brake shimmy

mattlikeshockey

New member
just bought a new to me 03 4runner, 4x4 v8. So far I love it.

I am trying to figure out if this is just a 4runner thing, or if something is up. The brakes shimmy, just a bit at any speed, and under any brake pressure.

Rotors? pads? ABS module?
 
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just bought a new to me 03 4runner, 4x4 v8, 80k miles. So far I love it.

I am trying to figure out if this is just a 4runner thing, or if something is up. The brakes shimmy, just a bit at any speed, and under any brake pressure.

Rotors? pads? ABS module?

Any thoughts? Is this just normal? or needs fixing?

thanks.


(Yes I accidently posted this in the 3rd gen forum. till i figured out 03 is 4th gen)
 
I would say it is most likely warped rotors.

If that is the case you would feel it in the wheel, maybe even a little in the pedal. Also, with warped rotors they are usually worse under light braking than hard braking and will be more noticeable once your brakes heat up a bit.
 
i have the same problem with mine. ive gone through three sets of rotors in the front in a year each time them being warped. i think its a 4runner thing cause my cousins truck does the same thing.
 
So maybe they just warp easily?
or maybe is from off roading and hitting that stream crossing?


Yes, the lighter braking is more noticeable. Rotors were my first guess.
 
I agree with rotors being the issue. 80k isn't that bad really. Stream crossings especially with hot brakes can not help...:awais:

Some seem to warp rotors early, some make it longer than you did. Driving style, proper wheel torque and a good quality rotor vs AutoZone cheapy all contribute to the rotor life.

I merged your 3rd gen post with this one.

:cheers:
 
Agree that heavy braking, hot brake rotors into cold water, and all that can cause warping...happens to me on and off all the time...Unless they are a hard braker (waits until the last minute to brake for stop signs etc, thus routinely overheating the pads and rotors) another big culprit could be over-tightened wheels.

This is why I stay on top of the guys/gals at the tire shop when I have a rotation or buy new tires. If they go crazy with the impact wrench and over-torque the lugs, that too can warp rotors. I personally "request" that they not use an impact wrench at all, and instead hand tighten them flush and finish them off with a TQ wrench set to the proper torque strength. Since my current tire shop is also the primary sponsor of my late model race car, they usually do it for me at no extra charge and with a smile. (They give me a break on pricing, but since they pay to be on my race car, none of my work there is "free".)

The rotors on my Tundra stay warped, I have them turned every time I rotate anymore, but it's because I tow a couple of heavy trailers (my race car, for one) and overheat them too regularly. But I know it, and I pay for it, no one else to blame but me. I recently bought a new trailer, with trailer brakes, and it seems to be helping this situation greatly.
 
There's also TSB BR004-06 for the '03-'05 Runners...a search should find the pdf, which has VIN ranges. Official symptom is inconsistent pedal travel. The solution is a thicker anti-squeal shim.

With my 2k3, I mostly, but *not always*, get vibration when braking above 60 mph. The vibration disappears below 60 or if I get on them really hard. If the rotors were warped, I'd expect vibration every time. It's possible a thicker shim might let the pads float less uner moderate pressure, resulting in less vibration. Wish I'd found this TSB before I passed 36K. I plan to do a tranny/differential/xfer drain/fill in the next month or so and will install the new shim kit then, if nothing else to correct the soft pedal.

-Brent
 

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