New member here to the fourm. I have a new 4Runner have only put 1500 miles on so far. I find the brakes to be VERY spongy. I can also hear a air hissing noise from the brake pedal area when the pedal is pushed down. I have what seems to be about 3" or so of break pedal travel before the brakes engage and then it's very soft from there all the way down.

Dropping the truck off tomorrow so the dealer can have look. Have any of you here experienced the same? Thanks in advance for your comments.

have a 2012 TE as well, noticed the same brake noise, It's the hydraulic brake system instead of the vacuum system most vehicles have. Nothing wrong, just turn the radio up to drown it out! As for spongy, it's all relative to what you came from. I love the brakes compared to my 2010 f150 work truck which is unbelievably touchy. If they're stopping you properly, that's what is important, just may have to get accustomed to them is all.

Curious what the dealer reply is for you. let us know!

normal

Hmmmmmm. First I've heard of this.

It's normal

^^^ This.

It's called the "soggy shoe" syndrome and it's perfectly normal.

I hate when people on here describe the brake noise as normal. It's anything but normal. Definitely not acceptable.

Anyway OP, check out this thread:Brake pedal noise

It's "NORMAL" for this 4runner - so yes, we call it "normal". That's to say, this is how it works for everyone, and the fact that thier vehicle is showing that symptom, is "NORMAL".

While the pedal may seem "squishy" and make a "swooosh" sound, applying firm pressure results in a very quick stop. I've never had an issue with my brakes, in fact, my pads aren't even wearing after 2 years. I'll take these "normal" breaks over any vehicle that I have to replace pads every 6 months. Just takes getting used too.

To the OP: Welcome to the Forums.

The Hydra Boost unit uses hydraulic pressure and a high pressure accumulator tank to provide assistance in braking like a vacuum unit. The hiss is from the high pressure being released to assist in braking and is a normal function. The 4th gens also have this noise, you will also hear a motor running occasionally on start up, driving and after extended breaking as the system is repressurizing.

As for the pedal travel , isn't much you can do about it. Usually deflection (using this term to indicate free pedal travel until hydraulic fluid is actually pushing on the piston ) is about an inch or so. In addition, due to the high pressures achievable with the Hydra Boost system, it will make your braking effort seem far less or soggy. I've found that if you get used to the system, you can actually fe el when the pads start to bite.

I had to replace my unit due to internal failure, but it is a rare occurrence. I would only worry about it if your pedal travel is bottoming out and the vehicle is not stopping properly.

Yeah the brakes take some getting used to, (and the nose dive that comes with it) but wow these things sure can stop.

Once you get used to how they work, the brakes are one of the best things about the 4Runner.

Make sure you tie everything down good, because in a panic stop it will all be coming up front.

Normal for 4Runner, abnormal for 99% of any other vehicle on the road. There are other large body-on-frame vehicles that can stop just as well as the 4R and have acceptable levels of brake pad wear...all without the noise.

It seems to me that the "normal" vs. "not normal" debate is more properly viewed as "it is not a defect, just a consequence of the design."

When comparing the design choice to other vehicles, you may consider the 4runner's design to be inferior. That does not necessarily mean the braking noises are a defect... just a consequence of a design which you do not prefer.

If no one else has noticed it in their 5th gen (the brakes in my Limited grab like a 13 year old with a Hustler magazine), then it's probably not normal.

That's my theory anyway.

I remember 13 and Hustler. Your analogy in fairly nondescript. As I remember, it can either be fast and hard, or slow and soft. If you are not satisfied, grab you Hustler and go to the dealer. They might be able to help. Be safe.