Just got my first 3rd gen and need help

[JTIZ]

so... I have wanted a 4runner for years and I just bout one last week.... its a 2000 limited with around 125k. but, now it is doing some strange things. so if anyone can lend some advice that would be great! there are two issues (i dont know if there conected or not) 1. the brakes have firm pressure when you first depress them and then they seem to loose this pressure untill you press the pedel in another 3 inches or so. its a very strange feeling! i noticed the break fluid is filled past the max level by about 1/4 inch but i didnt think this would cause this problem.
2. also the car starts to vibrate at around 65-70 mph and the steering wheel wiggles back and forth. The alinment is slightly of on the truck and it turns to the right if you let go of the wheel pretty quickly, but I didnt know if that would cause the vibration.
... I dont have much experiance with 4runners but my guess is that maybe the alinment needs to be done and the break roaters are warped. but i didnt know if warped roaters would cause the pressure change when breaking... thanks for all the help guys. I was a part of a mustang forum for about 9 years and loved it! just became a member of the 4runn forum today so I cant wait to get into 4runner stuff on here!:reddance: lemme know what you guys think!

 

[2000runr]

Steering wheel shake=very common issue

 

[JTIZ]

so what do you think it could be?

 

[proudrunner]

Welcome aboard! When I did my lift install my truck would shake and vibrate at a higher speed so an alignment fixed all that. Do an alignment your truck should not pull to the side hopefully this would fix the problem.

 

[Bretski]

I know for the shaking i took my car in and my tech told me that the wheels werent weighted properly so he added some weights to get em squared away and that seemed to help for about a month or so, then it came back...

 

[2000runr]

It was worse and chronic on my 4th gen which is why I sold it after 1 yr. My 3rd gen has it although since my lift/new tires it isn't as bad. Alignment, but don't be surprised if it cones right back

 

[004Gunner]

This should help you with the vibration issue: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=173 and the brake pedal feeling may be caused by old brake fluid. A brake fluid flush or just a bleed will put new fluid in which may fix the problem. Old brake fluid will pick up moisture over time which becomes compressed when in a hydraulic system. I'm assuming that the rest of the braking system is fine of course.

 

[raydouble]

Check all brake hydraulic hoses and connections for leaks or bulging rubber lines.

Search for steering rack bushings and inner tie rod ends.

 

[p nut]

I would also suggest doing the steering wheel bushings.

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/4runnerrackbushkit.htm

 

[Berry]

May not be worth taking this advice now but in the future it might help. If you have a Tire Rack distributor in your area buy your tires and have them mounted by them or just have them re balance your wheels. The main headquarters is in my area which is Indiana and they know what they are doing when it comes to balancing tires/wheels. Most of the people selling tires today buy all their tires from Tire Rack. Tire Rack is the 800 pound gorilla of the tire world! Check them out on the internet. http://tirerack.com

 

[techno]

For your spongy brakes, I suggest you bleed them to remove any air that may be in the lines. Also, for the rear, remove the drums and inspect and clean everything. These can get a big build up of crap that reduces performance. Sometimes a leaky axle seal will let diff fluid onto everything and ruin the shoes.

With the vibration issue, as most people have said, wheel alignment is the most likely culprit. Some other items to keep in mind are tie rod ends (inner and outer), upper and lower ball joints, brake rotor condition and tire condition. Let me know if you need advice on checking any of these.