Hard Front Brake Chatter Just Before Coming to a Complete Stop

Yes I did do a search for "Brake Chatter". I have an 02 Double Cab 4x4 with 139K miles. The ABS light is on. I have unplugged the wiring harness from the ABS block under the hood. This did not stop the occasional hard chatter I get just before coming to a complete stop. I had the what I thought was a brake caliper that was sticking. Once or twice after the chatter and stopping, and then starting again, I would have to ease on the gas to break free the front brakes. Just today after returning the caliper cores, the chatter actually locked down the tire and caused a brief chirp. The chatter cant be felt in the steering wheel, and I have felt warped rotors in the brake pedals of many cars, however this is not the case with my Tacoma. The chatter is violent, shaking the whole truck. Has only done it when easing on the brakes to come to a complete stop. Jam on the brakes and it doesn't do it, don't come to a complete stop, and it doesn't do it. Best I can tell it is coming from the passenger side front brake. I have replaced both calipers, however I have not replaced the rotors or the pads. The rotors look a little thin and rusted and could stand to be replaced. The pads are far from new, but still have some life left. I am thinking about replacing the rotors and pads with the best I can get from O'rilleys auto parts. I have always loved these first gens, and this is my first double cab. Ready to throw on some coil overs and 33s but I have to get this brake issue figured out. I just signed up with TW tonight, hoping to get some confirmation from fellow Taco owners. Thanks in advanced.

 

I wouldn't buy shit from O'Reilly s or autozone etc....unless you get brembos or something that they have to order.

 

audio/video sample plz?

 

Tried taking a video today on the way to church.The audio was not clear, and would not have helped. Only did it twice, happened on the second stop after truck had not been driven or running for at least an hour. The second time after chattering to a stop, then giving gas to start again, it was like the transmission was in neutral for like a second, then a violent bang and jerk like dropping in drive from the neutral position. Of course it was in drive the whole time. I now wondering if the problem might be the torque converter for the transmission.

 

the transmission issue your describing involves the shift solenoids and general fluid cleanliness, not the torque converter. take it in for a tranny service and flush.

 

I had a similar problem, and replaced the calipers. Didn't fix it.
It turned out to be the rear shoes grabbing.

Test this by coming to a stop by using the e-brake rather than the regular brakes. That should narrow it down.

 

My E brake cable must be very lose, or the shoe must need adjusting. I could not stop the truck using only the E brake. That being said no issues driving this morning. I am going to have the transmission serviced and report back. Thanks for the reply suggestions.

 

So ... you have 2 problems. They may, or may not, be related.

- E-brakes may need to be adjusted (near the DS of the frame),
- shoes might need to be adjusted
- shoes might need to be replaced
- rear brake cylinders might be leaking onto the shoes

All are cheap and easy to do (I recommend OEM shoes if you replace them)

I've done all of the above, and my e-brake is awesome.

 

Update, shop was pulling truck in to service trans when they noticed rear brakes are locking up. Removing drivers side drum revealed a leaking axle seal that has coated the shoes and drum with axle grease. Cleaned the shoes and drums with brake cleaner to see if it will make any difference. I will have seal replaced ASAP.

 

oh man. get ready for a 200-300 dollar axle job not including mechanics labor. i do toyota axles every once in a while at my machine shop. tundras are an easy 300 in parts and labor alone for us per axle.

 

Why so much if it's just the seal being replaced???

 

If its just the seal, then it shouldn't be too much (they need to remove the axle on that side to get to the old seal). $20 part and maybe an hours labor.

However, if the shoes got soaked with gear oil, they should be replaced, regardless of how much lining is left. Shoes on both sides should always be done at the same time, so basically you'll should get new rear brakes.

 

the gear oil could have seeped into the bearing and washed away or broke down the existing bearing grease. gear oil is only useful if the parts are always bathed in it.

 

I had that same problem. The bearing should be replaced and no matter how much you clean the shoes the lock up symptoms will eventually reoccur! The oil totally soaks into those shoes, theres no way to fully rid them of oil.

 

Has anyone ever come up with a solution to the brake chatter problem on the first generation Tacoma? I also have the 2002 4dr model and have done the following, turned, replaced the rotors, new pads, new calipers and adjusted the rear brakes. No chatter for a day or two. Then here it is again. Just had it in the shop and they can't find anything wrong. Have not pulled the rear drums to check if there is a problem there. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

From my earlier post:
"I had a similar problem, and replaced the calipers. Didn't fix it.
It turned out to be the rear shoes grabbing.
Test this by coming to a stop by using the e-brake rather than the regular brakes. That should narrow it down."

I fixed my chatter by replacing the rear shoes with new OEM shoes.