Spongy Brakes

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

For some time now i have been unhappy with the "feel " of the brakes on my 2002 Vehicle.

When compared with other cars/utes in our modest "fleet" it seemed to me that the Prado's braking capabilities are left wanting!

I have thought about such things as hoses (would love stainless braided), rotors, pads, master cylinder and fluids. Standing on the brake pedal gives me a sense that everything isn't right in the braking department.

I wonder what the experience of others is on this....over to you for some advice.

Hux22

[pythonkeeper Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pythonkeeper]

Re: Spongy Brakes

G'day mate, Do you have standard suspension ? I had the same sort of problem with my brakes before upgrading the suspension, once i had the suspension done i notice the difference in my brakes performance straight away.

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Thanks for your post.

I have upgraded the suspension with a 2" lift courtesy of Lovells and King springs coupled with Bilstein shocks all round. Made no difference to the brake "feel" though.

Thanks for trying.

Hux22

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Assuming there is nothing wrong..... then a set of quality metal brake pads would improve the pedal feel, at the expense of increased rotor wear of course.

Mick

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Thanks Mick,

Your suggestion is one of several that I intend to pursue. I am also looking at upgrading the brake hoses for braided lines, machining the rotors, checking that the calipers are sliding on their pins correctly, better brake pads and the like.

hux22

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: Spongy Brakes

I would not assume that all metal brake pads will improve pedal feel,

My own experience was the exact opposite, bendix metal in my XR gave the impression that the master cylinder had failed.
After replacing that and then having to look further I found the pads were the cause.

If replacing pads be sure to install quality pads designed for 4wd's.

Bendix have a help line you can call if unsure, well worth spending the 30 cents ( or whatever it costs these days lol)

I would try clamping the rear brake hose and seeing if that lifts the pedal, then try the fronts. This will indicate if you have a hydraulic fault- by passing etc.
Be sure to use a proper hose clamp so as not to damage the hoses internally.

Lee

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Spongy Brakes

How long since fluid was replaced? It does go off with age and heat. I replace mine every 12 months (98 GXL). It does help and also makes a huge difference to the clutch effort as well. I use standard Bendix pads and have yet to even skim the discs after 180,000km.

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Guys,

Thank you for your consideration of this issue.

I really appreciate the thoughtfulness that each of you have shown.

Isn't it great that forums such as this exist.

I will take on board each and every suggestion offerred and keep you guys informed about the outcome.

Thanks again.

hux22

[lc120_man Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lc120_man]

Re: Spongy Brakes

As others said
:arrow: Make sure that brake fluid has been recently replaced
:arrow: Quality brake pads
:arrow: Make sure the the brakes are bleeded properly by someone who knows what they are doing... This is probably the first and most important
step... Toyota dealer the be the last on my list for this one :evil:

[Taresk Member Find all posts View Profile Close Taresk]

Re: Spongy Brakes

I know this is an older thread, but thought I'd mention that my Prado has relatively spongy brakes, it was most noticeable when my father had a slightly later model 90, and driving it after mine was always an eye-opener.

For the record my Prado has braided stainless lines, slotted rotors, and the fluid gets changed every 12 months or so (I have also tried a few different pad brands), mechanics have checked the master, and the calipers, all that's really left is the booster *shrugs*

[rossy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rossy]

Re: Spongy Brakes

gentlemen, just adding my two cents worth if the suspension is lifted then the load sensing valve may need to be adjusted.when raised it will decrease pressure to the rear brakes.this can cause the vehicle to feel like it doesn,t wont to stop,will lock front brakes on gravel or wet roads.polyair bags don,t help also,adjustments best made by qualified mechanic ,it helped improve my prado,s brake perforamce.cheers rossy.

[Taresk Member Find all posts View Profile Close Taresk]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Mine had the problem even when it was stock.

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Guys,

Just an update on the Brakes on my 90 Series.

After many hours thinking about the braking characteristics of the 90 series I decided to try the local brake specialist. After discussing what I had done (new Rotors up front, new pads all round and bleeding the brakes we settled on investigating further the brake control valve. Low and behold, it was found to be faulty to the extent that most of the braking was going to the REAR wheels!

They had it rebuilt and serviced in Sydney and after getting it back along with new rear rotors and pads it brakes better than ever. It pays to question each and every aspect of the braking system when you are chasing a problem such as this.

Thanks for all who helped out with advice and suggestions. This is posted so that others may read it and perhaps find a solution to their problems.

Hux22

[hux22 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hux22]

Re: Spongy Brakes

Guys,

Just an update on the Brakes on my 90 Series.

After many hours thinking about the braking characteristics of the 90 series I decided to try the local brake specialist. After discussing what I had done (new Rotors up front, new pads all round and bleeding the brakes) we settled on investigating further the brake control valve. Low and behold, it was found to be faulty to the extent that most of the braking was going to the REAR wheels!

They had it rebuilt and serviced in Sydney and after getting it back along with new rear rotors and pads it brakes better than ever. It pays to question each and every aspect of the braking system when you are chasing a problem such as this.

Thanks for all who helped out with advice and suggestions. This is posted so that others may read it and perhaps find a solution to their problems.

Hux22

[mastermanoj Member Find all posts View Profile Close mastermanoj]

Hello Guys

this information was really useful i feel the same with my 90 series ..will go to the mechanic tomorrow and explain the same. the term Spongy Brakes is wonderful i would have never been able to explain this clear to the mechanic