Brake Pedal Vibration when stopped and moving.

I've found a few threads on this but not a definite solution or explanation. I have a 2013 Tacoma with about 80k miles that I purchased new and this just started happening today. There is no way I missed this before....

Anytime I press that brakes beyond 70% there is a slight vibration in the brake pedal. Its very much like the typically ABS vibration but only 5-10% of the strength. It feel almost as if I have my foot on a cell phone that's set to vibrate. The vibration only lasts 1.5 seconds then stops. This occurs while and I am driving and while I am in park at a dead stop. I can recreate the issue with every press of the pedal.

I called the dealership and they had no clue what I was talking about. They asked that I bring it in for a free brake inspection. I will take them up on that but wanted to check with you guys first.

Brake fluid is slightly over the max line, maybe 1/2" inch and I have never bled the lines. I replaced the pads 4 months and have had no issues until today.


Thanks.

 

Is your truck an off-road with the TX Pro package added? If so the vibration you’re feeling is almost certainly the electronic brake booster pumping the pressure back up as you use the brakes.

 

Yes, TX Pro.
If that is correct, why have I never felt this before?

 

Let make a discrimination here. There was the T|X Pro package, and the T|X Baja , but not a T|X Pro Baja.

That stated, they are based off the same functional level of truck, the TRD Off road. As stated above you have the electric boosted master cylinder found on all TRD OR 4x4's 09+ (and some trucks pre 09 optioned with the VSC package).

The vibration you feel is the electric pump filling the brake fluid accumulator. I have it on my truck and have gotten used to it, There have been 2 or 3 times where an air bubble got in the line or something happened where the vibration was MUUUCH worse (happened only after VERY VERY cold nights up at the ski resort) but worked itself out over a day or two, its been a year or two since it had that "issue"

 

When was the last time you checked your rear brakes? I had a similar issue with my last 2003 Tacoma and it turned out to be the rear drums. All was good once they were replaced and brake shoes readjusted. It might be worth while checking in to.

 

Interesting, I live in Utah and my truck is constantly outside in cold temps this time of year and have never felt this vibration before.
I will give it some time and report back.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check them out.

 

I am no brake expert, but my neighbor is (30+ years at Ford!) Anyway, I recently changed my front brakes with his help, and we've been having a lot of discussions on the topic. At one point, I was sensing a vibration in the steering wheel when hard braking. He said that one reason for this could be warped rotors, especially if you're feeling it in the brake pedal.

 

This issue also occurs when the truck is in park so that rules out the rotors.

 

Ah...I overlooked that detail. Oooops.

 

Yes like stated, its the master cylinder electric accumulator pump. I can guarantee you can make it run for 10+ seconds straight if you get in your driver seat, pump the brakes 5 x with the truck off, turn the key on but dont start the truck, and you will hear the pump run to refil the depleted accumulator.

 

You are far overdue for a brake fluid flush. There's a lot of water in there, even though Utah is arid. The temp shifts cause water to condense in the system. Brake fluid is designed to absorb this water. Not sure if it will solve this "problem", but you're overdue by a couple years.

 

yes, brake fluid is hygroscopic

 

Update:
I took my truck into the dealership today and they said its a failing hydraulic brake booster pump.

Quote was $3100.00.

 

owwwwwch!

 

Um yeah.
The Toyota certified part is $2500 and $600 in labor. They also don't want the vehicle to leave the lot until the repair is complete because its a ticking time bomb for catastrophic brake failure.

 

Just started feeling the same vibration in my 2019 off road! Haven’t even had it for a 2 years and on a lease

 

LOL.

No. They just saw your fat wallet and want to lighten it up a bit. You need to tell them to pound sand and to explain how they determined it was failing.

You need to go elsewhere and get a real evaluation if you are concerned.

That is what the pump is for. It runs and acts as the vacuum brake booster would on a normal vehicle.

 

Another example of why so many hate dealership service depts.

 

Ok....lets play Devil's advocate.

Say your brakes have a "catastrophic" failure.

There are safety features built into the truck.
1st: Front and rear hydraulic brakes are on separate hydraulic circuits. Unlikely, you would lose both circuits at the same time.
2nd: Emergency brake is cable actuated. If both hydraulic circuits fail, the E-brake will still operate the rear brakes.
3rd: Hydraulic and E-brake fail. Shut off the engine, leave it in gear. It will come to a stop.

Statements like that from a dealer are only uttered to instill fear driving you to a hasty decision.

Suggest finding another dealer or shop.