First Stage Braking Ineffective

Have a 16 TRD Sport with 65K on it, just recently the brakes seem to require more pedal effort to stop the truck, pedal travel seemed to increase a bit too, but truck stops. Thought its been a while since I replaced front pads, so got a new set, went to install and those pads are still new (which leads me to think the rears are doing more of the work).
Removed a rear drum and those look new too. I replaced the fluid with new stuff and pressure bled front and rears, and no improvement.
I read somewhere recently theres a recall on the master cylinder seal internally leaking and Toyota is replacing them. From what I read it doesnt mention 2016's, but I have classic symptoms of first stage braking not working, which is pretty much confirmed in my mind because the front pads are still new. Anyone have any info on a Toyota recall involving master cylinders?

 

You should be able to plug your VIN # in to see if any open recalls.

 

Only thing that came up was the air bag and 3rd brake light, based on my license number, Ill try the VIN

 

If you're hoping for a replacement, you will likely have to take it to a dealer to have them diagnose it ,but since it isn't in the active recall and it looks like you are out of warranty, you'll probably have to pay out of pocket.

There are a lot of wrecked 3rd gens, maybe find a replacement off a low mileage one from https://www.car-part.com/ and replace it yourself.

 

I can't imagine wanting a used Master Cylinder on a Sport, shouldn't be a very pricey part anyway.

 

What do you mean by “classic symptoms of first stage brakingnot working”? I’ve never heard of anything like that.

Maybe you have some lubricant on the rotors that is causing a lack of friction? Maybe something is better binding in the mechanical parts of the brakes? Just shooting from the hip.

I’ve never noticed brake pads losing friction as they wear out. I suppose it’s possible they could be damaged and thus losing friction.

 

Maybe check your rear shoes adjustment? If you can easily pull the ebrake handle all the way up without any effort it needs tightening.

I keep my rears to where it’s only 1 to 2 clicks on ebrake handle before you have muscle it to pull further. Really makes a difference in how well truck stops.

Raise both rear wheels off ground, put in neutral and spin one tire like “Price is Right wheel”. If it free spins multiple turns adjust till it’s about one rotation free spin. Repeat on both sides.

Learned this method from Toyota tech friend and have used it on all 7 Toyotas I’ve owned with drums. Their drums never really self adjust

 

You must adjust the drums, they are not self adjusting.

If they are clean, and not dusty, it means they are doing piss all.

They are critical to pedal feel.