HELP! So sick of these crappy brakes

[Ape Runner]

I must say, the brakes on my 4Runner are the worst I've ever experienced! I LOVE this rig, but the brakes suck, hands down, and maybe it's just mine. After excessive warping, I replaced the rotors with Brembo blanks and installed hawk pads (the ones recommended for our SUV's). I immediately noticed an improvement, but still nothing to get excited over. Now, I'm starting to get the vibrations again.

Shocks are good (SS 7.2 System), Balljoints are fine, alignment is good, tires are new and in balance, system has been bled.

What else can I do? I only get vibrations when braking and a slight pull to the left. I am running 33's, so more rotating mass.

I've done a lot of reading, but it seems I've tried a lot of the suggestions. Am I destined for the Tundra Brake Upgrade? Could there be something else wrong?

 

[RS Dude]

Since you are running 33's, you likely have to do the Tundra upgrade.:surfer:

 

[brian2sun]

I'm in the same boat. The brakes just plain suck on the early 3rd gens to the point where you have to wonder if anyone at Toyota ever even test drove a 3rd gen before they started flying off the assembly line. I'm not joking when I say the 1/2 assed ABS has almost killed me before. The Tundra upgrade is really the best thing to do. Trying to beef up the stock brakes is a lost cause, like polishing a turd.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Are the brakes the best? No.
Are they underpowered? A little.
Are they terrible? No way.

I would also recommend doing the doing the Tundra upgrade too. You could also replace the rear drums like Kelly J did.

 

[brian2sun]

The '98 model year saw a 4 wheel ABS upgrade. We have a different system than you (2 wheel ABS) and terrible is an understatement, potentially deadly would be more like it IMO.


EDIT (7/13/10): After doing more research on this, it appears that the pre-'98 ABS systems were actually 4 wheel ABS, but it was just an inferior system. I know my rear axle isn't the same as later 3rd gens I've compared it to. I'm not 100% sure if I even have ABS rings in the rear axle, but if I do, they're definitely not like the post-'98 runner's ABS rings in which you can see where they are located from the outside.

 

[Blackdot]

The '98 model year saw a 4 wheel ABS upgrade. We have a different system than you (2 wheel ABS) and terrible is an understatement, potentially deadly would be more like it IMO.

So I'm alittle confused. I have a 97 and just assumed that I had 4 wheel abs because when I did my rear seals I had to remove abs sensors. Do those rear sensors just send info to the front abs?

 

[brian2sun]

I believe so. I don't have ABS rings on my '97 rear axle (which makes the bearings a lot easier to deal with).

 

[Clemsonfan15]

The '98 model year saw a 4 wheel ABS upgrade. We have a different system than you (2 wheel ABS) and terrible is an understatement, potentially deadly would be more like it IMO.

Ahh, my bad. Two wheel ABS makes no sense.

 

[Blackdot]

So maybe later model 97 got 4wheel abs. I just don't understand why I would have the sensors in the rear and not have it. Then again I have no idea how abs works, I'm just curious if I have 2 or 4 wheel abs. I will admitt that the abs system is very over-reactive

 

[brian2sun]

It's definitely possible that the 4 wheel ABS may have started as early as the late model '97s. Mine was built 06/96 so mine is an early '97.

 

[jsmithjr732]

I'm in the same boat as you. Shaking since I got the rig in February. I've replaced the rotors and pads...still shakes. I've resigned to the fact that upgrading to Tundra brakes is the only way to truly resolve it.

 

[Ape Runner]

Ok, So Tundra brake upgrade sounds like the way to go. I have a 2000 4runner, so it's not an early 3rd gen. In my opinion, the brakes are horrible. Does replacing the rear drums make much of a difference?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Ok, So Tundra brake upgrade sounds like the way to go. I have a 2000 4runner, so it's not an early 3rd gen. In my opinion, the brakes are horrible. Does replacing the rear drums make much of a difference?

My bad. He didn't replace the rear drums, just got new ones. Thinking about it now, I'm actually not even sure if it's possible to run disk brakes back there.

Here is his thread about brakes: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/62719-brake-system-overhaul-2.html

 

[Justin727]

It's possible I have a writeup with pics on how to do it to the 3rd gen and there are companies out there that make caliper brackets for it.

Worth it? Likely not. I finally did my 231mm brake upgrade last weekend and it's night and day of what the stock calipers and rotors are. I'm sure once I throw on some SS lines it should be even better.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

if Tundra brakes aren't in the budget using ceramic pads is a pretty big help as they resist fade better than organics. 4runner brakes are subpar for a 4000lb truck but better pads will help. I'd love to do the Tundra upgrade and keep it all OEM but a tranny cooler is next on the mod list. (all these pink milkshake threads are freaking me out :wow

 

[BTO]

After excessive warping, I replaced the rotors with Brembo blanks and installed hawk pads (the ones recommended for our SUV's). I immediately noticed an improvement, but still nothing to get excited over. Now, I'm starting to get the vibrations again.

I thought Brembos were supposed to be the end of warpage?

I can tell you that Hawk pads are not the braking nirvana that everyone says they are. My experience with them says they have reduced braking power. I removed them after a week replacing with AZ semi metallic. That got the brakes back to normal.

 

[Ape Runner]

Thanks for the input. I'm looking for a substantial improvement, so it sounds like the Tundra upgrade is the way to go. I'll plan to go Tundra upgrade with stainless lines and flush the old brake fluid for some better stuff, and then make sure the rear drums are turned and clean.

Thanks for the input all!

 

[Mr. Leary]

Tundra Brakes!

Really easy. PM if you have any specific Q's.

 

[PDinMT]

tundra

Hi all:

What is entailed with the Tundra upgrade? Is it BOLT ON? Just get the parts kit and go? Or are there mods required. Links please!

Is switching to Brembo rotors and ceramic pads a good way, if i don't go the Tundra route?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!:biggrin2:

OOPS...saw the link above too late. Old eyes. Looks easy...for my mechanic!! (i am a wimp!)

 

[CoMarc]

I got my brembo rotors ordered and they should be here Thursday. Then it'll be if I can get some OEM Tundra brake calipers (231mm) off of a wrecked Tundra and some brake pads from the store... This weekend, the mod will happen (if all goes to plan)!