Marginal braking

[BTO]

Been contemplating replacing the 4runner with something else. We've been weighing the pros and cons of keeping it and throwing more money into it versus selling and getting something else like maybe a BMW X5.

Overall, the 4runner is a decently solid vehicle but I have a few pet peeves that just bug me. Number one on the list is the crappy brakes. The fronts always warp after about 30k miles and the rears barely work at all.

So my main question to the forum is, how well does the emergency brake work on your 4runner? If we got into a brake failure situation, I really think the emergency brake would not help because it barely slows the truck down from speed. I have replaced the drums, shoes and have it all lubed and adjusted properly yet they still don't grab near enough.

So how well does your emergency brake work if let's say you are coming off the freeway and pull up on the brake?

 

[p nut]

4Runner and X5 have different purposes. X5 is a highway cruiser and great around town duties (when working). But you'll never see them on extreme trails or really, off-road period, as they are not built for that sort of stuff. So you really have to decide what you will be using it for, then go from there.

Brake wise, if your brakes are warping every 30k, you need to either use quality rotors/pads, or you've got a stuck piston. I've used Brembo, OEM and Autozone Duralast rotors will great success. Make sure to get quality new pads, like Hawk LTS.

If your rears don't work well, you need to replace and/or get them adjusted. Never tried to pull my e-brake at highway speeds, but I'm sure it will leave a nice fat black skid mark.

 

[kernel.panik]

As far as I can tell, my ebrake will NOT lock up the tires. I am unsure of the condition of my shoes, but they are adjusted properly, as in, I can feel the rear engage when braking. My front brakes are new(ish) and stock (not upgraded to Tundra calipers and rotors yet).

 

[SR5Runner97]

Ever thought of the tundra brake upgrade? I've got 285's and it's hard to keep up with braking. once the funds allow and debt from mom is paid off(next month) I want to do the tundra brake upgrade. E brake is rough though. it slows it down a little bit. Have pulled it going 40. probably saved 3-4 feet. maybe.

 

[shootmymime]

Been contemplating replacing the 4runner with something else. We've been weighing the pros and cons of keeping it and throwing more money into it versus selling and getting something else like maybe a BMW X5.

Let me tell you. Any money you "throw" into the 4runner will still be cheeper than maintenance on the x5
I'm not joking here. Go to your mechanic and ask. BMW are stupid expensive to work on compared to toyotas.
I work at a import mechanic shop and see all sorts of vehicles. It's a smaller shop so I also see the final tickets of price and labor that's been done to the vehicles. You will have more money in the BMW than what you put into the 4runner.

No I'm not just saying this because your on a 4runner website.
Last month my parents were looking into buying her a new SUV to replace her 4th gen. Porsche cayenne turbo, BMW x5, Lexus rx370.
They decided to go with the Lexus because of long term maintenance.
And yes I have seen all three of those vehicles in the shop for scheduled maintenance.

JUST DO THE TUNDRA BRAKE UPGRADE ALREADY! It's totally worth it! Have 3,000 miles on mine and worth every penny! DO IT GOD DAMNIT! -sorry over reacted there.

 

[AntiVenom]

+1 on the Tundra brake upgrade.

I do wish there was a nice/easy-ish rear disc conversion. two reasons: it would brake better, and i hate adjusting the rear brakes.

 

[kernel.panik]

+1 on the Tundra brake upgrade.

I do wish there was a nice/easy-ish rear disc conversion. two reasons: it would brake better, and i hate adjusting the rear brakes.

Just a little tip I picked up from a post here somewhere.
Pull your e-brake about 30 or so times. While parked, pull all the way up, let it all the way down, repeat.

It will make you look stupid, but it works!

I can't tell you how many times I've adjusted my rear brakes with the star wheel just to have them back off. I pump my e-brake 15 or 20 times and the rears engage every time after that...until they back off again...

