Problems with aftermarket brake master cylinder

A couple of years ago the brake master cylinder in my 08 prerunner went bad, and my more knowledgeable friend helped me replace it. Including that new one, the truck has now had 3 new master cylinders in it, and I'm about to replace it with a 4th. The most recent replacement has been in for about 2 months. Every time it's the same issue, there's a black plastic collar that goes around the piston and sits against a seal. That plastic collar seems to swell, or shrink, and ends up very tight on the piston. In a new one it slides freely, in mine its practically immobile. Symptoms start out as a creaky sound when I move the brake pedal, gradually progressing to significant brake drag because the spring isn't strong enough to push the piston back into position.

I have not been able to find any descriptions of similar issues, or what could cause it. Has anyone else run into this? Does it indicate some other issue related to installation, condition of the fluid, or something else not directly related to the part? Is this just one part where I should go OEM every time? It's about a 300% price difference, but I think I'm about to bite that bullet.

 

What aftermarket brands have you been using?

FWIW, the LuK branded one on Rock Auto appears to be the same a the OEM, albeit both are plastic and both with the LuK logo.
From 2005-17 Toy was using the LuK MC on the Tacoma and then changed to a metal one made by Aisin in 2017. Some references I have located backdate application of the new AISIN MC all the way back to 2005, but this needs verified.

One of the questions I have is the plastic MC really problematic or just an image issue considering it is plastic? After all, Toy uses plastic on all kinds of parts including the lower part of the pistons. So, IDK.

 

I tried an aftermarket MC on my '04 Highlander, no bueno.

Suspect many (most?) aftermarket units are reman with weak QC.

The Toyota part was fine out of the box.

 

I have had issues with non oem master cylinders on other cars I have had....OEM in my opinion is always the best especially when you have to bleed brakes and such...

 

Can confirm on Aisin being OEM as far back as 2007 for MC since my prerunner has one.

As for OP, I think you may need to go OEM with the MC. I tried to see if I could find an aftermarket Aisin one but no luck. I think 47028-04030 is the part number. It is around $236.67 before tax & shipping on Toyota Parts deal. May want to compare the price with shipping & tax vs. what you find on your local toyota dealer to see which is cheaper.

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...year=2007&submodel=&extra1=&extra2=&filter=()

 

Well, my local dealer quoted me $396, so I think yours is probably cheaper.

Thanks!

 

$232 free shipping here:

https://parts.lewistoyota.com/p/Toyota__/Brake-Master-Cylinder/63090838/4702804030.html

 

theres your problem, its aftermarket. Get an oem one.



PSA to everyone, please stop trying to make toyotas unreliable with cheapy parts, its a yota, not a fiat.

 

Well even with after market ones you can at least go with the same manufacturer that Toyota uses for the same part. Like instead of buying OEM water pump you can go Aisin since they make. Same with radiators, plugs, coils, starters, and alternators you could go with Denso. OEM pads and rotors you can just get aftermarket Advics and so on. It is aftermarket OEM parts so it is cheaper without the Toyota brand.

 

2006 prerunner brake spongy. Car will stop after 3 or 4 brake pump. I did bleed all 4 with my buddy. I did flush all brake fluid. It stop for a couple of weeks and come back again. Take it to TOYOTECH shop in Atlanta. Master cylinder is out 800 buck to replace with OEM and 2 years warranty. Going for it. Tired of spending my time. I hope it is MC.

 

Same exact issue with aftermarket master cylinder that came on one of my Tacomas. Creaking and sticking pedal with brake drag. Whatever aftermarket company is likely rebuilding with incorrect spec material that swells when it comes in contact with brake fluid.

Replaced with a used OEM part and works like new with no issues. My opinion for most replacement parts: New OEM > Used OEM > New OE Supplier > Aftermarket

 

...a neighbor who worked at delphi for a bunch of years shared a story about the Toyota people being such a pain in their ass about pushing them beyond their usual standards for the parts that they purchased from them, so take that for what it is worth.