Woodcutter
New member
Just bought my first 4Runner, a 2000 SR5 with 137K miles. Has a 2" OME lift by Toytec, with 265/75-16 BFG's on it. Runs good, no visible leaks, doesn't burn oil, no serious issues except brakes. And the AC isn't working, but that's another subject.
Went for CO emissions and they couldn't test because the rear brakes won't hold. Brakes felt a little soft to me when I bought it last week, but stopped well enough.
Could the problem with the rears be simply having not been adjusted (e-brake)? Previous owner had brakes done 10K miles ago - not absolutely sure he had the rears done, but if so, 10K miles seems pretty short for rears to go south.
My usage will be mainly on-road, probably 85% or more, in the Denver metro area. About 60% of that city driving, 40% highway. The rest will be mountain and canyon roads, some trails, camping with family and Scouts, but not crawling. Towing very, very rarely.
So - for the rears, I was thinking of just having a local well-regarded shop do them (Elroy's). But, I'm now thinking I should also look at upgrading the fronts, especially with the lift on it. I'm about 90% sure I'd bite the bullet and do the Tundra upgrade. Question for those who have done it - are you buying new Tundra rotors, or getting used OEM ones and presumably turning them? If buying new, is there a big difference between say, Brembo blanks and OEM?
Also, I've seen a lot of threads on the upgrade, but haven't found much of anything as far as visuals. Is there a good video or photo-rich tutorial around to walk through the procedure?
Lastly - the inevitable question of what pads to use. I'm more concerned with stopping power and longevity than dust, but given the choice I guess I'd like them less dusty. Thinking maybe Akebonos - whatcha think?
Any recommendations greatly appreciated - i know the subject's been beat to death, but fine tuning my options here. Thanks all!
Went for CO emissions and they couldn't test because the rear brakes won't hold. Brakes felt a little soft to me when I bought it last week, but stopped well enough.
Could the problem with the rears be simply having not been adjusted (e-brake)? Previous owner had brakes done 10K miles ago - not absolutely sure he had the rears done, but if so, 10K miles seems pretty short for rears to go south.
My usage will be mainly on-road, probably 85% or more, in the Denver metro area. About 60% of that city driving, 40% highway. The rest will be mountain and canyon roads, some trails, camping with family and Scouts, but not crawling. Towing very, very rarely.
So - for the rears, I was thinking of just having a local well-regarded shop do them (Elroy's). But, I'm now thinking I should also look at upgrading the fronts, especially with the lift on it. I'm about 90% sure I'd bite the bullet and do the Tundra upgrade. Question for those who have done it - are you buying new Tundra rotors, or getting used OEM ones and presumably turning them? If buying new, is there a big difference between say, Brembo blanks and OEM?
Also, I've seen a lot of threads on the upgrade, but haven't found much of anything as far as visuals. Is there a good video or photo-rich tutorial around to walk through the procedure?
Lastly - the inevitable question of what pads to use. I'm more concerned with stopping power and longevity than dust, but given the choice I guess I'd like them less dusty. Thinking maybe Akebonos - whatcha think?
Any recommendations greatly appreciated - i know the subject's been beat to death, but fine tuning my options here. Thanks all!
SOoo, new axle seals, inner and outer, new wheel bearings, new shoes, bled, adjusted, et voila! My rear brakes now work. Fronts were fine but are stock so looking to do the Tundra upgrade maybe later this year. Shop charged $610 including tax, which I guess isn't terrible. The shop that did them previously 10K miles before I bought it must have screwed up (possibly) since supposedly they had replaced seals then too.
