Brakes for Tacoma 2003


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Old 07-29-17, 01:52 AM
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Brakes for Tacoma 2003

How do I check rotors and brakes if they need to be replace?

Also, has anyone tried PowerStop rotors and brakes?

https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...20Lug%20Models

They are like $125 on Amazon.

Feel free to make any other recommendations.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 03:06 AM
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You may have to pull the wheel to see the pads but the best way to check them is to look and see how thick [or thin] they are. Often if you change the pads before they go metal on metal you can skip the rotors BUT the only way to know for sure if a rotor that appears fine is would be to have it turned. On my wife's car, I replace the rotors every other time. If you have drums in the back you'd need to pull the drum off to inspect the shoes.

I trade at AutoZone, mainly because of the lifetime warranty on pads/shoes. I also tend to keep a vehicle a long time so the lifetime free replacement is beneficial to me.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 04:20 AM
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If brakes have not gone medal to medal and truck stops smooth (no pulsation) that I would not change rotors. If either of conditions are occurring than change them. Any branded rotors and pads should be good unless you have a race truck.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 05:30 AM
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some vehicles may have a history of developing warped rotors could be due to manufacture design or how the vehicle is used frequent braking, drilled and slotted rotors could help in those cases but most of the time a standard rotor is fine. might try rock auto or your local parts store. rotors have a minimum thickness that can be measured to determine if they can be turned or need replaced standard rotors are so inexpensive think I would just replace them if its been awhile since they was done.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 09:07 AM
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My wife is a hard braker [you wouldn't think little feet could be so heavy on the brakes/gas] About half way thru the 2nd set of pads she'll start complaining about pulsation during braking - it doesn't do it for me but I'm a little easier on the pedals.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 09:37 AM
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I used to take my truck only to dealership for services. In 2013, I had warp rotors and they had to resurface it down. I think it happened after a trip back from the mountains, driving over rough terrains. After the resurfacing, it has been fine.

My drive has been fairly descent and usually brake early.

I will go and check at our local auto shop store later and will be back.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 07:10 PM
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I have had this truck since 2003. How often does the rear brakes get changed?

Tacoma 2003 V6 3.4 Liters Prerunner DoubleCab

Before I open a can of worms, how hard is it to change rear brakes? I have changed front brakes for several cars and they are fairly easy.

Not sure if this is for my truck:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCpCkun2qxA
 
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Old 07-29-17, 10:20 PM
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rear drum brakes last considerably longer than the front disc brakes not uncommon to get 100k miles or more out of them my car has almost 150k on the original rear brakes really just need to remove a drum and inspect them to see if they need replaced.
there is some variations but they are similar usually need a couple of spring tools older models had the shorter pad on the primary shoe that always went in front don't see that to much now there usually the same length, can be a good idea to replace wheel cylinders and springs while your there.
 
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Old 07-29-17, 10:32 PM
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Thank You Mr. Alan! Thank You Mr. Alan!
 
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Old 07-30-17, 03:15 AM
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Unlike Alan, I don't think I've ever gotten 100k out of the rear brakes but it isn't uncommon for the rear brakes to last twice as long as the front. Usually it isn't a big deal to pull the drum and inspect the brakes although sometimes you need to back off the adjuster in order to remove the drum. Many will remove both drums and then replace one side at a time using the other side as a guide on how it's assembled.

Most of the kids claim replacing drum brakes is harder, I don't agree although I did grow up with vehicles having drums on the front also.
 
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Old 07-30-17, 04:13 AM
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I did brakes for many years as a mechanic. Rear drums can be stuck on pretty hard, Usually a sharp rap with a hammer will loosen them, I think your drums have threaded bolt holes where you put bolts in them and screw bolt in and it will pop drum loose if not rusted to much. Forgot bolt size but it's metric.
 
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Old 07-30-17, 04:36 AM
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If it's like my ford tractor and an escort my youngest son used to have it uses large slot head screws.
 
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Old 09-16-17, 01:28 PM
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Here is an update on this. My Tacoma (2003) has only worn down about 40% of the rear brakes. My mechanic checked and told me not to replace it yet. Maybe in a couple of years. He cleaned and realigned it for $20.

Thanks everyone.
 
 

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