Truck Trend Garage: 2001 Toyota Tundras Brake Problems

Q: I'd like to be added to the list of Tundra owners with brake problems. My truck is an '01 SR5 model and has the new 26-tooth brake adjuster on the rear. When you step on them there's a shudder that shakes the seats. I've talked to Toyota about this, but they haven't looked at it yet. People I've been talking to with the same problem have not had much luck getting it fixed, either.   |   2001 Toyota Tundra Front View A: Tough to say how widespread this is, but Toyota is aware of the situation and is working on it as we speak. As you probably know, there's already been a Technical Service Bulletin published regarding the rear-brake vibration on some 2000 and '01 Tundra pickups (TSB #BR001-01). The fix involved the replacement of the rear-brake star wheel adjusters with a more coarse (less teeth) design. This was done to limit any brake drag due to insufficient clearance between the brake shoes and drums, which may promote an overheat condition that can warp the drums and cause a vibration. The TSB also included the resurfacing or replacement of the drums and/or replacement of shoes when needed. According to Toyota, the initial correction has repaired a majority of the affected trucks. However, the vibration seems to be reoccurring on certain vehicles subjected to prolonged braking conditions and excessive heat buildup encountered during hilly terrain driving. The research is still in progress, but stay tuned. We'll give you an update as soon as one becomes available. How To Reach Alex
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.

Can't wait for help with a problem you're having with your Truck or SUV? Ask the expert we trust here at Truck Trend Garage—visit Alex Steele at www.RealWorldAutomotive.com.