Is that OK on this 4runner?

I've been reading that some say that we have heavy duty rotors that only require replacement if warped or damaged.

That would be great if true but I wanted to see if others have done that and make sure it won't lead to squealing new pads or excessive dust!

My runner has 54k miles on the original rotors.

I always replace my rotors (especially the front) every time I change brakes. Call it OCD or safety OCD. Rotors are cheap. If they have lifetime warranty, replacement is free.

If your rotors are warped (really just have pad material fused to the rotor) you could get them turned.

You can only turn rotors down to their minimum safe thickness stamped on the rotor itself.

Dust is from organic brakes. I go with ceramic, no dust.

Brakes already? I just had brakes and shocks done in 2017 @ 121K miles.
Only the pads done, rotors did not even need turned, I noticed the brake pedal a little spongy which is only reason to have them done. Request pads that do not dust.

Did you use toyota pads?

Previous owner was older and drove with two feet.....one on the brake at all times. I'm thinking thats why they are so worn already.

Not sure what brand my independent shop used (Christian Bros). Doubt it was Toyota. I replaced the original pads.

I agree. If you can afford it, change it all.

the only time I have replaced rotors is when they rusted on the rotor braking surface .. get rust blisters.. I do check the brakes every tire rotation ..

when replacing the brake pads @ 60K miles you should not have rotor issues. bleed brakes start by bleeding the r/rear then L/rear then RT/frt then LFT/frt.. open bleed screw with a hose in a small container that has brake fluid in it then using a C clamp push the cal pistons back then close the bleed screw.. do not want bad/nasty old fluid to get back into the master cyl..

do rears first then fronts ..I also put a small amount of anti seize on the brake pad backing plate .. never had noise over decades ..also pads do not stick or rust up in the pocket.


if you need brakes @30K miles then possible your putting a lot of stress on the braking system , rotors will get heat damaged..

wait wut

You have 54,000 miles on a 2006 4Runner???

I'm like some others - I don't obsess about the rotors so much. I inspect them when replacing pads, and replace if needed.

I concur.

My father drove this way because he was taught it in Police Academy in the late 50's. My father-in-law drives this way because he grew up in the hills of PA.

Originally Posted by thennen View Post
I'm like some others - I don't obsess about the rotors so much. I inspect them when replacing pads, and replace if needed.

I concur as well...

Give it a whirl with just the pads. The first time I did that I ended up replacing the rotors 6 months later as there was some pulsing. But if you do it yourself it’s super easy.

Next two times I just replaced the pads. No pulsing, but now a few years later they squeal in reverse and the calipers seem stiff when I try to retract them. So calipers prob need to be replaced the next rear brake job, but pads are so cheap I’m just going to ride it out for now, even if the caliper will make them wear quicker.


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