2005 Avensis Brake Failure

[g60luke]

Hi,

Father in law has a 2005 1.8 Petrol Avensis.
Has owned the car 4 years and 60k miles and never really had any issues.

He was driving it the other day, and the brakes totally failed to work. Pedal went to floor and did nothing... Luckily swerved into free road and stopped on gears/handbrake. Got out to apologise to pedestrian who thought he was driving like an idiot! But when he got back in the car and restarted the brakes were fine.
Is now in Toyota and they say there is nothing wrong with them!?

Road conditions were perfect etc...
Car has been fastidiously maintained/cared for etc..

2 questions:
1. Has anyone heard/experienced this?
2. What to do next?

By the way before anyone states the obvious operator error, it definitely is not the case

[Petrolhead_Rich]

Airlock in the ABS pump /Guess

Doesn't sound good!

[Cemesis]

When was the brake fluid last changed? If it hasn't been done in years then thats the most likely cause. When it boils you'll get exactly those symptoms (happened to me). Any compitent mechanic would look at that.

[Parrot of Doom]

I'd be checking the vehicle's mats.

[catman]

The OP stated that the brake pedal went to the floor without effect. I can't see how the mats would cause this.

It would have been different if he couldn't get the pedal down far enough.

Tim

[Parrot of Doom]

Maybe he's an old gimmer who stamped the clutch instead.

[JollyGrnMonster]

Wheel bearing causing pad knock off?

[TRUENOSAM]

I would be fully stripping the servo and vac pipes for a start to inspect then working my way through the whole hydralic system then ensuring all caliper pistons are free. Obviously check the discs and pads etc