I own a 08 4runner sports ed. (problem noticed from 14-15K miles). Always hear a squeaking sound when applying the brakes when it's cold or at least 10-15 minutes without using brakes like driving on freeway. This noise only comes from the 1st application, and up to 3rd application to the brakes(from speed of 30mph+), stop-no-go traffic there's no sound or normal city driving... Dealer tried fixing both front/back disc (rotor, pad, shims), but the noise is still there. Also, my RPM goes up & down abt 300rpm during idling(in stop) in Drive, dealer tells me its the heater/defrost that I have on low fan(when it kicks in) causing the RPM to go up/down. Believe it causes my car to jolt a little and bumping sound from the front brakes when the idle goes up. Dealer requesting me to find the source of the sound... Any advice on these two problems I have?

Welcome aboard! Maybe your brakes are just dirty. I haven't eyeballed my rpm to 300. In fact, i haven't seen my needle go below half of 1000rpm.

Thanks for the reply/advice, but we(dealer & I) first thought the same with dirt/dust but everything cleaned(rear rotors cleaned/lubed) and even was raining after this cleaning...still noise comes out strong. Later the dealer replaced rear rotors, lube caliper & spindle, and replaced rear brake pads. Then my last work done by dealer included removed rear brakes, removed shims and lubricated backing as needed... A total of 3 trips to the same dealer and the noise/squeaking still continues. My only guess is that it could be the front and wondering why the dealer just doesn't do the same for front and reat at the same time... And, idling is around 550rpm in drive, but with the low fan in defrost/heater on cause my idling to go up to 300rpm a few seconds and go back down..? It's not my A/C thats on and this occurs every minute or two(not a constant up/down)... and bothers me the most is when my car gives a little jolt if my brakes are not pressed hard(enough to stay in stop) and at times makes a bumping sound in the front when taking my foot off the brakes & when idling goes up at the same time. Just don't seem to be right for a 18months old 4runner... Any other suggestions???

The "Jolt" could and probably is (if I'm reading the description correctly) the Driveshaft thump, which all of the 4th Runners suffer from.

Also, the Brake Boost (?) causes a momentary jolt at Idle with Brakes on as well.

Best to Search the forum.

If your foot isn't firm on the brakes, when the A/C compressor cycles, it can cause your 4Runner to surge forward. My 4Runner and '05 Tacoma both do this. Apparently, it's very common with the Tacoma's.

Sort of relief to hear your input, although I'm not happy that Toyota's (4runners / Tacoma) suffer these problem... I guess it's likely the driveshaft thump since it does feel like it, or like the transmission from a Subaru... Any of you have any squeaking sound when you press your brake when it's cold (up to 3 times or so when driving over 30mph.)?

The Brakes could just be cold. what kind of pads are you using? I use Ceramic Pads and they sweek when cold but I solve that by doing 2 quick 55-20 mostly hard stops and the brakes don't sweek. It's odd I never use the AC and I still get the surge when I'm at a stop light. I thought it was the transmission down shifting. I surprised your RPM goes down to 300 RPM. Is your car a diesel? please take no offense I'm only guessing by your name. My Ford Idles at 350-500 RPM in the cold now so if you car is diesel than no problem if is gas be it V6 or V8 I'd check the timing. had this problem with my 97 Rav4 and the timing was to re****ed. hope this helps.

No sounds with the brakes on my Tacoma or 4Runner. The Tacoma rarely sees temps below mid 40's F and is on the second set of OEM pads. The 4Runner has seen low teens and it's on the original set of pads.