Avensis Tourer 2010 Moan Noise From Brakes + Alloys Bubbling Up

[Felonius Gru]

Have scoured posts with no luck. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same issues as me with the car brakes?

At low speed <30mph I often get a rotational moan noise, around the local 20mph speed zones it can be very noisy. It stops as soon as the foot brake is touched leading me think that the brake calipers aren't releasing fully. It is intermittent so has given the local Toyota dealership a problem diagnosing and I can't tell if it's front or rear. It's due to go in for the third time in as many months in a week or so.

The discs and pads were replaced by Toyota at service 28/2/14 at 40k miles. One year on and the car has 52k on the clock so little use. Dealer has checked service bulletins which indicate a previous problem with the T270 brakes and a revised disc/pad combination, I have this latest version fitted according to parts records. There is also apparently a bulletin about greasing a release pin/sleeve in the calipers which is what will happen during the visit.

Also my alloys are not looking great, there's no scuff damage but lots of surface bubbling. Any experiences of getting this sorted under the 5 year warranty?

Thanks in advance.

[gazza1286]

My 58 plate grumbled for a couple of years after I got it. I knew that it was due to the genuine pads and discs but I was too mean to change them as there was plenty of wear left. Once I swapped them over to Mintex pads and discs - no more issues.

[smoky2004]

You can get the alloys refurbed, cost about £50-£60 a wheel I think, they are dipped in acid, then powder coated, painted and lacquered. Come out looking like brand new wheels. Only takes a few hours to get it all done.

[Devon Aygo]

Alloy wheels are covered up to 5 years/100,000 miles for functional manufacturing defects such as cracks/breaks but only for 3 years for cosmetic issues with the paint

[Felonius Gru]

Good news, after the third visit the calipers have been stripped and the 'sliders' (whatever they are) greased. This is in line with a tech bulletin issued by Toyota (quote by head mechanic). Not sure why it took 3 visits to sort, however, 4 days later all still seems well.