AWD never had a problem with braking. Recently, noticed the brakes were getting 'soft.' Not as noticeable in town driving, but very noticeable when making a panic stop. Took it into Toyota dealer. The mechanic agreed there is a problem, however, they can't figure out what it is. Brake shoes look new, calipers good and functioning, master cylinder fine, fluid level fine. Only possible explanation is that the rear rotors are rusted and a minimally grooved. Mechanic stated that normally it would not be enough to suggest rotor replacement, but since that is the only thing out of the norm that's all they could find that would possibly cause the problem.
Any suggestions?
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Yes, I would find a better shop. Many people think that the dealership is the highest level, but that is a myth. There is a huge cross section of techs at a dealership, some good, some mediocre.
Find a shop that has a really good Brake and ABS Diagnostician. If you have a wearing master cylinder, that would definitely cause your concern. This is a pretty basic concept, I am surprised that the dealer did not mention this, worn rotors in the rear would cause squealing, maybe grinding, but definitely NOT a soft pedal. I own a Toyota Camry and it did the same thing as your complaint and it was the Master Cylinder, though the car only had about 120k on the unit. I replaced it and now my pedal is 'high and hard' even during intensive braking and the car STOPS when I want it to stop.
here are some shops:
https://repairpal.com/toyota-repair-in-mattoon-illinois
Thank you for your reply--especially since it reaffirms what I was trying to tell my husband! This dealership garage is usually outstanding in their service, but I think they're missing the boat on this one. I think I'm going to start with bleeding the lines and see if that helps. If it does, then hopefully that will rule out the rotors, pads. as the problem. Thanks again!
I'd flush the brake fluid if it hasn't been done in the last year or two. Brake fluid absorbs water and gases and becomes less effective after a few years and also will allow the absorbed water to corrode the brake hydraulic parts. I recommend flushing (completely replacing) the fluid every couple of years as preventive maintenance.
Another thing, if the brake pad material and rotors are glazed it takes more brake pedal force to stop the car and that kind of feels like soft pedal since you automatically push harder when the car isn't stopping as well as it should. But I still recommend flushing the fluid as the first step in restoring brake efficiency. I'd think someone at the dealer would have thought of this.
If you want to find an independent Toyota specialist, here's our directory link for you:
https://repairpal.com/toyota-repair-in-mattoon-illinois
Thank you, too, Superbob! The dealer garage acted shocked that I was considering flushing the brake fluid! As I said above, I think I'm going to go with bleeding the lines and seeing if there is any noticeable improvement. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's the master cylinder going kaput.
Thank you for your reply--especially since it reaffirms what I was trying to tell my husband! This dealership garage is usually outstanding in their service, but I think they're missing the boat on this one. I think I'm going to start with bleeding the lines and see if that helps. If it does, then hopefully that will rule out the rotors, pads. as the problem. Thanks again!