling them when they're broken. I'm not saying your mechanic is wrong, but just make sure you trust him and his judgement.
     
  5. Oct 28, 2010 at 2:38 PM
    #5
    Louise

    Louise [OP] New Member

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    Thanks, Mike. I will get the brake lines bled first.
     
  6. Dec 22, 2010 at 5:14 PM
    #6
    threexcharm

    threexcharm New Member

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    Had my master cylinder replaced today. My pedal was "spongy" and would begin to creep forward at a stop, despite having my foot on the brake all the time. Something about a bypass????? Oh well, 375 bucks later and it is no longer an issue. I have 108,000 on my truck and I think the failure was a little premature. Blower motor is going out also. I have never had things like this fail. I guess there is a first time for everything.

    Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

    Joe
     
  7. Dec 23, 2010 at 1:15 AM
    #7
    2TRunner

    2TRunner Snoop Dad

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    Tell your mechanic to line lock the brake hose at each wheel so that all 4 are locked.

    Press/lightly pump the brake pedal and hold it.

    It should get hard almost immediately and not drop.

    If you do the above and the pedal drops when being pressed/held, replace the MC.
     
  8. Dec 23, 2010 at 10:13 AM
    #8
    Louise

    Louise [OP] New Member

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    Just had my 2005 Taco serviced at Toyota. They checked the brakes and didn't find anything wrong with them. My next service check they will tighten up the drums on the rears. I am pretty sure this mechanic was trying to pull something on me because he figures I don't know anything about trucks. Hah!....... I have driven a toy truck since 1991 and I know my truck. ( always learning something new, mind you)
    Merry Christmas one and all. You guys have really helped me out.
     
  9. Dec 23, 2010 at 11:23 AM
    #9
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    BINGO!! Happens all the time to a lot of people. Atleast you had the initiative to search & post to ask. Most people get suckered into buying the repairs.
     
  10. Dec 25, 2010 at 4:42 AM
    #10
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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    Toyota found nothing = find a honest private mechanic, IMHO.
     
  11. Jan 5, 2011 at 2:49 PM
    #11
    lugnut

    lugnut Member

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    I think I need a master cylinder on my 2006 Tacoma. Will install myself but see there are 2 parts at NAPA and at OReilly - one master cylinder with stability control and one without stability control. How do I know which I have?
     
  12. Jan 5, 2011 at 4:29 PM
    #12
    lugnut

    lugnut Member

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    I figured it out with the able help of other posts. Thanks.
     
  13. Mar 9, 2015 at 5:47 PM
    #13
    g34rh34d

    g34rh34d Well-Known Member

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    I realize this is an old thread (I was searching since my master cyl. is doing the slow fade to the floor when pumping and holding the brake.) But in my searches I found this - (Related - I wonder if this occurs in later models as I have a 2008?):

    [FONT=&quot]Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]October 20, 2010[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]Click for Customer FAQs for Brake Master Cylinder Recall[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]TORRANCE, Calif., October 20, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 740,000 – 2005 through 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to address the possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on October 21, 2010 (Japan).[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.[/FONT]


    [FONT=&quot]MEDIA CONTACT:[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]Vehicle Safety and Quality Communications*[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]Brian R. Lyons (310) 468-2552[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Media Line (310) 468-5297[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot] © Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]Reference:[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot](“Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal | Lexus,” n.d.)[/FONT]
     
  14. Mar 9, 2015 at 9:23 PM
    #14
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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    Is a Tacoma and [FONT=&quot]Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles [FONT=&quot]the same [FONT=&quot]? Should we no[FONT=&quot]t be chang[FONT=&quot]i[FONT=&quot]ng brake fluid ? Curious George. :confused:[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
     
  15. Mar 10, 2015 at 3:52 AM
    #15
    g34rh34d

    g34rh34d Well-Known Member

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    I believe that the article suggests that the master cylinders are the same, or similar in design for these vehicles. If you *don't periodically change* the fluid with new fluid, that the seals can dry out, as some of seal lubricating properties may break down over time, resulting in the seals twisting or failing all together.

    At least that is how I interpret it.

    FWIW.
     
  16. Nov 6, 2016 at 12:18 PM
    #16
    xguntherc

    xguntherc Taco Time

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    2002 with 130k.. changed brakes a month ago at Tire Works with new KO2. Brakes seem funny.

    Today they say I need a new master cylinder..

    Thoughts. It's old, yeah. Seemed ok until the new brakes though.
     

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