Brake problems

[oneidadan]

Hello (again). This week I've had a couple of issues with the brakes, firstly the brake light was flicking on and off whilst driving and I understand this may mean the brake fluid is getting low so the pads may need changing. I was going to order new pads, disks and rear shoes.
However this week I had to do an emergency stop which locked the rear wheels. Afterwards the brake pedal seemed very firm, the car would stop but with very little brake pedal travel. When pressing the pedal hard though, it would sort of give way and go back to it's normal position.
I've tried to replicate it again, and managed it once before going back to normal.
I've had a quick look at the calipers at the front but can find no leaks, but I haven't checked the rears.
Does anyone have any ideas please?
Thanks.
Dan.

[TonyN]

The brake light is also vacuum pressure (and hand brake on switch) YOu could have siezed somethin g in the rear drums, if they are arn't releasing properly then the are closer to the dum so need less pedal travel next time you press the brakes.

It could also be something the servo/master cylinder sticking after pressing the brakes hard.

I'd start at the back, clean and reset the rear drums, they arn't used to doing much, and check the bias valve is still free and moving.

[oneidadan]

Thankyou for the reply, when I get some time I'll take the rear drums off and have a look, but it sounds like it could be outside the scope of my ability, could be a job for the garage.
Thanks very much
Dan

[oneidadan]

Hello, I'm going to attempt to give this a go myself

I've done a little research and tried the test for vacuum pressure (pumped the brake pedal until hard then switched engine on. The brake pedal dropped slightly).
Adding a little brake fluid switched the light off.
So I've ordered; front disks and pads, rear shoes and fitting kits for both.
I'll start at the rear as suggested, replacing brake shoes. I'll clean and lube as needed and I'll also bleed the brakes in the correct order.
Am I right in assunming the brake bias valve is the same thing as the rear load sensing valve on the rear axle. This thingie: http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/?doc=16&cid=156&vid=512

If it is how can I check it's free and moving?

Or....is it this thing in this thread (6th post down): http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/v...highlight=lspv

Fanks again

[oneidadan]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahh aha!!
Just looked at what has to be done to replace the front disks!
What. The. F*ck.

[NiftyNev]

RoughTrax part is the valve. Other bit is the arm which connects to axle housing.

Nev

[NiftyNev]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahh aha!!
Just looked at what has to be done to replace the front disks!
What. The. F*ck.

Takes a bt of time but is not that complicated. Have fun.

Nev

[NiftyNev]

If you really want to make the brakes work better put a new seal kit in the calipers. That's real fun.
lol

Nev

[oneidadan]

lol, cheers

I'm sure this won't go wrong at all

[oneidadan]

Woo! Replaced the rear shoes (first time for everything) and it only took me 7 hours
At that rate it'll only take me another fortnight to do the fronts.

little question though, the fitting kit came with two washers, which were slightly curved. There wasn't any of these on the old shoes, and I couldn't see any mention of them on the exploded diagram so I've not used them. Any ideas what they are for (please don't tell me they are a vital bit that the lot wants taking apart to fit)?

[Albannach]

To properly say what the washers are, we need to see them.

[oneidadan]

OK I'll go take a picture.

[oneidadan]

Piccies:





Also, I've had a read of Turkhovs blog for the changing of the front hub, and it doesn't look so scary now. Although I might be asking for more advice regarding torquing the hub nut. Might start a new thread for that though. If Santa brings me any pennies I'll pay ma subs, the advice is invaluable.

[NiftyNev]

They are wave washers. Part number 90206-10059. Listed for other models. Now wondering if you have the correct shoes.

Got a link, part number, or whatever for the shoes you got.

Nev

[Albannach]

Also, I've had a read of Turkhovs blog for the changing of the front hub, and it doesn't look so scary now.

Link? Just so we know you're following the correct procedure for the correct vehicle.

Messing about with brakes when one doesn't know what one is doing, is a dangerous game to play.