Brake pedal creep

Regards, y'all.

Took my 2018 Sport to dealer for 10k service. Started truck, foot on the brake pedal while waiting for garage door to roll up. Noticed brake pedal settling towards the floorboard while under modest pressure. Brought it up with the service adviser. Techs checked it out & they stated they compared it with a new Tacoma on the lot, also had a spongy pedal, pedal creep, "verified the brakes performed the same way, no corrections needed at this time". That was yesterday, Friday 10/05/2018.

Started truck today(Sat.), checked pedal & within two minutes the pedal was on the floor.

Really like the truck but somehow just don't feel safe on the road.

Suggestions as to cause (suspect seal in M. Cylinder). Where do I go from here?

 

Does this occur if the pedal is pumped to build pressure. Maybe the brakes need to be bled?

 

Thanks, JaCado: Pedal comes up when pumped, then it's same cycle repeated. E-brake lever is firm.

 

Once the pedal is fully compressed does the truck creep forward or hold steady?

 

Thanks again, Jay. It'll eventually roll. Haven't tried it on a grade yet (recent development) but can anticipate loss of brakes would be more immediately evident.

Some perspective, driver's license since year 19something, been around a lot of blocks. First time ever to have it suggested the brake pedal sinking into the carpet is normal.

 

Apparently a lot of things are normal with these new trucks.

 

Shouldn't your TSS engage and prevent you from hitting the object in front of you

 

Well yes, Jay. But think about it--- wouldn't it be better to have brakes, that if caught at a long light or backed up traffic on a hill, wouldn't be needed to be pumped to hold? Is that how your truck operates?

Pretty sure it's the MC (reservoir is full, fluid is clear), hoping someone with insight can steer me towards the likely suspect being ABS, booster or MC so when I limp the Taco back to the dealer on Monday I'm better prepared to stand my ground.

 

I understand brakes are good to have and no, my 17 doesn't act like that. It has it's own set of issues.

 

Take it to your dealer and have them bleed the brake lines.....pedal should NEVER slowly go to the floor...super dangerous!

 

1911tex (1911's are boss): Agree with your concern, thanks.

Parked the truck Friday, mulled over the situation. Out Saturday evening to confirm my impressions. Pedal sank to the floor in 2, not 3, minutes. Tried it again Sunday, center info panel lit up with "Check the brake system".

Emailed Customer Care with the same info from first post, got a call Monday stating a case manager would be assigned. Dude (Jeff) I spoke with understood the circumstances, knew the difference between a Master Cylinder and brake booster. Jeff emailed back with the following:

"We apologize for your concern regarding the brake pedal and master cylinder of your 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Double Cab and your service experience at (XXX XXXXX) Toyota.
Toyota wishes to ensure that your case is thoroughly evaluated and we have subsequently forwarded your email to a case manager. The case manager assigned to your case will be your point of contact during the review of your specific situation."

"Case Manager", a young woman, called Tues. A.M., had no idea why I thought this might be a problem. When asked if she would think it typical of a new vehicle if the brake pedal sank to the floor(?) her response was "I have a brand new car". Really?

Back to the Dealer this morning, service manager tried the pedal. "That doesn't feel right, we'll look into it".

If anyone reading this would, while sitting at an idle, press firmly against the brake pedal and post your outcome to this thread it would be informative and perhaps make one aware of a problem with the brake system.

A report to the NTSB may be in the future.

TLDR: Problem with brakes, 2018 Sport. Techs shrugged it off at 10k service. Case manager assigned, she has no idea why this might be a problem. Service manager at dealer took 10 seconds to say 'Doesn't feel right'.

Hope no one else experiences the same potentially dangerous condition, check your pedal for creep.

 

Do you know how to bleed your brakes? Done it before? It is very easy, one wrench needed, a can of brake fluid and an empty water bottle. About 30 min job. I changed all my brake lines, flushed the fluid and bled the lines. My pedal would go down only about 50% and stop.

 

Bleeding will not help a sinking pedal, there is either an external leak, or an internal seal is leaking in the master cylinder

 

Pushing now and my pedal is staying put after sinking a little bit. It doesn't sink to the floorboard.

 

Thanks, Dacon.

Except for Classio seat covers and a bed shell, truck is unmodified and under extended warranty. Not to cut your sensible suggestion short but if the system needs to be bled it's at the dealership and under their tender ministrations at this time. Were it a 1980 F-150 it would have already been done.

I'm under the impression that under current circumstances, should I attempt any correction it would give the dealer a reason to deny responsibility.

 

Thanks JaCado. Anyone else?

 

I have a 2 month old Sport. I will try it on mine this evening and report back.

 

Classic symptoms of a master cylinder failure.

 

Mine seems to working fine. Stops about 50% down and unless I mash it hard it doesn’t go down any further.

 

nope. Tried mine. Pedal doesn’t sink . That’s a safety issue definitely . All Toyota corporate or report to NHTSA maybe then they will take you seriously