Brake problem

[97blkt4r]

Car: '97 Toyota 4runner 4wd Automatic 144,000 miles

Problem:
When I brake hard I get a strong vibration in the car and a moderately loud noise (sounds kind of like 'kreck kreck kreck') inside the car, followed toward the end of braking with a buzzing noise. To clarify, when I say braking hard I don't mean breaking hard enough to cause the tires to loss traction and screech, I just mean going from 30mph to 0mph in roughly 30ft. There is no noise or any issues under all other breaking conditions. I don't have a torque wrench otherwise I would take off my wheels and inspect the pads, but it seems to me that the symptoms above would be something else other than just worn pads (I could be wrong).

My questions:
What do you think is the issue?

What do you think the buzzing noise is from?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Jon]

Sounds like your ABS pulsating which is normal. The ABS is designed to keep the tires from locking up and causing an uncontrolable skid. Dont be scared to take off your wheels, you dont really need a torque wrench for them.

 

[01t4rnr]

Car: '97 Toyota 4runner 4wd Automatic 144,000 miles

Problem:
When I brake hard I get a strong vibration in the car and a moderately loud noise (sounds kind of like 'kreck kreck kreck') inside the car, followed toward the end of braking with a buzzing noise. To clarify, when I say braking hard I don't mean breaking hard enough to cause the tires to loss traction and screech, I just mean going from 30mph to 0mph in roughly 30ft. There is no noise or any issues under all other breaking conditions. I don't have a torque wrench otherwise I would take off my wheels and inspect the pads, but it seems to me that the symptoms above would be something else other than just worn pads (I could be wrong).

My questions:
What do you think is the issue?

What do you think the buzzing noise is from?

Thanks in advance for any help.

it is somewhat normal if you slam on brakes but if you get steering wheel vibrations under normal everyday braking you may need to either take your rotors and get them turned or buy new rotors/pads. last set i bought came from advance auto and they were very reasonably priced with lifetime warranty. definitely dont need a torque wrench for the wheels, lol eace:

 

[TheDurk]

I'm a big fan of hand-torquing wheels to spec, especially on the 4Runner. I've been doing it since '99 when I got it, and I have never had any 'warped' rotor problem like so many out there. I think correct lug torque has a lot to do with it. I'm at 130K and I changed pads at 90k and didn't bother turning the rotors. Original shoes are still good.

Buzzing definitely could be the tell-tale on worn pads--it's a metal strip embedded in the last few mm's of material to warn you you are about done. It vibrates when it starts to contact the rotor. So it's definitely time to get in there and look before you ruin your rotors beyond salvation. The kreck-kreck is ABS, but check the pads first and then worry about that. I figure if one pad is all gone, it'll call the ABS when it isn't needed. So new pads, if indeed needed, may take care of that.

 

[Mellow77]

Sounds like a combination of your rotors having a slight warp to them along with your ABS kicking in and making the buzzing sounds and funny feel in the steering wheel. None of these symptoms sound like worn-out brake pads to me.

I used to have a Chevy Silverado (loved that truck) but it honestly had the most sensitive and horribly designed ABS. It was always kicking in when it really shouldn't, was very annoying and definitely threw a funny feel into the steering wheel along with the annoying noise.

 

[97blkt4r]

Thanks for all the replies. The buzzing being the ABS and the ABS kicking in prematurely because of worn pads makes sense. When I get the time I'll check out the pads and rotors and get back to you guys if I have follow up questions.

 

[97blkt4r]

So I found out that my front pads have 40% life left and that my brake drums and shoes need to be replaced (shoes only have 10% life left). I was told also that I have a bad purgerear axel seal. I was told is a very slow leak (that it's not like it is dripping fluid or anything).

The cost to replace the drums, shoes and axel seal was quoted around $600. I want to find out it this is a job I might be able to do myself. How difficult is it to make these repairs? Are there any good DIY you know of? I'm going to search, but just thought I would ask.

 

[LodeRunner]

I just did a full brake job on my '97. I replaced the rear drums and shoes. I got Brembo drums from Amazon for $70/each, and a new set of shoes from the stealership for $85. I also bot a brake spring compression tool for about $10 to help me with the job. It's a pretty straightforward job, and the DIY links on this site are great.

As for the axle seal, I've not done that so not sure about the DIY possibilities there...

I would at least do the brakes yourself to save some money.