Camry Brake Problem

[pktc]

Hi, new member, first post.

I have a 2005 Camry 4 cyl XLE with 43,000 miles. About two weeks ago the brake pedal began to sink and get spongy. Last week, I noticed a brake smell. I found both front rotors were hot after limited town driving. No discoloration or smoking. No dash warning lights. Brakes have never been touched and 75% pad life. Fluid level is up and no apparent leaks. Anyone have any ideas on how to track down the problem?

Thanks,


Paul

[Mike Gerber]

With the pedal becoming spony and the smell you are describing, I would guess one of your brarke calipers is sticking. To test for this, jack up each side of the car, (start with the front) and see if you can spin each wheel freely in neutral. If you find a wheel that does not spin freely, you have probably found a sticking caliper. A sticking caliper will cause the brake pads to be constantly applying pressure against the brake rotor. That will cause excessive heat and eventually cause the brake fluid in that area to boil. The boiling brake fluid will cause the brake pedal to sink, as the air bubbles in the boiling fluid are being compressed. Brake fluid in it's normal liquid state can not be compressed. A caliper can stick in one of 2 ways. The first is when the caliper slide pin(s) stick and need to be lubed or replaced, if they have become rusty. If you find this, you need to lube or replace the slide pin(s). The second way a cliper can stick is when the rubber seal around the piston of the caliper deteriorates and allows moisture inside the bore of the caliper. That can rust the caliper piston and/or the bore causing the piston to seize inside the bore. If that is the case, the caliper needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Mike

[pktc]

Thanks Mike,

Your idea makes sense, but both front rotors are getting hot. This just started last week and there is no discoloration. I haven't smelled hot brakes this week, but I've been doing only limited driving. With wheels off the ground, they turn pretty normally. I'll check again for free movement.

thanks,


Paul

[AlmightyCamry777]

Mike has the right idea, and it is possible that both calipers could be sticking at the same time (but unlikely). So if both calipers are sticking maybe its your master cylinder, possibly a sticking fluid return valve.
At 43,000 miles i think it may be unlikely you need two new calipers so i'd examine the master more closely (since you know the calipers don't stick all the time, and if the calipers were bad that is what they usually do.)

Moreover since you had a spongy pedal, that also points to the master cylinder as probably being the issue.