Weak brake – Toyota Rav4

[Maher]

I have Toyota Rav4 year 2008, 6 cylinder. The brake is not very effective. Most of the braking force is to the front wheels and it takes more than other vehicles time to stop. I do not have to exert effort when depressing the brake pedal.The Booster is working normally. I noticed when the vehicle is not moving and If I press the brake pedal too hard, there is a little bit spongy feeling and the ABS light comes on. Release my feet from the brake pedal , after few seconds the ABS light goes off. I checked to see of there is air trapped in the system by releasing the pressure from each wheel. No air, but the flow of brake fluid in the rear wheels is slow. I changed the front brake pads, and I changed the brake fluid , but no improvement to the braking force.
Not sure what is the problem? is the brake master cylinder weak or is there a problem with the ABS?

Topic

[Wyr Twister]

Also visually check to see if the brake line / lines to the rear is dented , kinked / damaged .

Disk or drum on the back ?

God bless
Wyr

[Maher]

The brake lines are fine. Do you think the master cylinder is weak?
why does the ABS line come ON when I continue pressing the brake pedal very hard when the vehicle is not in motion? The light turns off after few seconds. Is this normal?

[Wyr Twister]

Sorry , I am out of Ideas .

If it is the master cylinder , looks like they are $ 50 – $ 100 on RockAuto.com .

God bless
Wyr

[Richard Kirshy]

Have you checked for any codes even if the is no warning light?
There is a possibility may have contaminated brake fluid.
Not sure if your brake system requires a specific procedure (activating the ABS) in order to bleed the system correctly.

There also may be 2 different issues at play here also.
Spongy brake pedal, which could be air or contamination, mechanical issue with a caliper, wheel cylinder, master cylinder, brake booster

ABS light which might be due to a faulty wheel sensor

[Author]

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