First time brake job...found a surprise at the end

[Ghostrider]

And one general comment on using C clamps. On some vehicles (not 4Runner) there is a backoff bolt that you use instead of the clamp. First generation Miata is an example. If you try a clamp you will ruin the caliper. It helps to research any vehicle and not assume past methods will work.

 

[slapdappy]

I really would prefer not to have to bleed them

SpeedBleeders. Trust me on this. Makes bleeding brakes sooo simple, quick, and foolproof.
Speed Bleeder Bleeding Brakes Bleeding Motorcycle Brakes Automotive Bleeder Screw Brake Bleeder

 

[StreetCreeper]

Congrats on the first brake job. BUT, I noticed a potential problem. Your hard line is not attached to your suspension. There is a little rectangular clip that holds it in place. The way it's sitting, could lead to a brake line leak/failure from rubbing against the mount. The clip goes into a little slot on the end of the rubber line. You will have to buy a new one, probably from Toyota.

If your truck has that many miles, I'd recommend flushing the brake fluid. Get a vacuum pump and one man bleeder kit. We ran a quart and a half through my son's new old truck to get it clear when it comes out. Empty the reservoir first. The fluid looks like water (clear). What came out was brown.

And as for 1/2 shafts. Go by Toyota and see what they use. We have an axle rebuild shop here in Nashville that the local dealers use. They charge about 80 to 100 exchange for a rebuilt one. They disassemble, clean, and reassemble with a rebuild kit. This is one heck of a nasty job. Never had a problem with a rebuilt unit.

Stephen

Thanks and good eye! But I had just finished the brakes and I was about to put the clip back on when I decided to take a pic of the torn cv boot first. The brake line clip was properly fastened right after the photo.

I'll be flushing the old (and also discolored) brake fluid soon. So many things to do with this truck to get it back to where it should be. I have to really prioritize everything. New ball joints were first, brakes second....etc.

Though I may make an exception for a new stereo. The stock cd changer/tape deck is not cutting it. I may be visiting Crutchfield soon...

 

[StreetCreeper]

Not to hijack but I am going to be replacing my rotors soon as they are warped. I recently had them turned and but they still feel warped (my mechanic was just trying to save me money but next time I'll just have them replaced). The brake pads are brand new and the lines were just bled so technically I shouldnt have to bleed them right? Just move the calliper out of the way and then put back and nothing should technically change? I am going to be doing it by myself and I've only bled the brakes once before on my 92 and it was with a friend so I really would prefer not to have to bleed them. Besides supporting the calipers and undoing the brake line clip is there anything else I need to know? It sounds ridiculously easy to do from reading up on it so I am just a bit suspiscious

I didn't have to bleed the brakes. However, I did loosen the cap on the brake fluid reservoir so that when I used the c-clamp to return the pistons—the fluid could push back into the reservoir without extra pressure.

I just left the cap ontop to keep out contaminates. If you do this be sure to retighten the cap after your done.

Oh and yeah, it really is that easy! Just take your time and be meticulous and you will be fine.

 

[bhabbs]

Thanks for posting this. I have started ordering parts for the Tundra Brake upgrade (because I can't stand the shake either) but have never messed w/ brakes before and was trying to decide whether to do it myself or take all the parts to a mechanic. Glad to hear another first timer's experience.