I think on my last pad replacement something wasn't done right. I have a friend at StopTech and he sent me some of their pads for the tC and I had them installed by a local shop.

Do they stop? Yes, but it is spongy and just doesn't feel as great as it should. Everything else mechanically looks sound, so I am thinking it is air in the lines.

What brake fluid is best? What is everyone using? I know what is listed in the manual.

 

There were a couple of threads about this a while ago, and I had / have the same issue. I replaced pads and rotors (drilled/slotted), and the pedal never felt the same afterwards.
I have a power bleeder, and bled the system multiple times, didn't help. The pedal is not firm - car stops fine, but pedal is not right. My wife has an 09 Camry, which is essentially the same system, and that pedal is hard as a rock by comparison. Mine feels like crap.
I believe one of those previous threads mentioned air in the ABS system as the cause. I looked into trying to find the process to bleed that, but never found anything. ABS works as it's supposed to though, have intentionally tried 'panic' stops in the snow to be sure.

 

What you describe is on par exactly with what I am experiencing.

So, it comes to the ABS system and possible air in it. I will continue to Google search etc. and post back anything I find.

Cheers.

 

Seems to be a common issue. Here's one of the old threads, if you feel like reading through it.....

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=186425

 

I am due for an oil change, and gear oil change. I am going to have them bleed the whole system and see if they helps or alleviates the issue. Thanks for the thread.

 

everything I've seen in the service manual for abs, if there is air, regular bleeding (just takes more tries) will get air out of the abs actuator (system). Nothing special. The only thing was special was the bleeding of the master cylinder, that requires a special tool (according to the service manual).

I remember the thread you posted in, and I do remember some tC's that I test drove had that mushy "camry" feeling pedal. While other tC's were firm, hard. It's almost like there were different master cylinders that came from the factory.

And replacing pads usually require the caliper piston to be pushed back into the body of the caliper. That pushes fluid back through the system and will back up into the abs actuator. According to the service manual, its best to open the bleeder screw on the caliper, then the fluid exit there when you push the piston back. The shop may have done that, and didn't bleed the system correctly.

 

That is exactly what happened, I think.

We will find out on Friday. Thanks again guys.