1998 4Runner front brakes rotors making me crazy!!!!

[VA984Runner]

The last set of new Toyota OEM rotors was only about 11K miles ago, with new pads and hardware, and they have already started to pulse. Calipers were replaced 50K miles ago.

Does this have anything to do with the 15" wheels? Is there another brand of rotor that can give me a little more pulse free service?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[BuffaloBass]

Use good rotors and at least Akebono pads, Might be the metallurgy and/or pad material?

 

[phattyduck]

It is less a rotor issue and more a pad issue. The pulsing is uneven pad material deposits on the rotors. OEM pads too?

I was able to correct minor pulsing when I still had the 15" wheel brakes with careful brake applications (basically, a mini version of bedding pads).

Also, with such 'sensitive' brakes, you have to be VERY careful how you come to a stop from high speeds. If at all possible, avoid coming to a complete stop - leave at least 1 car length and very slowly creep to 'wipe' the hot pad material on the rotor instead of baking it in one location.

If you do end up upgrading the front brakes, make sure you also upgrade the rear wheel cylinders to the larger 16" wheel brake units to get an even upgrade in braking power front to rear.

-Charlie

 

[olerunner]

The Tuntra brake caliper/rotors/and pads off the first Gen are a bolt on upgrade for these. I've heard alot of people super happy with that as a solution to the quick degration of the front brakes on these things.

 

[BuffaloBass]

VA98, to olerunner's point...i never had any issue with the brakes, or my son before me , yet come to find out, my 99 does have the Tundra upgrade. My Akeono 438 pads were way too small when i went to freshen them up this weekend!

SO i ordered up '05 Tundra Ake's @ Napa. Yup. Them's the ones. Look at my thread , as one member was kind enough to post all the swap out details. The front calipers did look a bit beefy when i cleaned coated them during the resto.

TUNDRA SWAP HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I didn't do my soft lines yet. Great time to do those as well.

 

[turbodb]

The last set of new Toyota OEM rotors was only about 11K miles ago, with new pads and hardware, and they have already started to pulse. Calipers were replaced 50K miles ago.

Does this have anything to do with the 15" wheels? Is there another brand of rotor that can give me a little more pulse free service?

Any advice appreciated.

This page has a great step-by-step guide (with pics) on the Tundra Brake Upgrade, as well as links to all the parts needed (at varying price points).

The biggest benefit of the upgrade is that you get larger rotors, with more heat absorption and faster dissipation, so you're less likely (in fact, unlikely) to ever warp rotors and get pulsing pedal.

OEM is best for the pads, but for the calipers you shouldn't pay the premium. Get them from your local parts store (ideally) or amazon, which will give a lifetime warranty in case you ever need to replace them. And don't forget the upgraded lines, they make a big difference with the larger calipers.

Step by Step Tundra Brake Upgrade on a Tacoma (or 4Runner) – AdventureTaco

 

[T4R2014]

Ok, please avoid bypassing any form of diagnostics by installing Tundra brakes until you get the actual root cause determined. You have OEM rotors, what about OEM pads?

Here is the #1 issue I've found when dealing with constantly warped brakes: how are you rear drums? Are they original and untouched? Or did someone touch them that has no business touching drums and made them worse? Are you using OEM shoes? Can the emergency brake properly hold the vehicle? If your rear drums have inefficiencies you will overwork the front brakes. Also, at this age I recommend new wheel cylinders and rubber hoses. The ship has sailed on all original rubber components.

 

[VA984Runner]

Ok, please avoid bypassing any form of diagnostics by installing Tundra brakes until you get the actual root cause determined. You have OEM rotors, what about OEM pads?

Here is the #1 issue I've found when dealing with constantly warped brakes: how are you rear drums? Are they original and untouched? Or did someone touch them that has no business touching drums and made them worse? Are you using OEM shoes? Can the emergency brake properly hold the vehicle? If your rear drums have inefficiencies you will overwork the front brakes. Also, at this age I recommend new wheel cylinders and rubber hoses. The ship has sailed on all original rubber components.

I did in fact use OEM pads up front. The drums were replaced 50K miles ago along with new shoes. Seems like my choices are to do a complete overhaul front and back or up grade to the Tundra brakes.

 

[VA984Runner]

This page has a great step-by-step guide (with pics) on the Tundra Brake Upgrade, as well as links to all the parts needed (at varying price points).

The biggest benefit of the upgrade is that you get larger rotors, with more heat absorption and faster dissipation, so you're less likely (in fact, unlikely) to ever warp rotors and get pulsing pedal.

OEM is best for the pads, but for the calipers you shouldn't pay the premium. Get them from your local parts store (ideally) or amazon, which will give a lifetime warranty in case you ever need to replace them. And don't forget the upgraded lines, they make a big difference with the larger calipers.

Step by Step Tundra Brake Upgrade on a Tacoma (or 4Runner) – AdventureTaco

Here's a question: Does this upgrade work with the 15" wheels?

 

[JohnMc]

Here's a question: Does this upgrade work with the 15" wheels?

Almost certainly not. It doesn't fit with some of the older OEM 3rd gen 16" wheels without spacers.

 

[phattyduck]

Here's a question: Does this upgrade work with the 15" wheels?

No, and only works with a few of the stock 16" wheel options. 17's will almost certainly fit. My spare is a 16" and early 1st gen Tundra wheel just to make sure it clears the Tundra brakes and I run 17's as the main wheels for this reason.

If you still run the small tires and appropriate gears, you can get away with the stock brakes if you are careful in how you drive.

-Charlie

 

[T4R2014]

I did in fact use OEM pads up front. The drums were replaced 50K miles ago along with new shoes. Seems like my choices are to do a complete overhaul front and back or up grade to the Tundra brakes.

That's plenty of miles to wear stuff or go out of adjustment. What brand parts used and the last adjustment? It's good to clean the dust out and re-grease every few years. Drums suck but maintaining them makes a huge difference.