Camry Matinence - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

asscarracer · 12-27-2004, 11:17 PM

As you know, I have a 1993 Toyota Camry LE (2.2L), I am taking it in this week to have some work done at Dobbs. I did a search on my problem and didnt come up with much, so here it is, when driving, I have noticed a pulsing in the brake petal above 30mph(I dont think I have ABS) would this mean that the rotors are warped? If so, what are some good brands to buy and what what be a good estimate on parts and labor.
Thanks in advance,
John

***cam2Xrunner*** · 12-27-2004, 11:37 PM

It's most likely warped rotors but you need to check other things too. The rear drums could be the reason why you are getting a pulsation. It could also be a bad tire(s), maybe a bad wheel bearing.

While driving 30 or so mph, pull up on the handbrake while keeping the lock button depressed. If you feel the pulsation in the hand brake then you are getting some or all the pulsation there. Chances are however that your front rotors are warped and the pads could possibly be getting worn out too. It's always best to replace the rotors if possible. But if the rotor width is within spec then you could get away with turning them for now if there aren't any hot spots. A good replacement pad is the Akebono Pro-Act Ceramics. Those or dealer pads. If you are getting rotors too then look for a set of blank Brembo rotors.

asscarracer · 12-27-2004, 11:41 PM

how much would that end up costing me with parts and labor?

***cam2Xrunner*** · 12-28-2004, 12:11 AM

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...T+Ceramic+Pads
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...lacement+Rotor

160 for the front rotors and pads. From tirerack. The dealer pads list price is around 45 dollars. Front brake labor should be no more than 1 hour if replacing the rotors and not resurfacing them. Keep in mind some places charge to resurface rotors. A complete brake fluid exchange(recceomended) goes for about 50 bucks. The rear brakes should cost no more than 40 bucks at the dealer for parts and some places charge 2 hours for a rear brake job. The rear drums should be fine to resurface.
The most I've seen 1 hour of labor cost is 90 bucks. So call around and see how much each shops labor rates are. And doing the front brakes is really easy. If it is the front brakes that are your problem get a haynes or Chiltons manual and do them yourself.

***Edmond*** · 12-28-2004, 02:07 AM

I would also suggest doing it yourself. I paid: $46 for a pair of front rotors and $45 for a set of front brake pads. I got them from the local auto parts store. The rotors have a 2 year warranty on them.

The fronts are easy to do. If I recall correctly, the rotors just pull right off after you've removed the caliper.

I didn't even have a manual at the time I changed the fronts. I just took one side off and reversed the process when I put them back on. If possible, ask if a car buddy can help you. It always helps to have another set of hands and a knowledgeable person nearby.

anuthaCamry · 12-28-2004, 01:17 PM

Same car here, my advice is the get a manual for the car. and not to even think of doing this without a DIAL CALIPER and torque wrench. a dial caliper setup can be gotten from harbor freight or something for like 20 dollars or so.

the tolerances for runout (the thing that causes brakes to pulsate when braking) have been revised, before the max for front rotors was .002, now toyota recomends that if the runout is over .0012, then to phase-shift the rotor to get the lowest measured runout. you do this by marking the rotor and the stud-plate thing and mounting the rotor in each of the five possible phases (secure the rotor by lightly tightening 3 bolts without the caliper installed yet, hold the caliper up by some scrap wire not the brake hose).

I can't find the updated document but I'll tell you that I measured the runout on my rotors and they are like .0007 - .0015 or so, and they don't pulsate when I brake. If you can buy your rotors at a place that also services them, maybe you can ask them to measure them for runout and maybe thickness variation before you take them home.

asscarracer · 12-28-2004, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the advice, I love my camry, but I am horrible when it comes to repair, Ive tried reading up on diagrams and repair books and still I am confused as hell as to what I need and what stuff like phase-shift is, so if anybody wants to help me in Saint Louis I would be more than happy and if nessary reimburse them for their time