Rear Brake Noise - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sandman · 10-30-2005, 06:58 AM

Hi, long time listener second time poster. Before I begin let me say I have searched the posts and not really found the answers I am looking for. My 02 Sienna has the annoying rear brake noise I would call a moan when slight pressure is applied. It is the same sound I hear in many Camrys. (I was in line at a drive thru with two camrys and it sounded like a musical event of some kind). I know it is in the rear, because I can lightly set the parking brake and rock the car back and forth and hear it plain as day. I also know my drums are out of round because the car feels like it is rocking right before it stops and the moan comes and goes as the brakes grab and release.
I just can't find clear answers to the following:

What actually causes this?
Has Toyota addressed the issue so that new shoes from them will fix the noise or do I need to go aftermarket, if so with what brand?
Turn the rotors or replace with new?

Thanks in advance.
Please feel free to direct me to a previous discussion

brockyjr · 10-31-2005, 02:04 PM

if your are a hands on type, the most likly cause of this is a corrosion build up in the brake drum (rust) most simply remove drums clean and replace.

jfranks · 11-03-2005, 09:47 AM

I had the same problem with my 2000 Sienna. First, though, make sure it is not a metal on metal sound. That would be the brake wear sensor. If it is more of a dull moan or vibration sound then it probably just needs cleaning. Jack up the back end, take off the tire. The rear drums just slide off. Get some brake cleaner and clean the drums and the pads - you just spray the stuff on and the dirt just runs off. That should be enough. I also used some De-Squeak barke conditioner by CRC just to make sure. It stopped the problem and hasn't been back in about 5K miles.

After you clean the drums the inner circle where the pads hit should be really smooth and shiny. It should be obvious whether you have some warping or other imperfections.

I'm not sure if the 2002 has drum or disc brakes on the back but the procedure us similar. For disc brakes remember to clean both sides.

Regards,

Jim

sandman · 11-03-2005, 09:09 PM

Thanks, I will check things out this weekend. Yes it is a moan. Yes they are drum brakes.

sandman · 11-07-2005, 07:07 PM

Thanks to both of you guys. I pulled the drums and cleaned everything up and guess what? QUIET for the first time in two years. I never would have imagined it would be so simple. You guys just saved me some money. Many thanks again!

Cyorke · 11-13-2005, 04:56 PM

Hopefully it will last for you. My 02 XLE was doing the same thing for about 6 months, I was jsut to lazy to take it apart and clean it. Anyway I cleaned it up and adjusted them up real good and then within two weeks it was doing the same thing again. It is not quite as bad as before but it is doing it again. I wonder if there is any kind of TSB about it. Maybe they have sent some kind of fix to the dealers for this. It should not happen again in 2 weeks or so.

XKWISIT1 · 04-04-2007, 10:39 PM

The noise you are hearing is more like a droan at low speeds, just as you are coming to a stop. The noise is cause by the rear drums vibrating Toyota has modified drums, which weigh conciderably more than the originals. Replacing them will rid you of the noise.

Toyotaguy2002 · 04-05-2007, 09:13 AM

We brought our Sienna in yesterday Wed. Apr 4th to do 96000 KM Service (Currently at 91980 KM), found out that we have to replace the wheel cylinders in the rear drums, also have to replace the brake pads too. We had a noise at low speed braking the one you're talking about. It iritates me.We kinda complained about how the wheel cylinder has wore so much that it started leaking. They asked us "How do you apply the brakes?, Do you hit the curb?" They stopped servicing the vehicle after doing the 96000 KM Service. Put our car on the waiting list. So basically we didn't get our car back yet... we should be picking up our car today Thurs. Apr 5th. At least they gave us a ride back home, same when we pick up our Sienna, driving us to the dealership. Lets se if the noise is gone.

Toyotaguy2002 · 04-08-2007, 10:57 AM

Our Cars Disc Rotors and Drums were machined and it appears the rear brake noise has dissappeared.

BadChicken · 04-13-2007, 07:18 PM

I believe their is a TSB out on the Sienna drum brakes where they will actually install a new drum to eliminate the noise

XKWISIT1 · 04-28-2007, 01:22 PM

There is indeed a TSB dealing with the rear brake noise. The noise is caused by the rear drums vibrating. The new modified drum is is has far more weight to it, and eliminates the noise. I am a Toyota Tech and have repaired many with this noise