Brake pedal to the floor update

[Lou]

Does anyone have good information about the operation of the 4Runner braking system?

Dealer checked brake system and claims everything is OK with my brakes. They thought the pedal was slightly low, so they adjusted the rear brakes to correct. Here is a recap:

With the engine off, you can not push the brake pedal to the floor. With the engine on, you can push the brake pedal to the floor. In normal driving, the brakes seem to work fine, although the pedal feel is unusual. The pedal is very soft, no real pedal resistance.

Doesn't seem right -- another thread talked about this exact issue, but without resolution. So is this normal brake operation for the 4Runner?

 

[jharris2]

A brake pedal never goes to the floor if the system is operating correctly -- at least, the brake system on every vehicle I have owned has never had the pedal go to the floor if the system was working correctly.

It sounds like the master cylinder or booster is having trouble. The repair manual for the 4Runner has extensive diagnostic information for the brakes.

If possible and it's under warranty, take it to another dealer -- this one sounds like either they just don't want to do the work or they don't know what they are doing ... for example, what is there for them to adjust on disc brakes to change pedal height??

 

[sharp4runr]

My brake pedal has never touched the floor in the 4runner. I'd get freaked out if it ever did.

The only time a brake pedal has hit the floor in any car I've owned was when I was bleeding the brakes. After correctly bleeding the brakes, the pedal should have plenty of play between it and the floor. Just my opinion.

I'd get it checked out by another dealer. This is a safety item and should be treated with the utmost attention. Can you ask to test drive another 4Runner on the lot to see if the feel is the same?

 

[tkr128]

Not sure if this will help you out or not, but I found this TSB on inconsistent brake feel.

 

[Lou]

Went back to the dealer and asked for the service manager. I explained the brake pedal and asked him to have a look. He jumped in and pushed the pedal to the floor and said, "plenty of travel left!" He also said that brakes on modern vehicles will slowly go down when stopped. I decided to leave and go to Toyota HQ -- I will see what they have to say.

Thanks for the TSB, this may be helpful.

During the diagnostics, the service description noted that my brake pads were 7.0mm in the front and 7.1mm in the back, and normal. Does anyone know what new brake pads measure?

 

[toto]

The 2006 Service Manual says that the pads start out at 11.5 mm thick.

You may find this piece of the manual handy about inspecting the brake pedal travel.

 

[TeCKis300]

No way is this normal. The behavious Typically indicates a bad master cylinder.

 

[icantsee]

Check your brake lines to see if they are torn.

Start small & go big, save you time & money.

1) Brake Lines
2) Master Cylinder
3) Brake Booster

In most cases, it's the Master Cylinder.

Check it, replace it, flush & bleed the brakes. And go back enjoying that beast.