# Do my 2004 Camry brakes need fixed? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [July 26, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988 "2026-07-26T15:03:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/41 "2026-08-07T21:08:36Z")
Just as a novice but I have driven some miles, I have only had one brake booster go bad. It was on my 59 and the symptom was the pedal would stick down and you’d have to pry it up with your foot. A $10 used one took care of it. I have had several master cyl though and the symptom was the pedal going to the floor and sometimes could be pumped up. Just replace the dang thing. What can it cost? See a dealer if you have to. ---
**Author:** ![art1966](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@art1966](https://community.cartalk.com/u/art1966)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/42 "2026-08-07T21:32:47Z")
Thanks, Bing. I’m willing to pay a pro so I won’t have to learn how to bench bleed the MC or how to bleed the entire brake system, and so I won’t have to mess with brake fluid. (This would be an opportunity to do the regular brake fluid replacement, as mentioned way back in this topic.) I just need to get a reliable diagnosis. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/43 "2026-08-07T22:45:27Z")
> [@art1966](#): > > Engine idling: > > - With each downward stroke, there is a whooshing/hissing sound. Does the hissing sound stop once the brake pedal bottoms out at the end of its travel, or does it continue hissing until you release the brake pedal??? Engine off: Depress the brake pedal 4–5 times (you should have about 3 pedal pumps before using up all the vacuum assist) and hold the pedal down—do not release it… While continuing to hold the brake pedal, start the vehicle… Watch/feel what the pedal does… On a properly functioning vacuum booster, when the engine starts and vacuum is applied to the booster, the brake pedal should drop some under your foot… That’s the classic vacuum-booster functional test… ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/44 "2026-08-07T23:15:49Z")
> [@art1966](#): > > 1. With the engine idling, when I press ■■■■■■■ the brake pedal the pedal goes (sort-of) slowly to the floor. With the pedal to the floor and the car in Drive, the brakes hold against moderately revved-up engine I have heard this complaint many times, even with new cars. I doubt you are really pressing the brake pedal to the floor. If the pedal was “to the floor”, the brake pedal would be compressing the carpet, and the brake warning light would be on. Try applying the brake that hard while driving 25 mph; you will understand why that is a flawed assessment. You are applying the brake way too hard and compressing the brake booster. If there is space under the brake pedal for the toes on your left foot, the pedal is not to the floor. You have been driving this car for how many years without a brake pedal complaint? And now you found that the brake pedal has more travel when the vehicle is at rest. > [@art1966](#): > > I think that’s what everybody here (including myself) is guessing. You mechanic drove the vehicle, he is not guessing. ---
**Author:** ![Repulsive\_War\_018](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecb155/32.png) [@Repulsive\_War\_018](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Repulsive_War_018)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 6:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/45 "2026-08-11T06:42:44Z")
> [@art1966](#): > > (I feel like I’ve asked about this before, but I can’t find it with search. Apologies if I’m repeating. And if I am repeating, maybe it indicates that I’m getting closer to hoping the kids take away my car keys.) > > I have two symptoms that I think indicate repair is needed, but I want to check with you experts. > > 1. Braking gently to a stop, just before stopping I feel a sudden small reduction of braking force and a small increase (I think) in engine RPM (like when the AC compressor turns off), and I need to push the brake pedal a bit harder. The car always stops ok. I do not notice this when braking hard. (It’s been happening for a few years. I don’t remember if it ever did definitely not happen.) > > 2. A few weeks ago, something prompted me to check for leaking cylinders (master or wheel). With the engine idling, when I press ■■■■■■■ the brake pedal the pedal goes (sort-of) slowly to the floor. With the pedal to the floor and the car in Drive, the brakes hold against moderately revved-up engine (left foot on brake, right foot on accelerator). For the 18 years that I’ve had the car the brake pedal never had a “sharp” grab that I can remember. OTOH when driving some other family cars (a Nissan, a Honda) I felt that the brakes grabbed much more sharply. The pedal slowly sinking while you hold pressure is worth getting checked, as it can point to a master cylinder or hydraulic issue. The change in braking feel near a stop could have several causes too. I’d have the brake system inspected soon rather than keep driving and guessing. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/46 "2026-08-11T12:56:21Z")
> [@Repulsive\_War\_018](#): > > The pedal slowly sinking while you hold pressure is worth getting checked, The person with this problem did have a shop look at it. ---
**Author:** ![art1966](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@art1966](https://community.cartalk.com/u/art1966)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/47 "2026-08-13T19:49:54Z")
I finally got enough time to do some of the recommended tests and to compose this long answer. Responding to Nevada\_545: _I have heard this [pedal to the floor] complaint many times, even with new cars. I doubt you are really pressing the brake pedal to the floor. If the pedal was “to the floor”, the brake pedal would be compressing the carpet, and the brake warning light would be on._\* I should have said that the pedal goes down until something reaches a hard stop. (The pedal goes pretty far down. “To the floor” was an inappropriate colloquialism.) _Try applying the brake that hard while driving 25 mph; you will understand why that is a flawed assessment. You are applying the brake way too hard and compressing the brake booster._ Thanks for the new suggestion. I did this, and the pedal was firm as the car came to a stop (even a little ABS action). After the car stopped, the pedal (as before) moved slowly downward. _You have been driving this car for how many years without a brake pedal complaint? And now you found that the brake pedal has more travel when the vehicle is at rest._ That’s the whole point. Driving this car – almost exclusively – for 19 years, I did not notice any soft-brake-pedal problems. Then I drove a different car that had much sharper brake pedal action (less force, less travel). So I wondered, “Could it be that my car’s braking has slowly deteriorated, and I have not noticed it because the brakes still work OK?” That’s what prompted me to start experimenting and to ask my original question: Do the brakes need fixed? _Quoting art1966: I think that’s what everybody here (including myself) is guessing._ “Guessing” was a really bad word choice. I should have said “using our knowledge and experience to predict what we will find when we test” _You mechanic drove the vehicle, he is not guessing._ That’s the other whole point. My Trusted Independent Mechanic says I’m OK. Some contributors here are doubtful. Responding to davesmopar: _Does the hissing sound stop once the brake pedal bottoms out at the end of its travel, or does it continue hissing until you release the brake pedal???