2000 4Runner Jerks Right When Braking

[moto377]

Hi, I have a 2000 4WD 4Runner Limited. When I hit the brakes at nearly any speed, the steering wheel jerks to the right but almost immediately returns to center and braking then feels even left-to-right. All brakes (pads, shoes, drums and rotors) are new, front and rear. I am thinking it is a lazy left caliper that after the jerk "catches up" and braking feels normal again. Problem happens every time I hit the brakes.

Any other thoughts or ideas to pursue, or does this seem like the calipers should be replaced???

Thanks

 

[Brian.]

Sounds like "stuck" pistons on the left side that don't squeeze both pads evenly. On floating calipers (not ours), it could be bound up calipers on the pins. Common stuff if you don't clean the pistons off every time you change the pads.

You can either replace the calipers or rebuild what you have. I'm the kind that rebuilds, Especially OEM parts. Not hard stuff, there are videos out there on YT if you want to see what's involved.

 

[moto377]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to replace or rebuild.

I have the same color 4Runner as you do. Your truck looks so nice. Mine is in great shape, garage kept and has not seen to much salt. I am in process of getting minor body work done to clean it up. After I read your maintenance thread I may have some questions if you don't mind! Currently looking for the front end caps for the left and right running boards...

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to replace or rebuild.

I have the same color 4Runner as you do. Your truck looks so nice. Mine is in great shape, garage kept and has not seen to much salt. I am in process of getting minor body work done to clean it up. After I read your maintenance thread I may have some questions if you don't mind! Currently looking for the front end caps for the left and right running boards...

Yeah sounds like just an afternoon of brake maintenance. Easy to pop out the pistons and observe/refurbish.

 

[trevlf]

I may have to do the same thing to mine. Mine drives like crap and when I have to brake suddenly it rips to the left and stays there until i let off or counter steer. If i brake slowly it brakes just fine.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Check your control arm bushings too. I had a pull and couldn't find it and once I replaced the bushings, it went away

 

[St Runner]

I had bad control arm bushing that would make it jerk under braking but it was both left and right depending on road conditions. If it is only to the left and never right I would say left front caliper

 

[96RedRunner]

Sounds like a lazy caliper.

I bought reman once, caliper halfs have O-ring between them, not torqued to spec they can blow out in traffic.
I'm a rebuild guy now, you decide to rebuild, O-rings are part of kit not separetly be sure to torque halfs to spec.

 

[JustinJones]

Control arm bushings. Your alignment is changing dynamically as weight is being transfered because the control arm pivots are moving out of their intended axis. This is pretty unnerving and can feel darty as your front wheels poind different directions and it will want to go back and forth depending on which side has weight on it. It may also show up as cupping in the tire wear. Issues with brake calipers sticking usually manifest with pulling or hearing the pads drag when NOT on the brakes. That's because they are not releasing when you come of the brake pedal. If your brake pedal is still firm and you are not having to top up the fluid I would not think brakes are the first place to start. My money is on lower control arm bushings.

 

[GhostRing]

My money is on lower control arm bushings.

Possibly.

I had(have) the big TBU on 255K chassis. I also thought it was my roached
bushings, but I did Whiteline lower, SPC UCA, fresh rubber anti-sway
bushings, and new shocks and it still darts to the left when I stab the brakes.
I know my alignment isn't perfect half the time, and I could likely use a better bleed, but I am near positive the caliper is what is causing the issue.
My steering is also suspect, as my D-side OTR is much looser than the P-side
(when I type it out, this thing sounds like a mess!)

 

[Boreas]

While it is likely a sticky caliper, I once had a Cherokee that did something similar. It turned out to be an ABS problem, which I found by pulling the ABS fuse. Without ABS, it stopped fine. This was an a very early ABS-equipped Jeep. Good luck!!