iceman1212

I've noticed that the brakes in my 2013 ES350 are very "grabby", i.e., as I apply pressure to brake pedal, it feels like it quickly goes from 0% braking force to 100% braking force. I prefer having the braking force increase a bit more steadily as in my older Camry, which still has the same braking force when slammed but allows me to increase braking force more gradually, if I want.

To be clear, I'm NOT asking for lower braking force when brakes are slammed - I'm simply asking for how I can make the braking power increase a bit more smoothly depending on how hard I push brakes.

Sorry if I'm not describing this well!

Littleguy

So, pedal feel would mostly be controlled by the brake master cylinder. I would check the brake fluid level, maybe bleed the brakes, if anything. It is sort of hard to tell without being in front of the car in person.

Another avenue may be to just get slotted/drilled rotors next time you change the brakes. Less surface area for the pads to make contact with the rotor should give you a bit less initial bite, but I doubt it would be a hugely noticeable difference.

Eslader

You'll get a little more of a bite with slotted rotors because the pad will scrape against the slot edge. You'll also be more prone to excessive pad wear for the same reason. Crossdrilled rotors crack and don't do anything useful unless you're on a race track.

OP, you should try to find a 2013 ES for sale in your area and go test drive it to make sure what you're interpreting as grabby brakes isn't just how the brakes are. Personally I find the brakes to be somewhat... Sedate. But then I'm used to the brakes in my MR2, and it takes very little pedal input to throw people against the seat belts in that car.

Littleguy

By golly, I think you are right

norakat

The brand/type of brake pads also determine how they respond. I highly recommend Akebono pads (the higher end) for a nice response and like another person mentioned- if you have slotted or drilled rotors switch to normal ones to make less grabby.

i had grabbier brake pads before and problem has since gone away w Akebono.

I would also check brake components are properly lubricated and lines well bled.

And as other person mentioned check master cylinder if all else is ok.

st1800

Golly, some cars grab more, some grab less, don’t look for zebras, when the horses are running.