2004 Camry Brake Problem Help !!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

cato47 · 11-08-2007, 12:05 AM

Hello:

I've got 2004 4cyl Camry. The brake pedal seems to go to the floor but still stops the car. You can feel the pedal going down ever so slightly. I can pump the pedal a couple of times and it will come up but will slowly go down again if you hold your foot on the pedal. I have checked for leaks and checked the fluid level and they are OK.

Can anyone give me some suggestions? Are there any documented problems with these same symptoms? Thanks,

Rick

Rapid Roy · 11-08-2007, 01:49 AM

It sounds like your master cylinder has a leak. Check the brake fluid level 1st.

TRD VVTi · 11-08-2007, 08:26 AM

Does it REALLY go to the FLOOR or does it SEEM to?

How long have you owned the car?

The Camry is know for brakes that don't FEEL good, but work just fine.

If you can't tell for sure, I'd bring it to the dealer to be safe. They are very familiar with how the brakes should feel. You're better off being safe.

I'm betting by the way you described it that it's normal, but it's the internet and I can't actually check your car. The brakes are the most important part of the car though, and you can't be too safe.

cato47 · 11-08-2007, 08:55 AM

TRD VVTi:

Thanks for the reply. Just got the car. I have had earlier generation Camrys and the brake pedal had a different feel. I'm inclined to agree with your assessment of my concern as I have uncovered some additional data that would indicate that a spongy pedal in an 04 is quite normal. Thanks again for your input and happy motoring.

JSM1284 · 11-08-2007, 09:52 AM

If you can hold your foot on the pedal and it feels like it want to stop and then it gradually sinks way too low, the most likely cause is a bypassing Master Cylinder.

CMSE07 · 11-08-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSM1284

If you can hold your foot on the pedal and it feels like it want to stop and then it gradually sinks way too low, the most likely cause is a bypassing Master Cylinder.

What this means is that the cup seals inside the master cylinder have failed. When pumping or pressing on the pedal fast and hard it has a good feel, but when you press and hold your foot on it, it just slowly starts to sink. Replace the master cylinder.

bigloubumpin · 11-09-2007, 01:20 AM

The only gripe I had with my 02 LE was the brakes.I had the front rotors/pads replaced, the the rear shoes(all Toyota parts),e-brake adjusted,MC swapped & bled all around.Toyota did the repairs & said the car is fine,the sinking pedal at the stop lite was resolved but the brakes just didn't feel like they were grabbing enuff for my taste & safety.

TRD VVTi · 11-09-2007, 08:50 AM

I could really car less how the brake pedal "feels". Seriously, what matters is how the car stops.

Replacing a master cylinder isn't the miracle cure that everyone says it is. They rarely fail in the Camry (Toyota's in general).

My Camry has crappy feeling brakes like everybody else's. I got used to it.

bigloubumpin · 11-09-2007, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

I could really car less how the brake pedal "feels". Seriously, what matters is how the car stops.

Replacing a master cylinder isn't the miracle cure that everyone says it is. They rarely fail in the Camry (Toyota's in general).

My Camry has crappy feeling brakes like everybody else's. I got used to it.

I got used to it,for 4 yrs. I had the car.Traded it in,now I have more confidence in the 08's braking system

TRD VVTi · 11-09-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigloubumpin

I got used to it,for 4 yrs. I had the car.Traded it in,now I have more confidence in the 08's braking system

You must be very insecure if after 4 years you still didn't have confidence in your brakes...

bigloubumpin · 11-09-2007, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

You must be very insecure if after 4 years you still didn't have confidence in your brakes...

honestly I dont know who's worst u or nj

.....but it sounds like u know ur stuff

TRD VVTi · 11-09-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigloubumpin

honestly I dont know who's worst u or nj

Worst, or worse?

bigloubumpin · 11-09-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Worst, or worse?

I guess my inglish is no very good lookin'

JSM1284 · 11-09-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Replacing a master cylinder isn't the miracle cure that everyone says it is. They rarely fail in the Camry (Toyota's in general).

My Camry has crappy feeling brakes like everybody else's. I got used to it.

It isn't a miracle fix for any brake problem, That is agreed. However, Based on the specific complaint/condition. The failure would be in master cylinder if the pedal builds strong, but gradually sinks while holding pressure on it.

TRD VVTi · 11-09-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSM1284

It isn't a miracle fix for any brake problem, That is agreed. However, Based on the specific complaint/condition. The failure would be in master cylinder if the pedal builds strong, but gradually sinks while holding pressure on it.

When functioning properly, pumping the brake pedal will cause the pedal to be slightly higher. It will also sink gradually again. That's what makes everyone complain about the Camry so much. You have to be familiar with the feel and response of the brake pedal because it doesn't "feel" like most other vehicles.

I'm simply stating that the description of the condition and sinking of the brake pedal alone is not enough to warrant replacement of the master cylinder or accurately say that it's faulty.

Jumping to conclusions without having specific and accurate test results accomplishes nothing. Pressure testing the system to see if there is indeed a pressure loss from the master cylinder is the best way to check and verify the concern. Symptom descriptions just point the way.