5th Gen Brake Upgrade

[OBW2011]

Has anyone done or considered doing a brake upgrade on their 5th gen, new rotors and/or pads? I have a 2011 SR5, the brakes don't seem to be as good as I think they should be for the weight of the vehicle, don't get me wrong, they work but it just seems like they’re a bit spongy when it comes to the pressure on the peddle and the grip time/stopping time of the vehicle… I’ve had them checked by the dealer and they said the brakes where fine, nothing was wrong with them.

This leads me to think an upgrade would be a good idea if it could make the brakes more responsive. Could those of you out there with the knowledge of this stuff chime in, tell me what you think point me in the right direction, any help would be greatly appreciate!

 

[Barry694]

Brake Upgrade

Might consider the fact that the type/brand of tire on the vehicle may not be the best when it comes to braking. I switched from Bridgestone Dueler to Michelin LTX MS2 and the stopping and handling capability where greatly improved. Brake pedal felt fine on both tires.

 

[OBW2011]

I don't think it's the tires, though I haven't tried the Michelin LTX MS2, I've had two other types on there and the brakes behaved the same with each one. Is there anyone out there who can't give me some info on aftermarket brake kits?

 

[PracticalFJ]

I have 29k of hard driving on my T4R. I'm often concerned too, although dealer keeps telling me mine are fine..:zoom:

 

[kingpin748]

I think you would be better served upgrading the suspension. I bet it improve your perception of the stopping power also.

 

[MrGrimm]

The brakes IMHO are good. It's the stock suspension which is garbage. Once I upgraded my suspension, I had no more nose dive when I came to a stop. Feels smoother on road as well.

 

[OBW2011]

I upgrade my suspension with a Toytec Ultimate 3" lift and 285/70/R17 Terra Grapplers passenger tires and the brakes behave the same. I guess I could take it to a different dealer and have them check the brakes just to be sure everything is ok.


Thanks everybody!

 

[1engineer]

I upgrade my suspension with a Toytec Ultimate 3" lift and 285/70/R17 Terra Grapplers passenger tires and the brakes behave the same. I guess I could take it to a different dealer and have them check the brakes just to be sure everything is ok.


Thanks everybody!

I read you original post and I think you are talking about the issue with the brake pedal travel before it engages right? Also the pressure required to hold it at a full stop. If this is so, you are not alone. It took me a little while to get used to the 4Runner's brakes. It does have quite a bit of travel before initial braking force is applied and I think that is due to the new braking system Toyota is using to assist in a panic stop. It should also make a *sqquuuiiisshh* sound when initially applying the brake. I have gotten used to it and now it is 2nd nature. It is not bad or good it is just different IMO.

 

[bjowett]

The squish sound may be the hydraulic booster that is now used.

To the OP, try a different brake pad. They can really change the feel of the system.

 

[offroadingatc]

SS lines?

Makes a pretty significant difference in brake feel IMO

 

[jhawk]

SS lines are great for track vehicles, maybe vehicles you tow a lot of weight with/steep grades where you hold your brakes - probably not much of an upgrade in a 4runner.

I think the mushy brake pedal/soft brake pedal is because of the emergency standby booster. If you do an emergency/heavy brake action it uses the reserve pressure to hit the brakes hard and fast.

If you get good braking with moderate pressure, not sure you need an upgrade. Nothing we do will cause a stiffer pedal. There probably isn't much adjustment in the pedal travel.

Here's the brake lines: Goodridge G-Stop Brake Lines TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 - 2011 21186

Not too expensive - cheaper than a trd kit

 

[offroadingatc]

I agree that reducing brake fade isn't a huge advantage for 4Runners, like it is with track vehicles. However anyone who wants reduced pedal travel, or 'more responsive' brakes, they offer the advantage of reducing the volume of fluid that has to be pushed to the caliper thereby increasing pedal response...

I basically dont think that any improvement is needed in the brakes, so possibly making what is basically a cosmetic change to the pedal response would work well for some.

 

[jhawk]

Maybe i'll actually get under the dash and see if the brake pedal is adjustable at all. Maybe some slack can be taken out of the pedal.
Camry's have a very similar brake setup - but the pedal is firm from the start.
I couldn't imagine the 4runner with stiff brakes similar to the camry - would be hard to finess it from nose diving a ton

 

[ClockWork]

Maybe i'll actually get under the dash and see if the brake pedal is adjustable at all. Maybe some slack can be taken out of the pedal.
Camry's have a very similar brake setup - but the pedal is firm from the start.
I couldn't imagine the 4runner with stiff brakes similar to the camry - would be hard to finess it from nose diving a ton

Doubt it, brake pedal feel is the same across my 4runner and Cruiser. It has to be so off-road you can rest your foot on the brake and use the gas simultaneously.

 

[jhawk]

I agree! I wouldn't want a firm brake pedal. I would have liked some intelligence in standing at a stoplight... so I don't absent mindedly bump a car in front of me.
But i'm not the one complaining - just bored

 

[OBW2011]

I guess my issue is really that I am used to a firmer peddle and the TR4 is obviously not so. If anyone out there finds a way to adjust it let me know. In the mean time I think I'll look into changing the pads and maybe going with SS lines... Can anyone tell me what aftermarket performance pads are good?

 

[Fialdj]

coming from Nissans, Xterra, altima, quests, and even a 96 toyota tercel. I would mind a firmer pedal. I dont always trust engagement, but know its okay.

 

[kenski]

Sorry to revive an old thread but since getting my 4R a month ago, I noticed the brakes were a little on the "weak" side.

I don't think it's the tires, though I haven't tried the Michelin LTX MS2, I've had two other types on there and the brakes behaved the same with each one. Is there anyone out there who can't give me some info on aftermarket brake kits?

...Also the pressure required to hold it at a full stop.

I agree with OBW2011 that it's not the tires. What has been concerning me is what 1engineer said... the amount of force required to keep on the brake at stop. My first week driving the 4R, I noticed that if I don't keep more than a slight amount of pressure applied to the brake when stopped, the truck would start to inch forward. This caught me off guard the first few times.

I guess my issue is really that I am used to a firmer peddle and the TR4 is obviously not so. If anyone out there finds a way to adjust it let me know. In the mean time I think I'll look into changing the pads and maybe going with SS lines... Can anyone tell me what aftermarket performance pads are good?

So again, sorry for bringing up an older thread, but I too was curious if anyone has upgraded their brake pads (or other components around the brake system) to good effect.

 

[BobsTrail]

Brakes

I agree that the brake feel is too squishy and too much travel, but they seem to work very well on my 2013 TE and I agree with 1Engineer's comments.

But when it's time to replace the pads, I'm going to put in EBC Yellow Stuff pads and possibly sloted rotors (but not cross drilled).

 

[Koz]

I changed my tires/rotors/pads (on my GX which is 500 lbs heavier) and the brakes feel much better. I first had HP semi-metallic pads and then changed them to ceramic (mostly because of dust) which feels better. The rotors are dimpled and slotted. The LT-LTX MS2 changed the whole ride (much more stable and smoother). The main reason for changing everything was because I have a cross country trip planned for early spring where I will be towing a TT through the Rockies.

Koz