Brakes feel mushy 05 sport

[luckybains]

Tried to find a similar thread but I couldn't. Sorry if this is a repost.

Bought my 05 4Runner Sport used from a Toyota dealership. I mentioned that the brakes feel mushy and that the e-brake pedal goes all the way down to the floor. They did the brake inspection and everything and they told me that this is the way the brakes are set up on these vehicles. Something to do with the actuator or something.

Is this right? I'm clueless.
Thanks

 

[ToyTech99]

Nope, the brakes should not feel mushy at all. You should have a firm pedal, just like any other vehicle. My guess is that the brakes need to be bled...there's probably air in the system. Do you know if the brakes were replaced recently?

 

[luckybains]

Yes they were and they were bled too.

 

[ToyTech99]

Yes they were and they were bled too.

Okay, sounds like they need to be bled again. Maybe the person bleeding them failed to get all the air out of the system. That would definitely cause a mushy or spongy feeling in the brake pedal.

 

[JeremyH]

Okay, sounds like they need to be bled again. Maybe the person bleeding them failed to get all the air out of the system. That would definitely cause a mushy or spongy feeling in the brake pedal.

Agreed! A mushy pedal is NOT something that is normal with a hydraulic brake system. It needs to be bled....

BTW, you mentioned that the brakes were recently serviced....what parts were replaced? If the Master Cylinder was removed, it needs to be bench bled prior to installation and then the entire system needs to be bled (of course, starting with the furthest bleeder screw from the MC and working your way toward the MC).

 

[luckybains]

The rotors were replaced.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I'll go to the dealership and find out what's going on. I'm hoping that it's just the issue with bleeding the brakes and nothing else.

I love this forum. People are so nice.

 

[achen]

Hello,

I have 2004 4runner sport v6. Lately, i been having problems braking. My brake pedal feels hard and seems it takes a long time to brake when i press the pedal. I took my truck to Pep Boys to get it checked. The rotors and pads seem to be fine. I was wondering if it can be the master cylinder or need to bleed the fluid? I replaced my front pads late last year in 08 and still have stock rotos and rear pads. I have 35K miles. Please suggest what I should do?

 

[JeremyH]

Achen, when did this problem start? After any changes were made to the brake system? A hard brake pedal is a bit more difficult to diagnose than a soft one. A hard brake pedal can be caused by everything from a pinched brake line to a stuck brake pad or shoe. After you drive the vehicle for a while, is one of the wheels extremely hot?

 

[achen]

Jeremy,

I just realized that the reason why i changed my front pads late last year was because the truck wasn't stopping responsively. I think my front pads were good after taking them off. I guess this braking problem started even with my stock pads on. I have a soft brake pedal now not hard pedal. The truck just isn't stopping quickly and the brake pedal feels mushy. Mechanic told me brake pads and rotors look fine. What you think is the problem Jeremy?

 

[JeremyH]

Yes, you might have either some air or water in the brake system. It would be a good idea to bleed your brake system....

 

[wombie]

Just my two cents:

Go to your local Toyota dealership. Ask if the head technician will go on a drive with you because your brakes are acting up. Ask 'em to bring out a couple of forecourt Runners so you can do a comparison.

 

[rook]

Search the site for the proper brake bleeding procedure. IIRC, the key needs to be in the on position when bleeding, otherwise the calipers will not bleed out any fluid. As for the e-brake, it is a drum in disc setup and there is a cable adjustment procedure published here.