NHTSA report a problem

[KaleighAK]

Has anyone thought about making a complaint about the brakes with the NHTSA? Could the brakes become a safety issue? Do we know enough about the problem to determine if it will become a safety problem?

Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA

File a complaint with NHTSA if you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat or equipment safety problem that could be a safety defect.

www.nhtsa.gov

 

[b407driver]

The brakes on my 5G 4Runner would squeak the first roll-out from the garage many a morning, especially after having gotten wet. It would never happen again after that, and I never had any issues with the brakes. I've noticed the LC dripping water (presumably) from the air conditioner(s) in unusual places (right underneath the backside of the front driver-side tire), so perhaps that bit of moisture is enough to precipitate the squeak.

If anyone is having actual problems with their brakes, of course, that is serious. But, anecdotally speaking, I have not seen a single report of the brakes not working properly, just the admittedly annoying squeak, mostly once per day, in the morning.

 

[ultane]

Has anyone thought about making a complaint about the brakes with the NHTSA? Could the brakes become a safety issue? Do we know enough about the problem to determine if it will become a safety problem?

Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA

File a complaint with NHTSA if you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat or equipment safety problem that could be a safety defect.

www.nhtsa.gov

I’d be more likely to pursue that for the Tacoma Trannies, and soon ours, crapping the bed, than noisy brakes.

 

[KaleighAK]

The brakes on my 5G 4Runner would squeak the first roll-out from the garage many a morning, especially after having gotten wet. It would never happen again after that, and I never had any issues with the brakes. I've noticed the LC dripping water (presumably) from the air conditioner(s) in unusual places (right underneath the backside of the front driver-side tire), so perhaps that bit of moisture is enough to precipitate the squeak.

If anyone is having actual problems with their brakes, of course, that is serious. But, anecdotally speaking, I have not seen a single report of the brakes not working properly, just the admittedly annoying squeak, mostly once per day, in the morning.

My brand-new LC squeaks, not just on first roll out, but almost EVERY time it’s in reverse.

If you’ve missed the threads on how different the braking is on the new LC (which could cause some of us new to a hybrid to question the connection), go and check them out.

My question was about this annoyance developing into a safety issue. I’m not an expert, but some here are, and maybe they will chime in with their thoughts as well.

 

[b407driver]

My brand-new LC squeaks, not just on first roll out, but almost EVERY time it’s in reverse.

If you’ve missed the threads on how different the braking is on the new LC (which could cause some of us new to a hybrid to question the connection), go and check them out.

My question was about this annoyance developing into a safety issue. I’m not an expert, but some here are, and maybe they will chime in with their thoughts as well.

Also having a RAV4 Prime in the house, I was expecting the LC brake feel to be more similar to it, i.e. occasionally spongy, esp. at very low speeds. The LC's brakes feel pretty normal to me (coming from a 4R).

When I hit 2k miles and get the squeak, I'll be sure to report back.

 

[TrailWhale]

I've noticed the LC dripping water (presumably) from the air conditioner(s) in unusual places (right underneath the backside of the front driver-side tire), so perhaps that bit of moisture is enough to precipitate the squeak.

This is a super interesting theory that might align with my experience.

I had the squeek for maybe one week back in late July-ish. I only noticed it happening consistently in one particular parking lot and it was extremely hot out so AC was blowing hard. I haven't been in that parking lot since my kid moved schools and I have not heard the squeek since. Maybe there is an angle where condensation will drip on a brake pad and maybe, the people who hear it all the time are parking at that angle regularly?

Personally, as a mountain biker, squeeky brakes don't alarm me. It's a comforting reminder that they are still there and they are still working.

 

[DJW]

No squeaks but my ABS did not kick in on a harsh emergency stop on the highway. Definite skidding.

 

[TheBat]

Personally, as a mountain biker, squeeky brakes don't alarm me. It's a comforting reminder that they are still there and they are still working.

I feel triggered. Don't even get me started on squeaky mtn bike disc brakes and the time I've spent trying to quiet them

 

[Tom Cruiser]

No squeaks but my ABS did not kick in on a harsh emergency stop on the highway. Definite skidding.

I skid a little at the end but it definitely saved me. 70mph + to a complete stop.

 

[b407driver]

I skid a little at the end but it definitely saved me. 70mph + to a complete stop.

Sounds like a win. Wouldn't want to do that even for the fun of it.

 

[Uncle_Spike]

My 2008 FJ cruiser squealed just like my LC for the last 16 yrs in reverse even through 2 sets of pads, honestly just was of the opinion its just a toyota thing.

 

[REB27]

Our FE (and GX550) brakes squeal a bit first trip backing down the driveway in the morning. That’s it and they brake fine.
I don’t worry about why.

 

[MuddyDog]

With 960 miles on the odometer; so far, my brakes have only squealed once a few days ago while backing out of the garage.

 

[jbe2289]

It is completely normal. It is the materials used in the breaks - rotors and pads - as well as moisture causing surface corrosion. High performance breaks almost aways squeal after sitting overnight, especially if there’s moisture.

