brake power booster?

[crawford]

Hi guys,

New to posting but I've been reading for a while, trying to brush up on my knowledge of my 4Runner. I drive a base model, ~169k mile '97 that is having some serious brake problems. Below about 20F, the first time I depress the brake pedal after starting the engine it doesn't budge, but then if I let go and try again it usually works fine. The mechanic managed to replicate the issue and says it's the brake power booster, which he quoted me about $700 to fix. I do not have $700, unfortunately, so I told him to hold off until I read a little bit about it.

I just have a few questions. I've read some threads about power boosters on the forum already (like this one) and I've Googled a lot, but I'm not really finding quite everything I need to know. I'm wondering what a good price for this labor+parts would be, where I could buy a power booster myself (and how much it would cost), and where I could find detailed directions on how to replace it. I can't do much car-wise except change my oil, but I have friends and family who can do stuff like this, and I'm hoping I can enlist help, unless you guys think I should leave this to the pros.

Thanks

 

[Gerdo]

It is probably the brake check valve. Cheap and simple to replace.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102376-vacuum-check-valve-brake-booster.html

 

[crawford]

Wow, okay, thank you! I didn't even consider that just a part of it separate from the whole thing/the vacuum tubes could die, but, duh. If it were this valve, what causes this valve to die, and can the rest of the system still be in good condition despite its failure? I'm trying to assess the impact of this on the rest of my truck.

 

[tbst]

Yes what gerdo said. Use the google search and put in "hard brake pedal". On my phone or I'd link

 

[Qyota]

Wow, okay, thank you! I didn't even consider that just a part of it separate from the whole thing/the vacuum tubes could die, but, duh. If it were this valve, what causes this valve to die, and can the rest of the system still be in good condition despite its failure? I'm trying to assess the impact of this on the rest of my truck.

It's a valve. In cold weather it can get stuck closed, not allowing the vacuum to operate the booster. I'm 99% sure this is your problem. The part is about $30, and is super easy to replace. The rest of your brake system is likely fine.

 

[bikerjosh]

This forum is awesome!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Get a new grommet to go in the brake booster as well. Part # 90480-24015 for my 99.

 

[crawford]

Awesome. Y'all have been super helpful. Looks like I've got a new weekend project, hooray!

 

[Gerdo]

It is probably the brake check valve. Cheap and simple to replace.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102376-vacuum-check-valve-brake-booster.html

I know that you are new here, I hope you know that you can click on the blue link and it will take you to a different thread. It has more info.

 

[crawford]

No, don't worry, I got that. I read it new here, not new to forums in general. Thanks again!

 

[nodakker]

has anyone seen a video or write up with pics on how to replace the valve?

 

[Brveagle]

has anyone seen a video or write up with pics on how to replace the valve?

way to revive an old thread.

It's held on by one bolt. Maybe takes 5 minutes to replace. It's on the drivers side, out in the open on the brake booster. Silver little valve with a single hose barb.

 

[nodakker]

thanks much. will get at it.

 

[Gbomb]

Brakes

Hi everyone, my 99 4 runner has a hard brake pedal, I don't have any leaks and full brake fluid reservoir. I replaced the check valve but not the grommet, just wondering how important is it? The car has been well maintained and has 295,000 miles. Is it time to get a new booster? I heard they don't break very often, really not sure and.am trying to avoid a $700 booster job. Any help?

 

[UnderFire]

Hi everyone, my 99 4 runner has a hard brake pedal, I don't have any leaks and full brake fluid reservoir. I replaced the check valve but not the grommet, just wondering how important is it? The car has been well maintained and has 295,000 miles. Is it time to get a new booster? I heard they don't break very often, really not sure and.am trying to avoid a $700 booster job. Any help?

I had the same problem, check valve didn't fix it, a new booster from a parts store is about 100$, or 10-30$ for a used one at a junkyard, it's relatively easy to replace, you don't have to take any brake lines loose, just unbolt the M/C from the booster and pull it forward just enough to be out of the way and the booster will slide out of the hole no problem.

 

[Tbishop9]

Underfire,

Did replacing the booster solve your problem? I believe that is the issue I am having with my '02 4Runner (brick brakes, ABS & brake dash lights, and the most annoying beeping sound imaginable), but it's worth the $6 to replace the valve and grommet before moving on to the booster. (Fingers crossed the valve fixes it) I'm just asking to see if there were any additional steps you had to take after replacing the booster before your brakes functioned normally again. Also, did you, or any reader for that matter, experience the dash light and beeping symptoms as well?

Thanks for your time!

Taylor

 

[UnderFire]

Underfire,

Did replacing the booster solve your problem? I believe that is the issue I am having with my '02 4Runner (brick brakes, ABS & brake dash lights, and the most annoying beeping sound imaginable), but it's worth the $6 to replace the valve and grommet before moving on to the booster. (Fingers crossed the valve fixes it) I'm just asking to see if there were any additional steps you had to take after replacing the booster before your brakes functioned normally again. Also, did you, or any reader for that matter, experience the dash light and beeping symptoms as well?

Thanks for your time!

Taylor

Late reply, replacing the booster did solve my problem. I have a stripped down earlier model so I have no ABS and nothing to trigger the brake light. Dropped the new (used) booster in and it worked 100% again. This was after replacing the front calipers, repalcing rear wheel cylinders, lots of bleeding and having no luck in general.

 

[Tbishop9]

Late reply, replacing the booster did solve my problem. I have a stripped down earlier model so I have no ABS and nothing to trigger the brake light. Dropped the new (used) booster in and it worked 100% again. This was after replacing the front calipers, repalcing rear wheel cylinders, lots of bleeding and having no luck in general.

Under fire, would you mind emailing me? It's hard for me to write on this site using my phone. I pmed you my email! If you're not comfortable with that. It's cool.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

2001-2002 4Runners have a different system. you need to replace the entire assembly on a 2002 4Runner. pretty expensive unless you can find a good one from the junkyard

Underfire,

Did replacing the booster solve your problem? I believe that is the issue I am having with my '02 4Runner (brick brakes, ABS & brake dash lights, and the most annoying beeping sound imaginable), but it's worth the $6 to replace the valve and grommet before moving on to the booster. (Fingers crossed the valve fixes it) I'm just asking to see if there were any additional steps you had to take after replacing the booster before your brakes functioned normally again. Also, did you, or any reader for that matter, experience the dash light and beeping symptoms as well?

Thanks for your time!

Taylor