Yaris brake problems

280special

Have come across a serious problem with a 2002 1.0 Yaris. When braking the car snaps sideways and on occasion will do a 180 if not caught in time. I have tested this and it seems to happen at virtually any speed from 35 mph upwards and occurs even when only braking sharply rather than an emergency stop..thats a whole other experience !!

The car was in with a toyota dealer and since then a private mechanic who reckoned he had it solved but hadnt !!

Anyone come across this before ?

Nissan doctor

280special wrote: »

Have come across a serious problem with a 2002 1.0 Yaris. When braking the car snaps sideways and on occasion will do a 180 if not caught in time. I have tested this and it seems to happen at virtually any speed from 35 mph upwards and occurs even when only braking sharply rather than an emergency stop..thats a whole other experience !!

The car was in with a toyota dealer and since then a private mechanic who reckoned he had it solved but hadnt !!

Anyone come across this before ?

Sounds like it shouldn't be a hard problem to find!:eek:

280special

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Sounds like it shouldn't be a hard problem to find!:eek:

Thats what i thought, the car was off the road for a good while while in both workshops and we are no further on !

I did begin to wonder if it was as the result of a relatively high centre of gravity and a short wheelbase, but the problem only become apparent in comparitively recently. Wierd thing is that the car got through its NCT since this problem showed up, without any brake related issues.

I have a Yaris and haven't experienced when you have, I would say an alignment issue but as you have had it in two garages and it's passed the NCT this should of been picked up. Only thing I can think of is it's a tyre issue. Braking can put high demands on grip, if there's not enough grip it can cause the car to snap sideways under braking, this is a sign of the rear wheels staring to lock up and loosing adhesion.

Has the car always done this on you?

4odh4n

i have an 01 yaris, had a similar problem develop with it, found the car was snapping sideways because one or both back wheels would sometimes lock up under heavy breaking. took apart rear brake drums to find alot of brake dust was lying inside them, blew all of this out and it cured the problem for me. have had to do it a few times now over the years

4odh4n

4odh4n wrote: »

i have an 01 yaris, had a similar problem develop with it, found the car was snapping sideways because one or both back wheels would sometimes lock up under heavy breaking. took apart rear brake drums to find alot of brake dust was lying inside them, blew all of this out and it cured the problem for me. have had to do it a few times now over the years

That or a warp in a brake disc, but these should of been picked up when the car was checked.

Mr Benevolent

4odh4n wrote: »

i have an 01 yaris, had a similar problem develop with it, found the car was snapping sideways because one or both back wheels would sometimes lock up under heavy breaking. took apart rear brake drums to find alot of brake dust was lying inside them, blew all of this out and it cured the problem for me. have had to do it a few times now over the years

Sounds about right. I've simulated this on the PC and too much forward brake bias will cause the car (any car really) to snap oversteer. The temporary solution is to brake much more gently and the permanent solution is to get rid of the brake dust and replace the rear brake shoes.

280special

Thanks for the replies, I will get the back brake drums looks at pronto ! As far as i know the brake bias valve (?) was changed.

This problem first raised its head about 8 months ago when herself was driving the car and had to make a sudden stop due to the antics of another road user. We tried it out a few days later and it seemed okay but then it happened again when I was driving the car recently and met a loony who pulled out from a side road.

As regards the proficiency of those who looked at the car , the dealer left a lot to be desired, They managed to change one of the light bulbs and out it in the wrong way up..the car failed it's NCT due to this. Makes you wonder how these dealers can charge so much and keep a straight face :mad:!!!

280special

280special wrote: »

As regards the proficiency of those who looked at the car , the dealer left a lot to be desired, They managed to change one of the light bulbs and out it in the wrong way up..the car failed it's NCT due to this. Makes you wonder how these dealers can charge so much and keep a straight face :mad:!!!

I hear you on that.