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Poor braking or is this normal for 1st gens?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by eurofreak, May 3, 2021.

  1. May 3, 2021 at 8:43 PM
    #1
    eurofreak

    eurofreak [OP] New Member

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    Hey guys, I've been driving a new to me 2006 Tundra DC for the last few months and am getting it ready for some cross country camping with a Four Wheel Camper. In making sure all mechanics are in top shape, I did some emergency stops but cannot get the brakes to lock up or engage ABS. I bled the brakes to rule out air and the pads and shoes look healthy.
    Sure, I can stop but its definitely not the braking I expected for the beefier 2006 brakes nor will this be adequate in an emergency at my GVWR.

    Is this normal? Should I be able to lock my brakes on these Tundras?

    UPDATE:
    I got this figured out and now have full braking ability. I can now make a panic stop and can lock the wheels/engage ABS. Braking is now phenomenal.
    Here's what I did:
    -Swapped out front pads installed by previous owner (still had 60% life left) with severe duty semi-metallic Bendix Fleet MetLok pads.
    -Scuffed up rotor
    -Bedded new pads at increasing speeds
    -Engaged ABS several times on loose terrain to exercise the solenoids/valves. This tip was from the 2nd gen folks who swear by this trick.
    At this point, braking was back to what feels like normal. However, since I can't avoid optimizing everything around me, I added a little more rear brake bias on the LSPV to provide the right feel. Front and rear brakes now lock at the same time.

    I highly recommend testing the panic braking ability of any vehicle you are driving - you never know when you are going to need it. And you never know just how poor they might get over time.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2021
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  2. May 3, 2021 at 8:46 PM
    #2
    NomadicFrog

    NomadicFrog Took 5 yrs, finally got rid of "New Member" here

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    There will be others with more useful answers, but mine: yes. I do it all the time when I'm on dirt roads: see a sudden rock / crevasse / tree root that I don't want to nail at even 20mph, hit the brakes, sometimes get ABS to engage.

    (2003 access cab)
     
  3. May 3, 2021 at 9:17 PM
    #3
    8MINT8

    8MINT8 #NotBetty

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    There is a rear brake proportioning valve above the rear axle that adjust pressure. Add more bite to the rear and see if it helps
     
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  4. May 4, 2021 at 4:46 AM
    #4
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Could have seized (closed) calipers with age.

    Rear Drums may need adjusting.

    Shifting the Rear Brake Bias helps, but you’ll need to really shake down your brake system with eyes/hands on to really know for sure. Remove all wheels/drums and start looking.

    Lastly, a properly functioning Parking Brake is key to self adjustment of the system.
     
  5. May 4, 2021 at 8:29 AM
    #5
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    Bleeding is a good first step, but not enough. Braking system needs some love. As PHM mentioned above, time to crack her open and inspect and adjust the system for proper performance. #1 cause of poor braking performance is improperly adjusted rear brakes. No reason you can't have good braking in your 06.
     
  6. May 4, 2021 at 11:22 AM
    #6
    eurofreak

    eurofreak [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the input. Though it would really help to get an answer to my initial question which I'll expand here... should I be able to lock these brakes up on pavement giving it someone's all on the pedal? Surely someone here knows the answer. I have a 65 Ford truck that can (barely) lock the rears so I would be quite surprised if what I am experiencing is normal for the Tundra. I have a feeling my master cylinder or booster is on its way out as I hear some subtle binding noises from the brake pedal area with any movement to the pedal.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2021
  7. May 4, 2021 at 11:43 AM
    #7
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I can initiate ABS with an Emergency Style Brake Situation, but I have Completely Dialed in Brakes. Your Brakes on the other Hand...

    Only you can dive in and know all the answers you need to know. Take pics and keep us posted.
     
  8. May 10, 2021 at 6:00 PM
    #8
    eurofreak

    eurofreak [OP] New Member

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    This is now fixed. Please see update in original post.
     
  9. May 21, 2021 at 9:01 AM
    #9
    Salzar

    Salzar New Member

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    Are you now able to trigger the ABS when braking hard on asphalt?
     
  10. May 21, 2021 at 4:55 PM
    #10
    eurofreak

    eurofreak [OP] New Member

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    Yes!
     
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  11. May 22, 2021 at 6:25 AM
    #11
    Salzar

    Salzar New Member

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    Thank you!
    Previously I could not get the ABS to trigger when doing a panic stop on asphalt.
    Getting the ABS to trigger on a gravel road was the key to getting the brakes working enough to trigger on the ABS on asphalt.
     
  12. May 22, 2021 at 6:31 AM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Bosch DOT 5.1 has extra lubricity for ABS Systems.
     
    eurofreak[OP] likes this.
  13. May 22, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #13
    eurofreak

    eurofreak [OP] New Member

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    Awesome!
     

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