The Toyota Tundra is a dependable workhorse. In fact, for several years it was the only full-size pickup on Consumer Reports’ list of most reliable new or used cars. If you rely heavily on your Toyota Tundra to get around and do stuff, you need to keep it well-maintained to avoid unexpected and costly breakdowns. It is important to know if any part of your pickup needs immediate mechanical care, especially the ones that can jeopardize the safety of both yourself and those driving around you if left unchecked.
The Toyota Tundra brakes fall under this category. Overlooking the warning signs of faulty brakes often leads to serious mechanical problems that can risk your safety while on the road. A brake maintenance job can be as simple as putting in new brake pads or topping up brake fluids or as complicated as replacing a master cylinder.
Here are some warning signs of faulty brakes that you shouldn’t ignore In your Toyota Tundra:
If your Tundra vibrates when the brakes are applied, it can mean several things. Brake shudder is often caused by worn brake shoes or warped brake rotors. It can also indicate poor brake pad condition or worse, a failing master cylinder or defective brake calipers.
An unusual brake pedal feel or noise can also mean failing brake drums and shoes. A professional mechanic should inspect your Tundra and recommend repairs and replacement of brake hardware to eliminate vibrations.
Another warning sign that can indicate a potentially dangerous malfunction in your Tundra’s braking system is when your brake pedal feels soft or fails to grab when applied. When you step on the brake pedal all the way to the floor and your vehicle fails to stop normally, this can indicate the presence of air in your brake line. This usually happens if the master cylinder is not properly drained and refilled with brake fluid without bleeding the brakes.
Your mechanic will correct this by draining the brake fluid properly and bleeding the brakes before refilling. A brake pedal failing to grab should be addressed immediately to avoid a potentially dangerous air bubble preventing you from using your brakes when you most need it.
If you spot a clear oily substance pooling near your tires, you most probably have a leaking brake fluid. This is another warning sign that must be addressed immediately by a mechanic. Without brake fluid, your master cylinder will malfunction and so will your Tundra’s stopping power.
If you feel a pulling sensation to one side when braking, it can mean a faulty brake caliper or brake hose causing uneven pressure to one side.
The high-pitched squeal when braking is the most obvious sign of trouble. Brake squeal is caused by a number of conditions. Most commonly, it occurs when the friction material in your brake pads is worn down below the ¾ mark causing too much friction between the brake pads and the brake rotors.
Over time, the brake rotors can also lose their smoothness due to rusting and buildup of debris, causing the squeaking noise when braking.
If your Toyota Tundra is showing any of these warning signs or other unusual symptoms when braking, have your mechanic check it immediately. And if you need new parts, check out BuyBrakes.com’s selection of brake parts from the biggest brake companies. We have a wide range of brake repair parts including brake calipers and brake rotors from Raybestos, Centric, and Dynamic Friction Company, brake pads from Hawk Performance, Akebono, or Stoptech, brake kits from EBC Brakes, master cylinders from Raybestos, suspension from Eibach, brake fluid from Stoptech, and shock absorbers and struts from Bilstein.
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