Rapid Vibration in brake pedal, even in park.

[ScottsdaleT4R]

I have about 7700 miles on my 2010 trail edition and last week I noticed an extremely rapid vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal in the first few inches of the brake being depressed.

This happens at low speeds, high speeds, and even stopped in park, or reverse. The frequency of the vibration does not change based upon speed so I am ruling out rotor and pad issues.

Has anyone experienced this? It seems like such a small issue that I almost feel embarrassed to take it to the dealership.

My thoughts are that perhaps there are bubbles in the fluid, or a whacked out ABS system... any other suggestions?

 

[ScottsdaleT4R]

I have read on other forums that some suspect its the electronic brake booster pump.. I am quite sure that this vibration has never occurred in the first 7600 miles of driving my vehicle, and now happens nearly every time I press the brake pedal (it does not happen when I hit the pedal the 2nd time unless I have allowed some time to pass between depressing)

So if it is the brake booster pump, why would the system have not needed the boost in pressure before, but now need it every time I brake?

 

[Ryan_S]

Did it just start doing that? I have ~20k and havent noticed that.

I'd recommend the dealer take a drive in it to see it. Good luck.

 

[Jtraskell]

Did it just start doing that? I have ~20k and haven't noticed that.

I'd recommend the dealer take a drive in it to see it. Good luck.

Mine did that from the start, scared the #$%^ out of me. Took it back to the dealer and they said brake booster pump, completely normal. I have either gotten used to it, or it has stopped as I have not noticed it lately. But I was not looking for it either. I will pay more attention today when I drive it and see if it still doing it. About 4500 miles on mine.

 

[philsey]

8500 mi. on my 2010 and have not noticed this.

I'd take it in. Dealer's going to say it's normal, but I'd want the concern reported in my service record.

 

[FlyNavy]

Mine has done this too since new. You can hear it as well of you listen carefully. Slight buzzing/vibration.
That combined with the "wet shoe" brake sound is one of my major complaints with the rig. Seems pretty mediocre for the Toyota engineers to accept these things and let it go to production that way.

 

[ScottsdaleT4R]

It just seems odd to me that it never did it up until 7600 miles and now does it consistently. I did have the tires changed, is it possible heavier tires now require the booster pump? It never used to happen even when towing.

 

[Shamish]

FlyNavy -

"Wet shoe sound" is a great descriptor of one of the annoying things about the brakes on my 2010 4R. I have been trying to find the right way to describe the sound, but could not come up with a good one on my own.

I too have had this issue on my 4R since the day I bought it. The other issue is the rapid pulsation (almost feels like more of a vibration) that usually occurs during the first part of the brake pedal travel.

I took it to the dealer, and they said "normal". I'll probably ask them to take another look at it when I go in for my 5,000 mile service.

 

[JMEJKE]

Our 2004 did it

Our 2004 SR5 4Runner did it since the day it was new. The dealer said it was not an issue and we just got used to it. I experimented with it and found that it did it every FIVE times I pressed the brakes. It would "buzz" or vibrate quickly for about five seconds and then stop. Press the brake four more times, and then the fifth time, presto! It would do it again.
Our new 4Runner hasn't done it.

 

[tempus6]

My 2010 limited has done it from day 1. Thinking of bringing it up with the dealer next time it's in for an oil change. It's quite annoying.

 

[BAtoBOS]

My 2010 4R trail started doing the brake pedal vibration today at about 8,000 miles. Quite annoying but glad it doesn't seem to be dangerous (I'm driving through Perú right now and not willing for anyone here to open up my truck)

 

[M1911]

I've got 100k miles on my '03 4Runner. I've felt the vibrations from the brake booster pump since it was new. It's normal.

 

[Forza]

I guess this must be "normal". I have a 2005 4R SR, 45K miles on it. I bought it used a few months ago (Toyota Certified Vehicle) and there was none of this humming/vibration that we all have witnessed and heard, until last night.

Mine does this buzzing/humming vibration (like a cell phone on vibrate mode) on every 3rd brake pedal depression.

I took it into the dealer today and after they called me back and said it was "normal", and that I probably didn't notice it before. NEGATIVE..it started last night.

They said they were able to make this vibration/humming sound after each brake pedal depression after I dropped it off..but they said it was "normal" and it was the brake pump recharging. So why now is it recharging then?

Anyway, seems like it's "normal"..I guess..we'll see..

 

[Bay33saw]

Mine has done this too since new. You can hear it as well of you listen carefully. Slight buzzing/vibration.
That combined with the "wet shoe" brake sound is one of my major complaints with the rig. Seems pretty mediocre for the Toyota engineers to accept these things and let it go to production that way.

Wet Shoe sound...LOL My only complaint too....sounds like your standing in dog poop...

 

[terra4r]

I like that descriptor too, wet shoe fits so well. +3 for official name. lol

 

[fishman]

hmm... the brake pedal on my 2012 TE makes a squish noise every time i press on it. it can be heard even with the radio on low volume. it's going in to the service department tomorrow. i'm sure i will hear service advisor say it's normal.

 

[Jeremy556]

hmm... the brake pedal on my 2012 TE makes a squish noise every time i press on it. it can be heard even with the radio on low volume. it's going in to the service department tomorrow. i'm sure i will hear service advisor say it's normal.

When they say "It is normal, they all do that," they won't be lying... this time.