Toyota Repair: ABS brakes, 2004 toyota sequoia, changing brake pads

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a 2004 Toyota Sequoia with 41,000 miles (no more warranty.)  For the last few months the red brake warning light would come on intermittently, and sometimes the ABS or VSC lights would come on as well.  I had my oil changed and asked them to look at the brake pads (not at the dealer.)  They showed me the front brake pads, they were down to about 1/4 inch.  Had those replaced at a local auto repair shop last week.  This week, the brake light (only) starts coming on again intermittently.  Then today I was making a u-turn and as I pressed the brakes, I heard a loud groaning/grinding sound and it felt like the brakes were not as effective as they should be.  This happened 3 times in a row as I pressed the brake, then it stopped and brakes worked normally.  All lights were on this time (ABS included.)  I called the shop that changed the brake pads (they used ceramic, by the way) and I dropped it off.  They said the line had some air in it so they bled the system and drove it for 3 miles and says it's fine now.  Here are my questions:

1.  Would air in the line cause the brakes to make that loud noise when I pressed the brake?

2.  Since this is an ABS system, could there still be some air in any components that I need to be concerned with?

3.  After changing brake pads, shouldn't the braks feel more sensitive?  They don't.  

We are about to drive 400 miles for vacation this weekend with my kids and I want to be certain it is fine.  I know ABS systems have to be treated a bit differently.

THanks so much!

ANSWER: To answer your first question, it's possible that air in the system will cause a chattering type noise but my questions is how did air get in there if they only replaced the brake pads? The best advice I can give you is to invest in the diagnostic fee of around $100 and have the toyota dealer connect their diagnostic scantool to the system to see what trouble codes are stored in the abs/vsc system. Those lights turning on indicate that there is a problem with the abs/traction control system. After replacing brake pads the brakes will usually not feel different than before. There have been some common problems with the system and one of them requires replacement of the skid control computer but it would depend on what codes are in the computer so before going on that trip have this diagnosed by a technician that is familiar with the diagnosis of these systems, after the trouble codes are retreived if you still need help I will be happy to do so.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again,

Took your advice and took the Sequoia to Toyota.  He just called and my vehicle is showing them 4 codes.  He was talking fast and my cell phone was cutting out but here is what I heard as far as codes
ABS malfunction
Engine communicator?? circuit malfunction
stroke something?
booster something?

He said this leads him to believe it is the ECU.  With labor it would be $1692.46.  We are about to go on vacation and I don't know what we should do.  We do not have $2000 at this time.  What would happen if we did not replace this right now?  Would the brakes fail?  Based on what I told you, do you agree it's the ECU?  If this is an ongoing problem, why isn't it a recall?  Thanks so much for your help!  

Answer
Although that information is helpful knowing the code numbers would be better, from what you have told me it does sound like the skid control computer may be the problem, is the check engine light also on? If so what is the code number? I am about to be offline here for a two day vacation so if you need to reply go directly to my email address at tedrttr@yahoo.com> to answer your question whether there would be brake failure the answer is no, when the vsc computer malfunctions the vehicle will not have these features and will act as a regular brake system without traction and skid control, is it less safe? Yes, to a degree, as you will not have these systems available in an emergency situation.