Hello, all. I have a 2007 RAV4 that I bought last July. The brakes felt a little soft on the test drive; I asked them to look into that and make adjustments, and after that it seemed fine. Two weeks ago I started getting a grinding sound when I pushed the brakes hard enough (I’m generally really…

Anytime a brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor, no matter how long you sit at a stop means there’s a problem with the brake master cylinder. Brake/clutch master cylinders can be effected by temperature. So if you notice this sinking brake pedal when the temperature changes, It points to a brake mas…

Thanks, Tester. So I think you’re saying, I should replace the master cylinder anyway, although I haven’t had the pedal drop since the brake work was done, because there may be other factors, like temperature, which may be masking a problem?

It is possible since the brakes were totally worn out that the reservoir had dropped too low and there was air in the system, and now that the system has been well bled there’s no problem. Since you stated that you’re easy on the brakes, it’s a possibility. Most folks would jave pumped them and felt…

Update: Brakes are still acting OK, but I’m getting the MC replaced anyway. The mechanic said the reservoir was not particularly low when he did the earlier brake work, and frankly, I need it done for peace of mind. Maybe it’s marginally bad. It’ll get done as part of the 60,000 mile checkup.

Sometimes it is worth the money just to sleep better. Sincere best.

I could be the MC is a little iffy and when the brake work was done new brake fluid was introduced into the system, which rejuvenated the MC. 5-6 years is a little young for a master cylinder to go. If I had any doubts about a master cylinder I would change it too If you get the brake fluid repla…

Thanks, circuitsmith - how would the master cylinder be rejuvenated by new brake fluid? (curious…) Work is getting done tomorrow, by the way - thanks, all.

Clean fluid free of moisture might help the seals work better for awhile. They’re mysterious little fellows…

Update: So, I got the MC replaced (and tranny fluid changed, and 60,000 mile checkup). Brakes seem a bit better - surer. Or it could be my imagination. At any rate, it’s done and I don’t have to worry if I have a marginal master cylinder. I’d rather have a car that can’t go, than can’t stop. Ch…

Well, the beat goes on - looks like the mechanic put the wrong transmission fluid in. He was stating to me with confidence that he uses only Toyota products, “T4”. I went home, looked it up, and that’s the wrong stuff, it’s supposed to be “WS”. I called up the area Toyota dealer the next day, the…

2007 RAV4 brakes - fixed for sure?

Maintenance/Repairs

galant February 12, 2012, 11:20pm 12

No damage, WS is full synthetic and newer version. Maybe a drain and refill X 2 to 3 would suffice. YOu should be able to do it yourself. With the cost of the ATF, your bill is going to be high. You will probably need 8-10 qts of fluid at the tune of $6+ per qt.

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2007 RAV4 brakes - fixed for sure?

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