 

[KaleighAK]

I will take all these responses to mean there is likely something more wrong with my LC.
I’m at 3K+ miles and mine squeak all day long - no matter where I’ve parked (garage or outdoors) and how many miles I’ve driven that day.
I’ll be taking it in ASAP.

 

[ultane]

Our FE (and GX550) brakes squeal a bit first trip backing down the driveway in the morning. That’s it and they brake fine.
I don’t worry about why.

In this day and age, I WOULD be concerned..

 

[rjmh]

I will take all these responses to mean there is likely something more wrong with my LC.
I’m at 3K+ miles and mine squeak all day long - no matter where I’ve parked (garage or outdoors) and how many miles I’ve driven that day.
I’ll be taking it in ASAP.

I had a Cayman that was like that. Usual warranty remedies were applied by the dealer. First visit clean and lube. Second visit changed the pads. Third visit they measured everything for angles and clearance found it in spec but then changed everything, " as a courtesy" and indicated they were not going to do anything more ever again. They haven't squealed since.

Two weeks ago we drove cross country ( not in the LC) and the wheel squeal would start about 20 minutes into the day and last for an hour and then go away. Three days of this was irritating. When we got home all four sets of pads and rotors were changed and not only is it quiet, the truck just rolls better. A calliper pin was corroded and not releasing enough and it seemed to be heat affected needing some to start and a lot to stop.

Brakes squeal sometimes due to material choices, but often when something is not right. Refreshing the components is the only way to fix this and the dealer should be willing to address under warranty. With the Cayman I got initial pushback until they drove it and heard how loud and frequent it was. Good luck with your dealer!

 

[KaleighAK]

I had a Cayman that was like that. Usual warranty remedies were applied by the dealer. First visit clean and lube. Second visit changed the pads. Third visit they measured everything for angles and clearance found it in spec but then changed everything, " as a courtesy" and indicated they were not going to do anything more ever again. They haven't squealed since.

Two weeks ago we drove cross country ( not in the LC) and the wheel squeal would start about 20 minutes into the day and last for an hour and then go away. Three days of this was irritating. When we got home all four sets of pads and rotors were changed and not only is it quiet, the truck just rolls better. A calliper pin was corroded and not releasing enough and it seemed to be heat affected needing some to start and a lot to stop.

Brakes squeal sometimes due to material choices, but often when something is not right. Refreshing the components is the only way to fix this and the dealer should be willing to address under warranty. With the Cayman I got initial pushback until they drove it and heard how loud and frequent it was. Good luck with your dealer!

Thank you!

 

[Bluey]

In reply to the original post, if you are concerned about your brakes working correctly take your vehicle to the dealership and tell the service advisor what your concerns are. There may be something wrong with your brakes. I don’t mean to state the obvious or sound condescending in any way. Obviously your brakes are concerning you and you should trust your instincts. Get them checked out.

In reply to the post about squeaks and breaking performance. I’m not an expert but have experienced brake squeaks in many different cars. I could be wrong but if I understand it correctly. High performance brakes use metallic pads. They are usually noisy especially when they are cold. They usually quiet down and performance improves when they warm up after use. But noise is common with high performance brakes. Ceramic pads are much quieter though the trade off is reduced performance when compared to metallic pads. I don’t know what pad material is on the Land Cruiser. I’m guessing semi metallic but I don’t know. On cars I’ve owned in the past I prefer ceramic pads because I find squeaky brakes just too annoying.

In reply to the water on the rotors. I wouldn’t be concerned about water getting on the brakes. Cars are designed to be able to drive in wet conditions. It might cause a little surface rust on rotors overnight but nothing that normal driving won’t clear up. That being said, pads can get contaminated by chemicals and other debris. It’s unusual but it can happen. That could cause noise that is not normal.

Something to consider is “bedding in” your brake pads. Most mechanics do this when they install new brakes. I’ve done quite a few brake jobs on my cars everything from Porsches to Diesel Trucks. When I bed in brakes I did it by finding an empty long road with no traffic. This requires a road with no stop signs or traffic lights or other cars on the road. It’s the process of getting your vehicle to about 60mph and applying the brakes hard but letting off before you come to a complete stop. The goal is to brake hard until you slow down to about 10 mph. Keep rolling do not stop completely. Then immediately accelerate up to 60mph and do it again and again. After doing this six or seven times in row the brakes will heat up quite a bit. It will transfer brake pad material to the rotors and rotor material onto the pads. After six or seven consecutive hard applications of the brakes like this you want to let them cool off. Drive and let them cool for a bit before coming to a complete stop. Remember this requires a road with no stop signs or traffic lights or other cars on the road. Stopping and holding the brakes while they are this hot (try not to do it) can transfer too much pad material to the rotor in one spot and can cause vibrations later. I hope I explained that correctly.

Bedding in your brakes should be done whenever you install new brakes. But if you don’t feel confident in doing it correctly you can pay a mechanic to do it for you. I’m not a mechanic or an expert and if you ask my wife I am usually wrong.

 

[REB27]

Your wife must be related to mine….