What's wrong with the brakes??

[zhbraden]

I bought a 2004 V6/TRD Tacoma in October. I've already put 20k miles on it but I'm having the worst trouble with my brakes! Although it's still under warranty, it's still a pain to take it back in all the time. The problem is my rotors warp and glaze over after only about 5k-6k miles. I've gotten the pads and rotors replaced THREE times and the front end has been inspected very closely. The mechanic does not have an explanation for why this is happening so quickly besides the obvious that they are getting hot. 90% of my driving is on interstates so this should definitely not happen! Any similar situations or suggestions?

[mburdick]

If you're having an overheating problem, there are two things to look for:

1) Something causing excessive heat
2) Inadequate cooling

Of course, it could be a combination of the two... At the tires and rims from the factory? Are all of the fairings still in place to redirect air flow? Is there anything that has been modified on the truck that could be affecting the air flow across the rotors to cool them? Is there any additional weight (significant) that's been added to the truck? Is the proportioning valve functioning properly and offloading some of the braking power to the rear? Is there anything in the rear brake assembly that is causing it to underperform and make the front brakes work harder?

It's one thing to treat the symptom. Now it's time for the dealer to find the *problem* and take care of it.

[Mike-in-WV]

Originally Posted by zhbraden

I bought a 2004 V6/TRD Tacoma in October. I've already put 20k miles on it but I'm having the worst trouble with my brakes! Although it's still under warranty, it's still a pain to take it back in all the time. The problem is my rotors warp and glaze over after only about 5k-6k miles. I've gotten the pads and rotors replaced THREE times and the front end has been inspected very closely. The mechanic does not have an explanation for why this is happening so quickly besides the obvious that they are getting hot. 90% of my driving is on interstates so this should definitely not happen! Any similar situations or suggestions?

I would tell them that you want a factory rep brought in or another mechanic . Tell them it's just to dangerous to keep driving it like this. There has to be a reason for the over heating. Mike

[karugs]

They replaced the rotors and pads, but did they check the calipers? One cause of heated brakes could be a sticking caliper...

[burger]

could be the rubber flex lines as well.when they fail they collapse and hold pressure on the calipers-usually happens with an older vehicle though.

[zhbraden]

Thanks for the replies. The mechanic said he "checked" all of those issues and everything was ok. I have been nice about the situation previously but when I take it in again, I will take Mike's advice and request a factory rep as I've already dealt with 3 different mechanics.