2004 4R Brake Issue?

[4RunnFunn]

2004 4Runner.

I'm getting multiple dash lights and a piercing buzzer when I turn the key on. It will start and run. I drove it a couple of miles home (dash lights still on with the piercing sound). I thought it might be the battery. I disconnected the positive cable for a while and re-attached it. Same issues, but I noticed the brakes were really soft. It made me real nervous. I babied it back into the garage.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Picture:

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WKyEU_zcNM&feature=youtu.be

 

[Bernardchan96]

Do you see any leaking fluid anywhere? when it buzzes theres an error with the braking system. Last time i had it beeping i was in a drivethru and my brake line blew and i had no brake pressure. Possibly could be your Brake booster or something ABS related, gonna have to get a scanner that can read ABS codes to tell

 

[Bossman]

I would suggest not driving the vehicle in its current condition, and would recommend having it towed to your mechanic. The brake system may be on the verge of a very serious malfunction that may result in the loss of all braking power.

Some helpful info in these threads:

Help: VSC/TRAC/ABS/BRAKE lights on plus loud, continuous alarm?

WARNING! Brakes, ABS, loud annoying warning noise....

Brakes went out this morning! HELP!

2003 v8 4runner ABS Pump Problem! Any Solutions?

Brake Actuator failure

2003 v8 brake booster pump diy fix

 

[MikeinNH67]

I had a blown line on the rear brakes of my 03, I don't recall any ear piercing alarms. Curious to know what you find though.

 

[Seymore Butts]

Do a search for master cylinder failure. That's the set of symptoms everyone who experienced it lists.

 

[4RunnFunn]

Thanks everyone. I'm still reading through all the linked threads, but it looks like very good information.

 

[4RunnFunn]

I read through all the attached threads and the many threads within them.
It didn't throw any codes.
I had no leaks.
The engine bay is very clean. The 4Runner has always been garaged.
I tested it by moving the ignition key to ON and listening for the motor to turn on. It didn't. I tested it a few times.
I hit the motor with a wrench a few times.
Tested it again and the motor did run.

I just ordered a remanufactured ABS Brake Booster Pump Motor.

 

[4RunnFunn]

I ordered my remanufactured ABS Brake Booster Pump Motor off ebay.

2003 2004 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LEXUS GX470 ABS Brake booster Pump motor (REMAN)

It was $375 when I purchased it. You'll get $100 back for the core exchange. It comes with a 2 year warranty.

I bench tested the motor by itself when I received it. All good.
I removed the entire Hydraulic Brake Booster assembly using the numerous online videos, but this one helped the most especially since it was for a 2004 4Runner...

How to remove the HBB ABS unit from Toyota 4runner , Lexus lx450 lx470 gx470 etc

I kept the HBB unit upright during the removal, the motor replacement and the subsequent re-installation. I have no idea if this is important, but I wanted to make sure as little air as possible got into it or any of the brake lines.

This video was the most useful for replacing the motor on the HBB assembly.

HBB new motor install 4runner gx470 lx470 abs unit screeching screaming noise

It was a small PITA to do keeping the HBB assembly upright, but that's how I did it.

I then bench tested it by using the power connector on the bottom of the ABS Modulator. All good.

I re-installed the HBB assembly. I haven't bled anything yet. The piercing buzzer is gone and most of the dash warning lights went out. The only 2 lights still on are VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF. I'm gonna worry about them another day. The brakes are working just fine, not as tight as they can be, but well. I'll get them bled eventually.

 

[ccoyle71]

Same thing happened to me - turned out it was the electric motor (part of the hydroboost system) that was failing. You WILL loose brakes after the system bleeds down. The audible buzzer gives you about 30 secs to get off the road and get stopped. I would definitely NOT recommend driving.

Like others have mentioned - I was able to find a refurb unit on ebay for $300 - which was way better than the stealership quote of $3600.