the brakes on my toyota p/u (22RE, automatic) still work, but pedal seems strange in last 2 weeks or so. actually feels as one does when fluid is low, but i have no fluid loss at all. with my wee bit of intelligence, i' m guessing master cylinder or booster. i've had to replace both items on a previous vehicle, but can't remember what either malfuction felt like again, no visual evidence of any leaks. thanks for the always informative reply(s)

 

My suggestion would be while you are checking the booster/master cylinder for possible leaks you also look at the color of the brake fluid. Given the year and the fact that brake fluid is hydroscopic (= can/will absorb moisture if system not sealed) you may just need to flush out the brake fluid. For leaks check the firewall (both sides) as the master cylinder can leak into the power booster and the fluid trails(s) will actually be out of the power booster. If the fluid is dark a flush is certainly a good idea and any shop can probably do it quicker/easier and at a reasonable price. As a side note, I don't think your pedal should feel low if the master cylinder is low on fluid unless you let it go bone dry...at which point you need to flush/bleed it because you then have air in the system. That could be the case hear but then you are back at least bleeding the system and, like I said, if the fluid is dark you should probably have it flushed. Regardless of color, you can always start with a bleed to see if the pedal gets better...if it does you then need to figure out where/why the air got introduced to the system.

 

If you have drum brakes, make sure they aren't worn out or out of adjustment.

 

Good point by jeff! I was thinking front brakes but the rear can effect pedal height in some cases...especially if one doesn't make regular use of the e-brake.

 

Is it 2wd or 4wd?

 

truck is 2wd. disc on front,drum on back. everything except calipers 1 year old on front. fluid same color as what comes out of container. can't see any sign of a leak--reservoir has remained full; hence nothing on firewalls or anyplace else. keep in mind that the truck stops (no noises or anything) but brakes don't seem to engage until about halfway down whereas before they would engage with the slightest pressure on pedal. in addition, the braking "feel" seems a bit weak. hope that helps. thanks, guys

 

First check and adjust rear brakes, the self adjusters only prevent you from losing the pedal completely.

When all is good in the rear check for a caliper slide hanging or a pad shim that out of place or rusted.

 

mucho gracias, mi amigos! ya'll are a great help. i'll do the checkin and adjustin in a couple of days (as soon as it quits frigging raining) and holler back with any relevant results.

by the way, what would cause a pad shim to move? that was a maybe that larry suggested. the things are pretty tight, right? (mine are made to fit along with some type of adhesive) just curious

 

a little adjustin' was all she needed. thanks a million, good people