Bad Parts...is this the new normal?

So I have now had two issues with rear brake drums on two Tacomas.

First one was my TRD OR MT that needed drums replaced at 13,000 miles and now my 2020 TRD OR AT has had them replaced at the same mileage.

Fast forward 1 week after replacement and they are pulsating again (confirmed via light e-brake testing at speed).

Is this the new normal to expect crap parts? Has COVID really messed up production across the world or are we getting parts from the lowest bidder?

I was suspect when drums were on backorder for a long time which may have led to crappy manufacturing, but c'mon man.

Rant over...

 

I've heard some of this can be caused by buildup on the inside of the drums and a few hard stops can help remedy this. I have no first hand experience with this issue however.

 

How are the fronts?

 

In great shape and no warping from them. I can isolate this to the drums as did the tech.

 

These were brand new OEM replacements that just went bad 1 week in.

 

I have a 2020 TRD OR AT with a bit over 13K mi. No issues. Daily driver, no off-roading though. Very weird for 2 to have the same issue at low miles.

 

Think it’s toyo crap brake parts. Mine have been adjusted a few times and still perma lock the rear when used until 4lo to break free. I also have to replace the front pads and rotors at less than 30k.

 

Leads me even more to believe it's related to improper build up on the inside of the drums. Especially considering those are responsible for the minority of your braking.

 

If you think getting good brake drums/rotors is bad, try getting a decent set of points these days.

 

I work in a Toyota parts department and we've never heard about any issue with Tacoma drums. We almost never sell them. We have tons of parts that are on BO now but it has mostly to do with shipping issues. Ports are backed up all over the world with container ships waiting for weeks to get in to docks.

 

Left old brake shoes in?

 

I believe they did as the WO just said replaced drums.

 

It's likely the rear axles are not true and it has nothing to do with the drums. When they install new drums it might feel good for awhile until the uneven contact warps the drums.

Toyota should have shit canned this rear end design after the 2nd gen. I suspect, tinfoil hat theory that the fixtures, machining and molds are just wore the fuck out after being used since 2005 and Toyota just doesn't give a fuck. If it fits it ships

 

That could be your issue. And no, I don't think this is a "new normal". I work at a pretty high volume dealer, and I genuinely can't remember a time I've seen anything like this happen. We generally see upwards of 1000 tacomas in 6 months

 

Fwiw I had the same issue. Order drums from Napa,and it was worse. Just lived with the stockers. This was before covid.

 

Good to know...thanks

 

Yay...this whole situation kinda sucks.

 

I’m kind of curious. If folks believe Toyota ships substandard vehicles and replacement parts intentionally, why do they own a Toyota? I’ve had two Tundras and now the Tacoma. I haven’t noticed any significant issues. Stuff wears out or breaks. That’s just part of life.

 

Slightly off topic but really wish toyota would have had discs in the rear. Even my 2nd gen 05 frontier had discs in the rear.

 

I don't disagree, 13,000 miles and drums warping could be just plain breaking. However, a replacement set that does the same within 250 miles is pretty suspect. Makes me wonder if it is even the rotors? I don't have options as this is the only dealer within 300 miles...