Brake behavior

I've put about 500 miles on the 2021 and have noticed that the braking behavior is very inconsistent.

Sometimes the brakes are very grabby on first touch, other times they need significant pressure to stop the truck. They are rarely very linear in application.

Is this normal and I just need to get used to it or is there some problem.

Any known issue this might be?

 

Not normal in my opinion, no. As long as you're not concerned with safety or stopping ability, I'd drive it for a little while more and see how they respond. A trip to the dealer for a brake fluid bleed or inspection might be necessary, but at only 500 miles it is a bit early to call "problem" versus "break in"

 

And welcome aboard!

Congrats on the '21!!

 

Yeah, doesn't seem normal to me either. I've got a bit over 4,500 miles on my 2020 taco....brakes are very consistent feeling the same every time used except for emergency stops when they go into the abs mode.

 

I think that's normal in my opinion. Especially if u have an offroad or pro. It took me forever to get used to their brakes.

 

Do you have the safety braking turned on. It’s slaved to the radar and will adjust the braking. You can turn it off or adjust the sensitivity.

 

I'm pretty sure it's off, but I will double check.

 

It's just different than your common and classical vacuum boost mechanical braking systems. There's a lot going on with the hydroboost system from how it assists your effort and distributes braking. Also, all normal rear braking at the drums comes strictly from the electro-mechanical system and not the master cylinder so your foot is basically only linked through mechanical action to the front calipers.

It shouldn't have odd or wildly inconsistent behavior or not be able to stop the truck, that would indicate a problem. But otherwise, it's just a different system that feels different and takes some time to get used to. Typically if it malfunctions it'll throw a code and let you know.

Also, at 500 miles you may still be getting bedding in the braking system so some level of inconsistency in friction and grab isn't uncommon.

 

Normal. You probably won’t get used to them. I’ve had my truck 2 years (assuming 2021 uses same parts) and braking is basically a two stage procedure...

 

Yap. Emergency braking is still hit or miss for me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

Crazy to hear that the brakes are like that in the trucks with CRAWL, especially from you heavy hitters

Glad I got a sport (sometimes )

But I suspect it's like the position of the steering wheel - you get used to it.

 

Combination of drum brakes and disk .. it’s like braking two different vehicles at the same time . It’s very awkward braking in these trucks . I wouldn’t say mine feel inconsistent but I definitely start braking way earlier .

 

I have a new 2021 and mine behaves that exact way. My Wife is always yelling at me on how I brake. I keep telling her its the truck. I am a retired Auto tech and it feels like the brake proportioning is calibrated differently than most cars I have driven. I am still getting used to it with only 300 miles on my truck.

 

I think everyones wife thinks their husband brakes badly

 

Ive got a '20 and my brakes seem to grab harder towards the end of the stop. I find myself lifting pressure off the brake pedal as I approach a stop sign or they will grab harder and stop me short as I slow down.

 

I think it has to do with the type Brake Booster the OR’s use. Because of A-Trac and Crawl Control the OR’s use a different booster then the other Tacoma trims.

 

I will say these brakes are the most sensitive, and quickest to firm up, of any brakes I've ever used. But the only time mine feel super grabby is after a rain or when there's dew on the rotors. Once that wears off, I'm good to go. I'm still getting used to them after 6 months though. Especially since my work vehicle and the 4Runner have normal feeling brakes.

 

Not sure I would agree. I have been driving disk/drum cars since the 70's and none have behaved like this.

 

My 2019 OR was very "grabby". I have changed the tires to E-rated 265/75's and the suspension to Dobinson's. The brakes seem to behave better now. No idea if any of the changes are related or I just got used to the truck.

 

I have a 2017 and mine does the same thing, I believe this is normal.