Just changed front breaks and....

[Gemini220]

Hello new to the forum.

I just changed the front breaks on a 2001 4 Runner for a friend of mine. First time changing 4R breaks and I made the mistake of loosening the 4 bolts on the caliber in which some break fluid was lost. After I recognized that they didn't have to be loosened at all I quickly re tightened them.

The other side went smooth and all was good, that was Thursday. Today she calls me up saying a little break fluid is leaking and from the fluid hitting the hot rotor there's a little smoke. And she also sent me this pic of what the fluid did.

I'm going back out there tomorrow to see whats going on, and suggestions?

 

[Uneek]

Did the two halves of the caliper separate?

Looks there's a painted finish for those rims. Brake fluid damages paint, requiring cleaning immediately when coming in contact with paint.

 

[Gemini220]

Yes it did, is there something I should be looking for?

 

[Inbloom]

Ouch, that sucks man......That is why i love my repair manual..... Otherwise tons of things i would rush into and do wrong..... I changed my front brakes all by my lonesome and everything went smooth because of the manual...... I would highly recommend if you or your friend bought one!

 

[mannymm]

Inbloom

Re: '94 4runner manual.

I need a manual, any suggestions?

Hard to find in Costa Rica, almost impossible.

Thanks'
manny

 

[TechWrench]

Yes it did, is there something I should be looking for?

I haven't specifically taken the '01 calipers apart, but just about all 2 piece calipers work the same. There are rubber 'O' rings that seal the fluid passages between the two halfs. Probably, when you loosened the connecting bolts, one or more of the 'O' rings became dislodged and is now leaking. You have two choices, either get a caliper rebuild kit and replace the 'O' rings, or replace the caliper with a new/rebuilt one.

 

[Gemini220]

Instead of getting a kit or rebuilt can't I just buy some O rings from the dealer?

 

[TechWrench]

Instead of getting a kit or rebuilt can't I just buy some O rings from the dealer?

Sure, if they carry them as a separate item.

 

[Gemini220]

Yes there is an O ring between the 2 half's near the top of the caliper. I found the one that popped out, reinstalled now everything is fine.

The kicker, I called 2 different dealers to see if they have the rings in stock in-case I couldn't find the ring. They had no idea of what I was talking about? One guy said he didn't even know they came apart?? Wow

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Get a service manual on CD off ebay. I got one for $4.99 shipped and it has everything you need.