2002 Camry soft brake issue

[Ken4]

Read this:

"While all other Camry models are equipped with four wheel disc brakes, the four cylinder LE comes with front discs and rear drums. ABS with electronic brake force distribution is a worthwhile option as we learned during a snowy week of testing. Panic stops on slippery surfaces were straight and reassuringly quick. However, I found the brake pedal to be way too soft. "

http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/02camry_le.htm

And this:

"I know that it has been awhile since I have posted but for those of you that dont know me , my name is James and I work at Toyota assembly plant in Georgetown KY. I have not posted for awhile because I have been up for promotion to team leader and now it is down to about 30 people and I will know something next week. The real issue I wanted to post on is the soft brake issue with the new Camry, My plant General Manager informed me tonight that he went to the design center in Ann Arbor a few weeks ago because they are sure they found the solution to this brake issue and from what I could get out of him it is as simple as some kinda new pad not for sure though. I would say that this information will be released by the end of the year. I hope this helps some of you. Another thing is that the next Avalon is suppose to be bigger than the Crown Vic. The Solara ,which we are gonna build in KY starting middle of 03, Is getting a big increase in HP so is the Camry in mid 03 ,around july or august. Thanks for your time. James"

http://www.camryman.org/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=181863

[scolist]

Does anyone know any more info about this new kind of pad mentioned in the previous post? I got doze spongy brake pedal blues.

[K.VO]

Stoptech sells stainless steel lines, and I'm pretty sure I've seen several aftermarket companies offering performance brake pads for the gen 5 cam. I too am sick of the mushy pedal feel, and SS lines/new pads are my next planned upgrade.

[Mitch Roberts]

Never did hear of a good solution. I can't believe the pads would be at fault. it's the hydrolics that are clearly at fault. Maybe SS brake lines would help, but I'm betting it's a poorly designed master cylinder. I wonder if the Gen 6 has solved it? If so, maybe we could borrow a few parts for our gen 5's. It's the only flaw in the entire car design that I can detect. BTW, I took a look at my front pads at 40K miles and not even a 3rd of the meat was gone! I had all the parts ready to replace them. i took the parts back for a refund.

[scolist]

Another problem I have is the amount of pedal travel (alot) and pumping the pedal doesn't make much difference. Sad, I used 2 qts of brake fluid (total) bleeding all 4 wheels yesterday. This is a new car to me, so maybe my situation is not the norm.

02 xle v6

[camlex]

I just bought '02 Camry LE V6. The only thing i didn't like is the brake system.
I am replacing pads with Wagners.

Needs inputs.

Thanks in advance.

[marc780]

In my experience here is what can cause a soft brake pedal:

1. The obvious - brakes need to be bled.

2. First try normal bleeding procedure, if that doesnt help use recommended ABS bleeding procedure (varies by model)

3. rotors or drums look good but really arent good. (i worked on a ford escort at work that had this problem and a shopful of mechanics couldnt figure it out. Even though they were worn some, the rotors looked good- but out of desperation i changed em. The car had a solid-feeling pedal after that). turn or better yet, replace drums/ rotors.

4. Improperly finished/turned drums or rotors. Replace with new. (they're cheap nowadays - i paid $30 each for my last rotors a few months ago - they work just fine too.)

5. Leaking (or otherwise bad) master cylinder.

6. IMO the brake pads, no matter what material used, would be unlikely to cause a soft pedal unless they are worn irregularly, defective (the part of the pads that touches the rotor was not finished properly), worn out or oil- or brake-fluid soaked.

[etc]

Thanks for the list. re: soft brakes