 

[wc11]

Different class & use altogether.
Keep in mind the maintenance.
BMW = Break My Wallet

 

[AntiVenom]

Just a little tip I picked up from a post here somewhere.
Pull your e-brake about 30 or so times. While parked, pull all the way up, let it all the way down, repeat.

It will make you look stupid, but it works!

I can't tell you how many times I've adjusted my rear brakes with the star wheel just to have them back off. I pump my e-brake 15 or 20 times and the rears engage every time after that...until they back off again...

good trick.

i started setting my brake every time, and it seems to keep it tighter longer. i never bothered since it was an automatic, but now i do it every time.

yours sounds like the fast way to make it happen. i will give it a whirl.

 

[bpowa]

Been contemplating replacing the 4runner with something else. We've been weighing the pros and cons of keeping it and throwing more money into it versus selling and getting something else like maybe a BMW X5.

Overall, the 4runner is a decently solid vehicle but I have a few pet peeves that just bug me. Number one on the list is the crappy brakes. The fronts always warp after about 30k miles and the rears barely work at all.

So my main question to the forum is, how well does the emergency brake work on your 4runner? If we got into a brake failure situation, I really think the emergency brake would not help because it barely slows the truck down from speed. I have replaced the drums, shoes and have it all lubed and adjusted properly yet they still don't grab near enough.



So how well does your emergency brake work if let's say you are coming off the freeway and pull up on the brake?

OP. I have a 2004 x5 for sale. Haven't had the chance to post an ad yet. It's no 4runner that's for sure. Everything is way better. Except for cargo space. Its about the same but you don't want to scratch the interior loading things. Its clean title with carfax. All maintenance with new radiator and tires. Pm me if you are interested I'm in the Bay Area.

 

[I_bRAD]

That's a parking brake, not an emergency brake!

 

[kernel.panik]

That's a parking brake, not an emergency brake!

In all honesty, that's a VERY good point!

 

[Skidmarcx]

If your rear brakes are adjusted properly they work just fine... Also make sure your axle seals aren't leaking because then the rear brakes really won't work.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Well any decent X5 with say 120k miles will be worth 2-3x as much as a 2000 4runner with 120k miles because they were a much more expensive vehicle to begin with.

Enjoy the low reliability and super expensive parts.

And yes I mean LOW reliability. Like $3000k a year in maintenance.

 

[JBurt]

If braking is the main complain with your 4runner just spend $500 and get the tundra brake upgrade. Hell of a lot cheaper than a new car, plus you know the maintenance history of your car.

If you saw a 4runner identical to yours in every way but with better brakes and they wanted your car as trade in + $500 would you do it?

As was said above remember it's a parking brake, not an emergency brake. Granted in an emergency it's better than a kick in the shorts, but that's not what it was designed for. You can use your transmission to slow down in an emergency too, but your regular are your main source of stopping and they are there for a reason, just keep them maintained. The rear brakes don't do the bulk of the work during regular operation, so why would they do everything in an emergency? Also remember you don't want to lock up your tires. Loosing traction doesn't help you stop faster.

That being said if you know what you're getting into with the x5, you're ok with it, and it will make you happy, go for it.

 

[habanero]

My parking brake cable wasn't working well, was adjusted as tight as it'd go and was freezing up in wet, cold weather so I replaced it. Easy job on a manual trans, and the Dorman part was fairly inexpensive, looks oe and works great.

I got tired of of warping front rotors (rear brakes adjusted) so did the Tundra upgrade awhile ago. No worries since, I'm glad I did it.

Then again, I really like my old truck and sure don't mind keeping it running with maintenance and fix-its. I'm pleased with how easy it has been to tinker with ('cept those blasted oil cooler thingy on the side of the block coolant hoses- that job took some beer to complete) and to repair switches and actuators and stuff. I like that sort of thing, though.

 

[BTO]

We decided to ride it out with the 4runner. Thanks for all the advice from everyone. Going to do the Tundra front brakes, replace the "parking" brake cable and also replace the throttle cable which is a little sticking.