Brake Skimming

[themadscotsman]

I've got to take my Avensis in to have the "brakes skimmed" next week - under warranty thankfully!

I was wondering if anyone could tell me why I'd need to have it done and what it involves ?

Thanks in advance!

[jamesholden]

If the brakes are very slightly warped, corroded or scored but there is plenty of thickness left in the disc then they can be skimmed rather than replaced.

Basically, they are ground down very finely to level off and give an even surface again to the disc.

[avensis sr]

Got to have mine done too. Under warranty thank god!!

[themadscotsman]

Thanks! Any idea what would cause them to warp is it just due to wear and tear?

[billsinc]

This seems to be something Toyota dealers like to do. They did mine on my Carina previously and suggested I needed it done on the Avensis.

Seems odd if very few other manufacurers do as many as Toyota.

[fatmore]

I took my Avensis to a non dealer back in November. Apparently the dics in Avensis are well known for warping.

[selectrom]

I've got to take my Avensis in to have the "brakes skimmed" next week - under warranty thankfully!

I was wondering if anyone could tell me why I'd need to have it done and what it involves ?

My 2002 Avensis has totaled 75000Km (about 46000 miles).

I had the brakes skimmed at 25000; the dealer said it was my driving fault.

I replaced the discs at 50000, again the dealer said it could be the way I break.

At 75000 they are still warped and need service again. This time they admitted having a problem on Avensis and Corolla Verso cars: it seems that when we break at high speed ( > 120Kmh), heat builds up and discs can warp.

I previously owned a Honda Accord: 200000Km without replacing even the brake pads, that's how I drive.

When I bought the Avensis in December 2002, I was aware of the breaks problem through internet, but I thought Toyota would solve it. They did not.

Interestingly enough, I test drove a brand new 2004 Prius: the breaks squeaked!

--

M. Springhetti

www.arofe.com

[css]

I just had my discs skimmed last weekend and the guy who did it happens to be a head mechanic in the local dealership. It seems that it is a known issue with the Avensis, and that's about it. Discs warp.. I was paying to have it done, and knew the issue was there already. I asked him if they were going to resolve it, and he said they had no indication they were, it was just simply a known issue, one of the few he also said..

[Hippy *-UK-*]

Got to have mine done too. Under warranty thank god!!

I've got corroded brake discs - Are theses covered by warranty?

[Hippy *-UK-*]

I called the garage - They have stated that corroded disks are not covered by warranty

:( :(

[Hippy *-UK-*]

The plot thickens!! I now know this to be a known issue after speaking with a number of garages and parts stockists. I have had two complety different answers from the two Toyota service centres near me so I decided to call Toyota GB directly.

They have stated:

It is ultimately the decision of the local dealership to decide whether this is covered by warranty or not

I'm so cheesed of with completly different explanations from Toyota (or their representatives) I just wish they could make up their minds!

I was planning on getting a previa next (big family) but after my wonderful experiences with Toyota I don't think I'll bother

[feichter]

On our last service (Avensis - 40000miles) brakes needed skimming due to corrosion. Done under warranty. Just paid for new pads.