2001 Toyota RAV4 left front brake

Tiny
RAV4PROB
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 68,000 MILES
How does the left front brake deploy itself while I'm driving. I have replaced the entire brake system including the master cyclinder all the hoses, calipers everything related to the brake system on the car and nothing has helped. The problem is intermitant. The brakes are not ABS.
Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 5:18 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
I have found the problem is usually caused by a overadjusted brake light switch which puts the smallest amount of pressure on the brake pedal causing the brake to lock up when it gets hot.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 5:47 AM
Tiny
RAV4PROB
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Tim,

Can the brake light be adjusted or does it need to be replaced?

If this will fix the problem you will become my hero,
heck let's just say super hero. This has been a nightmare with the Toyota dealership and others and it's approaching $2000 in costs.

Thanks
jerry
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 6:07 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
It can be adjusted. Im pretty sure its a lock nut system, just loosen the nut and spin it out then retighten the nut. Or if its a self adjuster then just pull up on the brake pedal and you will hear a click click noise, this will be the ratchet adjuster.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Remember you need a little free play when brake pedal is released.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
RAV4PROB
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Tim,
I tried adjusting the brake switch a little and then a lot and the brake still grabs and locks. I loosened the nut and twisted the switch clockwise. Is that correct?
Do you know of anyother thing I can check. This has been going on for 1-1/2 years. I have replaced everything that can be replaced on the brake system. I'm having to ride my bicycle to work and it's January in Colorado.
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Thursday, January 29th, 2009 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Counter clockwise. You want the pedal a little loose
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Friday, January 30th, 2009 AT 11:26 AM

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