Tundra brakes

The last six digits of the VIN represent the model count off the assembly line. So, if the last six were 002345, it would be vehicle # 2,345 of that particular model. The cut off for a TSB is a vehicle # for which the change has already been made at the factory. So, if Toyota started a change at the factory @ truck # 001234, and yours is 003456, then the TSB would not apply to you.

The Front Brake TSB for the Tundra (BR004-02) is applicable to 2000 - 2003 model year Tundra trucks built before the VIN 5TB**##1#3S340241

The TSB applies to your truck. It is all 2000, 2001, 2002, and early 2003. It is just an info sheet that shows the new parts...new calipers to hold bigger pads plus the parts to allow the calipers to fit--backing plate, brake tubing, nuts & bolts, and wheel bearings 'cuz the old bearings had to be pulled to replace the backing plate.

The TSB authorizes Toyota to pay for the work only if the truck is (1) within the 3-yr/36,000 mile warranty, AND (2) if there is front brake judder. Note that the front brake judder can be caused by rotors warped by uneven tightening of the lug nuts or by pad material deposited on the surface of the rotors. Resurfacing of the rotors sometimes cures the problem, but it often reoccurs..

If you're out of the warranty you have several options. Try premium quality brake pads like Performance Friction, Porterfield, or equal. Try new, top quality rotors (no apparent benefit from cryogenically treated "frozen" rotors nor from drilled rotors; slotted rotors might have some benefit). If you want to buy the new calipers, you can have them installed by an independent shop who can carve away part of the existing backing plate. This saves a lot of money.

Be sure you keep your rear brakes adjusted by using your parking brake periodically. The application of the parking brake adjusts the rears.

Ken

Chips wrote:

Did they change the size or thickness as well?

Anything on the rear brakes get changed?

Thanks,

GC

Sorry, didn't type all I meant to.

Did they change the size or thickness of the rotor?

Rear brakes get any changes?

Thanks,

GC

Same rotor. The fronts only got different calipers for bigger pads. The rears got different adjusters in 2000 and heavier drums in 2001.

Ken

Chips wrote:

Great!

It looks like at some brake job in the future I can just get bigger calipers and pads, new rotors, and attack the backing plates with my die grinder or whatever.

GC