2005 4Runner With 29850 Milles and New Front Brakes?

[bigwalts4runner]

I have been noticing that the 2005 4Runner has a Vibration on the steering wheel when I hit the pedal, also there is a loud grinding noise when the 4Runner comes to a stop, not while pressing the pedal and slowing it down but when it stops and moves back. This 4Runner is my Pops, he does not drive it that much since he commutes. My 4Runner I didnt change the brakes until nearly 50000 miles. I am not a mechanic but I think his 4Runner needs new brakes, but would'nt it be premature at 29,850?

 

[Aquabear]

If he's gota heavy brake foot or tows it could happen but since you said POPs and he commutes might not be. Maybe a frozen caliper since it grinds in reverse, I had that, it sucks. I had mine changed around that mileage BUT I just finished offroading in Moab so that was probable for me.
Good luck, others will chime in.

 

[Bossman]

Hey bigwalts4runner,

+1 to Aquabear on the likely diagnose being seized brake caliper(s).

Based on the symptoms you describe, I suspect that not only will you have to replace the calipers, but likely there has been damage done to the brake rotors (needing to be machined or replaced) and the brake pads. Likely to be an expensive repair.

Even with low mileage this can be an issue. Not sure where you are located, but issues with winter road salt or proximity to the ocean seem to make things worse.

The brake caliper seizing is a known problem for 4th Gen 4Runners. Feel free to do a search to find threads on this. Many of us, me included, have had this happen to our T4Rs.

 

[jetboy1975]

+2 for the seized calipers. Six years old with mileage that low means it sits around lots, allowing moisture to build and rust to form, causing the calipers to seize

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I am at 62k miles on my 03 and still on the original brakes. They still have a lot of pad left on them. He may be riding the brake pedal. I live in the desert so I do not have snow or moisture seizing the calipers.

 

[wombie]

My 06 needed new brake pads and the rotors skimmed at 27k. Previous owner had let it sit outside undriven for a longish period and rust had built up. That said, we only got the steering wheel vibration and a little of the noise (not a whole lot).

Take it along to your Toyota dealership - should be easy for them to tell what's going on and whether you have a caliper problem.

 

[bigwalts4runner]

Thanks for the replies guys, we got an appointment with our local dealer this Thursday, so hopefully the repair is not too expensive.

 

[DaveS]

Agreed - likely a seized caliper - they can put a rebuilt one on for you - it's very common especially on the fronts. It is so endemic and it is always the same piston that seizes up. Toyota should fess up to it imho but they won't. Expect new rotors and pads as well - my bet is you are look at best part of $500 in the US at a dealer - closer to $800 here in Canada where parts are made out of gold it seems.

 

[lifesaver71]

Dealer will take you for a ride

Buy remanufactured calipers online, A1 Cardone is my personal choice from partstrain.com. The calipers run from $80-$120 depending on your 4runner type, with core charges of $60-$90 to make sure you send the old one back. My last calipers lasted 80k in ice/snow/salt of New England.

Toyota rotors lasted me 120k miles, so I did buy those from a dealer, though there are online Toyota OE parts dealers that are a bit cheaper.

Lifetime ceramic pads can be had from any local auto part supplier.

Get a backyard mechanic to do the work and save a bundle.

Brakes are a classic do-it-yourself project with little chance for error if someone knows what they are doing. The local guy will charge a couple hours labor totaling $50-$80. This will save a ton of money over the dealership rip off of $90-$100/hr plus the ridiculous mark-up in parts costs.