Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Tacoma brake question

The brakes on my 03 Tacoma started grabbing yesterday. When you barely press the pedal, the rear drums lock momentarily, and I could hear the ABS module activate. The warning light in the dash would also flash, but doesn’t stay on. Soon as you let off the pedal, it goes back to normal.

I did cross a shallow creek right before this started, but doubt that has anything to do with it, as I’ve crossed it a 100 times before.

Where would you start looking to find the problem?

I would pull the rear drums and see if there is wear, brake fluid or differential lube on the shoes. Any of these can be the culprit. Water on the shoes can cause a pull but if that is the only problem it usually clears up quickly as the shoes dry out. After a submersion of drum brakes, apply the brakes lightly for a short distance to help dry the drums out.

Pull the drums and have a look as mentioned.
I recently had a similar issue and found one of the two hold down pins was broken causing the shoes to "ride sideways", fugging the drum and shoes.

I've been watching a lot of YT vids lately in anticipation of buying a new vehicle in the Spring. One thing that crops up often is brake cylinders seizing on Tacomas. Fortunately, it's a simple replacement and not that expensive. I'd have a Toyota dealership look at yours because there are a LOT of counterfeit aftermarket parts for Toyotas out there, most often found at non-dealership repair shops.

That’s where I’ll start. Many thanks, men!

Not related to your question, but on my ‘03 I was going through front brakes and warped rotors til I started torquing lug nuts to 80 Ftlbs. I’m running steel wheels and Toyo MT’s

I’ve not had that problem. I replaced the pads several years back, but the rotors were good and remain so.

The only reasons I would go to a dealership would be for warranty/recall work or to buy a new vehicle. I’m reasonably sure I can fix it. I just thought someone here would have run into this before and knew where to look first. Sounds like pulling the drums for an inspection inside and going from there.

This is very good advice. Aside from labor, it might not be as painful as you would think. I did a brake job on my nephews 07 Camry. It cost about $35 more for genuine Toyota parts than using chineseium crap from VatoZone/Oreillys/Napa.

Any sand/small gravel in that creek that could have gotten in there?

Suspicious that it started after crossing the creek. A quick check and you might find something besides water in there.

There’s always a chance. I’ll check tomorrow. I wouldn’t be surprised if the drums, shoes, and cylinders all need replacing. I’m mainly curious if the axle seals are leaking now.

That & Amazon & Fleabay most likely also

I buy all my 'Yota OEM parts from these guys in AZ

Many 10-15% off sales offered along with free shipping

https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsdale.com/Lexus_2003_LX-470.html

Since you have disc front and drum rear you should have an adjustable proportioning valve for the rear that's not working right. May just need to be reset.

I hadn’t considered that. I’ll check it out if I don’t find anything wrong in the drums. Thanks!

Drums,cutting edge technology lol

Well, the damned thing gets me where I want to go, and I retired at 48, so laugh all you want.

well my '01 not only has drums in the back it also has hand crank windows and a clutch with a genuine stick shift.

See if you're leaking anything out of your rear axle seals. Had the same thing on my '02. Leaking seals was the culprit.

I’ll look at that too. Thanks!

Could the parking brake cable be partially set or not returned all the way?