2002 Toyota Sienna Intermitant brakes

Tiny
ADMKWA1
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
I took my van to have the brakes repaired because the pedal was going to the floor. The master cylinder was replaced, lines bled, etc. The mechanic kept the van two days and could not find the problem. After consult with a Toyota rep they were told to drive the van and perform several hard stops. For whatever reason this seemed to work- for about two weeks. Then the problem came back and two days after that I now have brakes again.
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 10:15 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JASONRAY
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
There could have been some air trapped in the ABS unit. Those can be kind of tricky to bleed effectively sometimes. Help me understand; the same problem you had BEFORE the master cylinder was replaced still exists, right? But now, the brakes work like they're supposed to, right? If there's air in the system, it won't come and go. Air can be compressed, thus the pedal going to the floor. Fluid cannot be compressed. The HARD STOPS that the Toyota rep recommended was probably related to the ABS system. But, if air is getting into the system, nothing will work except getting the air out. They need to start at the farthest point from the master cylinder and work closer. I.E. Start bleeding at the passenger rear. Maybe they need to bleed a little more. Some people stop after 2 or 3 times if NO AIR comes out. What if the air just hasn't made it to the bleeder yet. It may be ALMOST there but then they move to the next wheel and miss the air. Then you're fighting a losing battle. They should bleed a lot. Once they've made sure there is NO AIR in the right rear, then move to the left rear, then to the right front, then the left front. Some ABS units have bleeders on them, as well. They should follow Toyota's procedure for bleeding it. Then bleed at the master cylinder. I've come up with a pretty successful way to bleed the master cylinder. Have a helper apply slight pressure to the pedal. (About 1/3 the way down) then open a line at the MC and have them very slowly push the pedal down. Then close the line. Repeat this until there is NO bubbles in the fluid coming out.
These are just some ideas. If I'm off base with your complaint, repost with more details and complaints and I'll give it another whirl. Good luck
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Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
ADMKWA1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When the problem IS occuring with the key turned off I've got a hard brake pedal and the instant I turn the ignition key to on (without starting the engine) the pedal goes to the floor. Could this indicate a vacuum problem?
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
JASONRAY
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Just so you don't think I'm ignoring you, I'm gonna write your info down and look it up tomorrow when I get to work. Unless it's a special system, I wouldn't think the Igintion would have anything to do with the brake pedal unless you start the engine. The only time you'll have vacuum is when the engine is running. If turning the key on without starting the engine causes the brake pedal to go to the floor, I'm going to have to look it up. So I'll try to help you after I look it up tomorrow. I'll be in touch tomorrow evening. Don't think I'm brushing you off. I just don't have that info here at home.
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 6:47 PM

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