2001 Front Brake Issue

2001 Tacoma
2.4L - RWD - 2-Door

Last year I replaced the front brake pads and rotors (Power Stop CRK1232 Coated Brake Rotors and Pads) and they seem to have performed normally. They have more than 5000 miles without issues. Recently, there has developed two symptoms of something not right.

First: When the brake is lightly applied at low speed (less than 5 MPH) it is easy to hear a vwsht, vwsht, vwsht sound, the rate of which corresponds with the rate of spin of the wheel.

Second: When the brake is applied at a higher speed (in the range around 50 MPH) there is shimmy (or "chatter") strongly felt through the steering wheel.

Before I change the pads and rotors again, I would like to hear from anyone having suggestions for what may be the cause of the symptoms and from anyone having suggestions for something I can do to solve the issue before replacing the parts. I have considered the slide pins may not be working properly or the calipers may have something needing attention, but have not yet disassembled to have a look. The only thing I have done at this point is confirm there is the appropriate amount of brake fluid (it is clean) and confirm that all the caliper and bracket bolts are tight.

I am including five photos, several of which may seem redundant, but perhaps each may show something different to one with a critical eye. Note the blemish lines across the face of the rotor between one and three o'clock. These pictures are all from the right front, but the left front rotor has similar "blemishes".

My experience level is beginner, as this is the first brake work I have ever done.

Thank you,
Richard - - -

 

Can't really tell but it looks like the metal in the rotor is damaged or just poorly manufactured. Best bet would to get the turned.

 

Maybe pull the pads off one side and snap a picture so we can see the wear? If it wasn't for the fact that you've ran these for 5k I'd almost think the pads were installed backwards (if that's even possible). Either way it looks like material much harder than the pads has been forced against the rotor.

 

It has taken me a couple of days to get back to work on the brakes and to get the pads out of the left front. Pictures of each are included here - one was removed from the bracket and the other I photographed while still in position. You raised the issue of may be "installed backwards (if that's even possible)", which has now raised that question to me. Is it possible to install brake pads backwards. Are pads matched to the inside of the rotor and the outside of the rotor? I did not pay attention to this when I installed them, because I thought they appeared to be identical.

 

An idiots guess.....is that coating is failing...
and the differences you feel is when pad skips from coated to non coated area...
I would contact their warrently people and see what they say....
maybe just an issue with a certain batch.....

And your not supposed to turn import rotors anymore....too thin....
those days are over.....

 

I have had conversation with Power Stop. The technician determined the rotors must be warped but would not discuss the possible reasons why warping could occur. She said they were under warranty, so I have contacted the supplier and requested the replacement rotors and pads, which are now enroute. These rotors are supposed to be coated and I do not know what that means so am interested to follow-up with the guess suggestion of that coating is failing . . . Since the replacement rotors are the same part number, they also will be coated and my concern is about having the same problem 5000 miles from now. The rotor description is Power Stop JBR790EVC (Fully Coated (Maximum Protection For Rust Prone Areas)) Evolution Geomet Coated).

I am most grateful to anyone who has a suggestion. This forum (in the past and presently) has been very helpful to me.

 

Waste of time and money...better off replacing pads and rotors

 

Akebono pads are the ones for ceramic......they are made by Japanese for Japanese cars....
Many endorsements for these....

IF you get the ceramic / disk combination wrong.....
.....they warp in record time....they build up more heat.....
this was actually fairly common few years ago....cant believe its still an issure...


Would not touch ceramic for the shoes......stick with the 'highway-robbery' of the oems......that is if you want those drums to last long time.....and not have rear seal and bearing problems from over heating.....

 

"Backwards" means installing the pad with the metal backing plate in contact with the rotor. Do your caliper pistons move freely? Also do the slide pins move freely?

 

After years of dicking around with aftermarket parts (calipers, rotors, pads), I went back to OEM last Spring. I will never stray again.

I found aftermarket quality and longevity sorely lacking and I used quality, well known parts. YMMV