Serious brake vibration on pedal in snow.... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

juanrjr06 · 01-02-2010, 04:57 PM

Anyone have any problems with vibrating break peddles while on ice and snow? The last storm we had got so bad that the breaks felt like they were shaking on the peddle in my 98 camry! I slowed down to stop and the front right tire seemed to be making the foot peddle jump really bad, then once it got moving the tire seemed to release whatever was back there (snow, ice?) and the brakes returned to normal!! No problems ever since the snow left, but it happened several times during the storm. I'm hoping it was just snow/ice buildup, but I'm still concerned. Ps... The peddle itself was pulsating under my foot, felt like it wanted to kick me off it!!!
Thanks for any input.

Mike Gerber · 01-02-2010, 05:12 PM

It sounds like you are describing the ABS system kicking in. Are you familiar with what the ABS system feels like when it activates? If not, go to a large deserted parking lot the next time it rains or snows and hit the brakes hard enough for the ABS to kick in.

Mike

juanrjr06 · 01-02-2010, 05:20 PM

Not sure Mike, I was actually slowing down at less than 20mph... Does the ABS feel like it's gonna kick your foot off? I'm not really sure what it was. Thanks for your reply.

Kenny_McCormic · 01-02-2010, 05:32 PM

Its called ABS, look it up. When ABS engages the pedal vibrates like crazy, just keep you foot in it as hard as you can, the car will do the rest.

juanrjr06 · 01-02-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny_McCormic

Its called ABS, look it up. When ABS engages the pedal vibrates like crazy, just keep you foot in it as hard as you can, the car will do the rest.

Ok, can't go wrong with the pros. Thanks gents. I was just wondering because it's snowed here before and the ABS never kicked in like that at slow speeds.

***TrailDust*** · 01-02-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny_McCormic

Its called ABS, look it up. When ABS engages the pedal vibrates like crazy, just keep you foot in it as hard as you can, the car will do the rest.

Agreed. I've had ABS kick in several times with both my Avalon and Highlander and it feels and sounds like a giant ratchet wrench is ratcheting under your foot. Kind of startling at first, till you see the result of the ABS action.

juanrjr06 · 01-02-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Agreed. I've had ABS kick in several times with both my Avalon and Highlander and it feels and sounds like a giant ratchet wrench is ratcheting under your foot. Kind of startling at first, till you see the result of the ABS action.

More like Heart Stopping! I drove around really carefully just thinking there might be something wrong with the breaks or wheels. Scary stuff until you find out it's normal!! Does it really work even at very low speed??? IE 5-10mph?

Kenny_McCormic · 01-02-2010, 07:12 PM

If the brakes lock up, the ABS comes on.

***BMR*** · 01-02-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juanrjr06

Does it really work even at very low speed??? IE 5-10mph?

Absolutely yes!! It's saved me from having an icy parking lot fender bender more than once.

juanrjr06 · 01-02-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR

Absolutely yes!! It's saved me from having an icy parking lot fender bender more than once.

Thanks, I feel safer now that I know it's working!!

Mike Gerber · 01-03-2010, 11:13 AM

"Does the ABS feel like it's gonna kick your foot off?"

Yes, and it can engage at any speed, even a few miles an hour.

I don't know how long you have had this car, but ABS can kick on easier as the tires beging to wear a bit. Less tread equals a bit less traction. Also, the rubber in tires can get a bit harder as it ages. Just something else to think about.

Mike

***TrailDust*** · 01-03-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juanrjr06

More like Heart Stopping! I drove around really carefully just thinking there might be something wrong with the breaks or wheels. Scary stuff until you find out it's normal!! Does it really work even at very low speed??? IE 5-10mph?

Yes, I've had that happen numerous times when I'm in the desert and in a sandy wash or on a dirt road and come to a very sudden stop. It doesn't take much speed at all for it to kick in, even at 5 MPH from my experience. I've got to agree with you that the first time it ever happened to me it scared the

out of me too!

lovemytoyota · 01-03-2010, 11:18 PM

ABS kicks in when wheel slip is detected. It is not governed by speed of the vehicle so it may happen even at a very slow speed. When the ABS is in action, there should be an indicator light up on the dash. Please check the user manual for this. If you don't see the ABS indicator light up when you experience the vibration, it could also be the packed snow that accumulated in the inside of the rim that cause the temporary unbalance of the tire. If this happens, you can find a safe place to inspect the possibility of packed snow inside the rims. You may also take it to a car wash right the way to get rid of this possibility too. If all else fails, have a mechanic check it out. Safety should always be a priority.

Lightning Blue · 01-04-2010, 09:30 AM

Say what? I've never had the ABS light come on while the ABS system is activated (in 5+ cars I have driven with ABS), and it activates a ton around where I drive.

I will agree with the tire wear thing, after putting on snow tires, ABS kicks in a lot less.

juanrjr06 · 01-04-2010, 07:19 PM

Thanks everyone, the tires are fairly new, no wear. The ABS light didn't come on but I've heard it only comes on when there's a problem with the system. I did notice that before it kicked in I was at a complete stop in heavy snow and as I moved forward and tried to stop behind another car my first thought was that snow got stuck in the rim when I felt the wheel kicking on the brakes, as I moved forward it cleared but then the ABS felt like it kicked in again at the next stop. Hasn't happened since all the snow melted!!!