3rd Gen Tundra - turn off auto parking brake for better gas mileage?

[timmbuck2]

A couple reddit threads today about this.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTundra/s/qDUr3pFAaD

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTundra/s/Qr6zmEziCo

Apparently many people have reported that they have had to replace their rear brakes far more often than normal. Theory is that the auto parking brake is not releasing completely. Several people have tried it and even experiencing 3 or 4 more mpg? Anyone have a 3rd Gen with this issue?

 

[RayRay27]

A couple reddit threads today about this.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTundra/s/qDUr3pFAaD

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTundra/s/Qr6zmEziCo

Apparently many people have reported that they have had to replace their rear brakes far more often than normal. Theory is that the auto parking brake is not releasing completely. Several people have tried it and even experiencing 3 or 4 more mpg? Anyone have a 3rd Gen with this issue?

I can attest to the short break life cycle on these trucks though. After only about 15K, I had to have all four corners replaced under a TSB. My front end started to shimmy pretty bad when coming off the highway and slowing down from higher speeds. Mountain States fought with me on it and originally were going to charge me 800 to do a break job but after some tough discussions, they completed the work for free. There are so many hypothesis and theory's on this. I have heard it's because the radar cruise control is constantly braking the vehicle on long drives. I've heard its because Toyota got crappy material during COVID and the breaks are junk. I would think if the parking break isn't fully releasing, it would cause the breaks to make a burning smell.

 

[timmbuck2]

I just can't imagine that the small amount of braking when using the radar cruise control would really wear the brakes down that much. I have used the radar cruise control a lot in my LX and even used it many times on long interstate drives back home. Rear brakes are still fine after 4 years.

The anecdotal evidence is that the brakes are slightly dragging but not enough to smell? But enough to cause a 3 mpg dip? It does not sound like it is happening to everyone...

 

[Squishy!]

It's more or less confirmed the radar cruise causes the rear brake longevity issues. They prioritize rear brakes to prevent unexpected steering. From my personal experience, I used radar cruise quite a bit when I first owned the truck and it tore through the rears. I replaced them with R1 Concepts drilled and slotted rotors and their pads and they've lasted double the mileage so far with hardly any wear. It could be better brake pad and rotors, but I hardly use radar cruise at all these days.