08 Matrix thumping when braking

[EvilThumper]

Took it to a shop, told it sounded like the trans or transfer case. Took it to a trans specialty shop, said it was definitely the brakes.

Rear brakes, shoes, springs were done.

Front pads have 8mm on them, and just had rotors cut, still thumping.

Had a shop check over the shoes I installed, thinking I may have installed incorrectly, but they were ok.

Had the drums cut also, just to check, still thumping.

I did some searching on here, and seems there's not really a common issue.

Shop checked the suspension and did an alignment check, everything looking good, but being told it's the brakes. But I am at a loss what else to try.

I don't really have the budget to take it to anther place to diagnose again. The trans shop charged me, but the other shops did not.

Thumping is a deep sounding slow thump when braking from appx 40mph to slow down (for a light or stop sign, for example)

[fishexpo101]

If you get thumping only when braking, that pretty much points to brakes or the components surrounding the rotating portions.

Have you taken this to the Toyota dealership? Specialty shops can help if they only deal with the issue that is causing the noise. There might be specific issues that a shop should look for, but only if they've had experience with the car and its setup - in my experience, very few independent shops have this key knowledge unless one of the techs used to work at dealership or is atleast a master level tech.

- Is the thumping keyed to speed? Faster the speed you stop from, does it thump faster?
- Anyone checked the torque plate, made sure that was properly torqued down?
- Anyone checked the caliper mounting bolts, made sure those were torqued down?
- Pads have the shims correctly installed?
- Tried rotating the tires, see if they follow the tires?
- Anyone scanned the ABS ECM for error codes?
- Anyone checked the ABS wheel speed sensors?

[EvilThumper]

I saw your post this morning and started at square one, with your check list.

I looked at the receipts. I had thought they had cut the drums, but did not! So had them cut, and noise gone!!

But if it hadn't fixed it, the rest of your list would have been very helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.

[EvilThumper]

Now to find out where this "game room" is on here