_ Stops when the pedal bottoms out. _Engine off: Depress the brake pedal 4–5 times (you should have about 3 pedal pumps before using up all the vacuum assist) and hold the pedal down—do not release it…_ Takes only 1-1/2 strokes before hissing stops (and pedal stiffens). _While continuing to hold the brake pedal, start the vehicle… Watch/feel what the pedal does…_ _On a properly functioning vacuum booster, when the engine starts and vacuum is applied to the booster, the brake pedal should drop some under your foot… That’s the classic vacuum-booster functional test_ Just like you said, except the pedal bottoms out (instead of dropping “some”). ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/48 "2026-08-14T14:40:50Z")
The problem is how the brake actions were being describe. ‘Bottoms out’ to me is nearly the same as “to the floor”. “Soft pedal” to me is air in the brake fluid. Another thing you posted is “pedal slowly sinks to the floor”, or words to that nature, to me, that indicates either a leaking master cylinder or wheels cylinder. If fact, that was a recommended check when purchasing a used car. Yes, drum brakes not correctly adjusted, can cause a low pedal. When I had drums I made it a habit to hit the brake pedal hard when backing out of my driveway. Seemed that’s all it took to keep them adjusted. Not trying to be too critical. This is not uncommon. Much like a person stating their car won’t crank, when in reality the car cranks fine but will not start. Just for the heck of it, tried both my car and truck. Engines off, I don’t like to start them unless I am going to drive them. Neither vehicle has drums. 2013 truck, around 72000 miles, pads have been replaced, rotors resurface about 20,000 miles ago, pedal hard, does not sink under pressure. 2020 car, 32000 miles, no brake work yet, pedal hard, does not sink. Update: Tried with car running, again pedal does not sink. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/49 "2026-08-14T17:02:26Z")
> [@art1966](#): > > I finally got enough time to do some of the recommended tests and to compose this long answer. Now you need to do the _clamp off all the brake hoses and release one at a time thing_ to see what it does (as I posted about prior), that is what will tell you the most about your brake pedal slowly sinking issue, or where to look next basically and can eliminate everything below the clamped area… Can still have other issues like internal bleed off in the ABS modulator (if you have ABS), but that is for another day… Make sure to use proper clamps or make your own, if you don’t know what you are doing you can damage the (rubber) brake hose… Any shop that does brake repairs should easily be able to do this, if they don’t know or understand how to do this test, then it is time to find a new brake shop that does… The hard part for us Pros and the skilled DIYers is we can only go by what you are describing since we can not test drive to confirm your issue, we might say it is normal if we were to feel the pedal ourselves, or we might all agree with your findings, but from being behind a keyboard it makes it much harder to help anyone in your situation… ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/50 "2026-08-14T17:41:46Z")
> [@art1966](#): > > Then I drove a different car that had much sharper brake pedal action (less force, less travel). What was this other car? Every make and model of car can have a different brake pedal feel depending on the design and operation of the system and on many cars these days the brake pedal isn’t even directly connected to the hydraulic system that actuates the calipers–a “brake by wire” system. ---
**Author:** ![art1966](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@art1966](https://community.cartalk.com/u/art1966)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/51 "2026-08-20T15:11:31Z")
Closing this thread (I think). First --[quote=“asemaster, post:50, topic:205988”] What was this other car? Every make and model of car can have a different brake pedal feel depending on the design and operation of the system… [/quote] It was either my daughter’s 2019 Corolla or her husband’s 2015 Nissan Altima. I am aware (and my mechanic reminded me) that brake pedal action will feel different from model to model, and even from one 21-year-old Camry to another. I talked to the mechanic Monday (three days ago). He assured me that they test drove the car before and after the brake work. (Again, he’s honest enough that he did NOT take advantage of the opportunity to sell me a MC replacement.) Tuesday and Wednesday I exercised the brake pedals on the Corolla and the Altima. The feel is similar to my Camry (thought the Camry is a bit more noticeable). The Camry brakes fine, even in simulated panic stops. (Useful for abating the surface corrosion groaning that comes with braking after long periods parked.) I think I just over-reacted to the small difference between the Corolla/Altima and the Camry. I “tested” the Camry by holding really, really hard force on the brake pedal. I mistook the soft-ish feel for a potential problem. Thank you, all, for your advice. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/52 "2026-08-20T15:54:28Z")
I am starting to wounder if you are just feeling the old brake hoses “swelling” a little bit under hard pressure?.. But yeah, IIFC the 15 Altima has 4 wheel disc brakes, so the stopping will feel different than your Camry, and the 19 Corolla has disc drum depending on trim level, but it does have TSS (Toyota safety sense) and I know the disc drum with TSS on my truck feels different then all my other vehicles when stopping… Different vehicles will have different braking feels for nothing else than they are different braking setups… But it is always better to be safe than sorry… ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988/53 "2026-08-20T16:31:14Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > Different vehicles will have different braking feels for nothing else than they are different braking setups… +1 You can add regenerative braking systems (on EVs, hybrids, and PHEVs), which generally have a _somewhat_ different feel than other braking systems. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-my-2004-camry-brakes-need-fixed/205988.md?page=2)