Brake problems

[Arthur Dent]

I'll be acquiring an '88 4Runner relatively soon. But it has brake problems. The pedal is real mushy and doesn't really stop with much power, it stops, it just takes a while. Any suggestions where to start or what the problem may be?

Thanks.

I'm new here, by the way.

 

[hickory]

brakes

Their could be air in the system that would require bleeding. Could also be the booster which I know nothing about yet.

 

[fourwd1]

Start by bleeding them, may have to do it a few times.

If the fluid is dirty, it's good to keep bleeding them until new fluid comes out all bleeder valves (be sure to keep the Master Cylinder full).

While someone puts pressure on the pedal, check all the rubber hoses (2 front, 1 rear) to make sure they aren't expanding under pressure.

Proper order is: LR, RR, RF, LF, LSPV

 

[Arthur Dent]

Thanks, guys.

On the off-chance it needs a master cylinder how much do those run? And what sort of work might the brake booster need?

Sorry to be pestering with the questions.

 

[hickory]

brakes

I bought a used master cylinder for $75 CAD. Sorry I don't know a thing about brake boosters.

 

[ronbo613]

Push down hard on the brake pedal. If the brake pedal goes slowly to the floor, it is probably the master cylinder.
If the brake pedal gets better as you pump it, it is most likely air or water in the brake lines or wheel cylinders.
Replacing a master cylinder is not a tough job at all. You don't even have to crawl under the vehicle until you bleed the brakes. A rebuilt master cylinder should be less than $100.USD.

 

[Arthur Dent]

Thanks again. Looks like I'll be getting the 4Runner soon.

 

[w_hudson]

But d not rule out the rear wheel cyliners if those are leaking, your pedal will never be right

 

[USE911]

Thanks again. Looks like I'll be getting the 4Runner soon.

Be sure to post pictures when you bring it home.

 

[Bad_Vision]

new master cylinder 43$
RockAuto Auto Parts its a cardone re manufactured with reservoir

brake fluid should be changed every year.

 

[SV_Dude]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but this thread is almost 4 years old.

 

[Bad_Vision]

hahaha holy **** i didnt even look at that whos the dink that restarted this?

 

[tor-redneck]

i blame hudson. nice 1st post lol. i couldnt figure out my brake problems untill i finaly noticed my rear brake adjester was backing off. clicker would allow it to spin backwords. (kinda like my spelling)

 

[Reinout]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but this thread is almost 4 years old.

Bubble is burst but now it's another 10 years old! Still useful.