Troubleshooting Brake Noise Toyota Tundra 2007-2013
Your 2007 thru 2013 Toyota Tundra braking system is comprised of several parts, each tasked with a specific and important role in enabling you to slow and stop your vehicle on demand. In the event that your brakes begin to emit an audible squeal, it’s important that you quickly and accurately diagnose the issue so that proper maintenance or repair services can be rendered. Failing to address squealing brakes adequately can lead to dangerous result. Inspect your brakes using this guide to ensure your safety and the safety of the other motorists and pedestrians on the road.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting helps to trace and correct faults in the Toyota Tundra mechanical, electrical and braking system. Use this troubleshooting guide to solve brake noise problems.
Water Issues
Brakes that are submerged for a sustained period of time can lose the benefit of the various lubricants that are necessary for proper brake function. A braking system that has had the lubrication dissolved or washed away will lead to the metal components of the brakes rubbing together to cause the squealing that alerts of trouble.
To reveal an issues concerning water on the brakes, remove the wheels and disassemble the brake assembly to inspect the brake pads and rotors. Look for warping in the brake pads and rust on the brake parts including the rotors and caliper.
Newer Brake Pads
New brake pads can cause a harmless squeal during the first miles after replacement. The brake pads are coated with a protective oil to preserve the brakes during shipping. When the new pads are installed, the coating can liquefy under the stress and heat of braking. As a barely noticeable amount of liquid, the brake pads will squeal when making contact with the metal rotors during braking.
Upon inspecting your brakes, if the culprit is determined to be the result of new brake pads, you can be sure that the squealing will cease after a few miles of normal driving.
Oily Rotors
A similar protective oil is used to coat the rotors through shipping and storage. Proper rotor installation should include cleaning the preserving oils from the metal surfaces of the rotors but a thorough cleaning may have been missed. If the oil is still present on your rotors it is a likely cause of the alarming squeal from the brakes. Unlike the brake pads you should not trust the problem will go away after a few miles. You should immediately remove the brakes and clean the rotors to get rid of the oil as much as possible. Not only will oily rotors cause a squeal, they will also lead to degraded brake performance and should be addressed as the serious issue it is.
The brake rotors are metal discs connected to the steering arm of the wheel assembly. When shipped for purchase, the rotors are protected by anti-corrosive oil. The oil should be completely removed from every surface of the rotor before the rotor is installed. If the oil is not removed, the brakes will squeal during breaking until the brake pads can wear away the layer of packing oil.
Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads are designed to alert the driver when the pads are in need of replacement. The brake pad wear indicators are metal pieces that protrude from the brake pad surface when the pads have been worn to a specific depth. If left unaddressed, the indicators will make contact with the rotors and make a scraping and squealing sound both when the brakes are engaged and otherwise.
Replacing the brake pads once the wear indicators break through will make your vehicle safer by improving the brakes’ ability to slow and stop your vehicle. You will also save your rotors. Wear indicators will – over time – score the rotors and require them to be resurfaced or replaced.
Models Application: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Toyota Tundra 4.0 liter V6 GR enigne, , 4.6L V8 UR engine, 4.7 L V8 UZ engine, 5.7L V8 UR engine.
