my brakes suck horribly

[Opi]

what can i do for this? bleed them? upgrade them? it seems like it takes forever and a lot of pressure to stop.

 

[LINY4Runner]

pull off the rear drums- you might have leaky rear axle seals!

if the inside of the drum is dry, try to adjust the rear brakes a little
NOT TOO MUCH

you can try to bleed them, but if you haven't replaced a part of the hydraulic system recently, I wouldn't think air magically got into the system.

 

[VA07]

I would try to bleed them. This time of year the temperature swings can be quite dramatic. That can lead to getting moisture in the brake fluid, which can have the same effect as air being in the lines. It is also the cheapest alternative that you mentioned.

 

[cj80cruiser]

pull off the rear drums- you might have leaky rear axle seals!

if the inside of the drum is dry, try to adjust the rear brakes a little
NOT TOO MUCH

you can try to bleed them, but if you haven't replaced a part of the hydraulic system recently, I wouldn't think air magically got into the system.

When my rear axle seal went out on my 80 it ran down the outside of my wheel....its not as noticeable on the 4runner?

 

[TheDurk]

First, verify that your e-brake works. I know some slushboxers never use it. If it doesn't, that's a good time to do a full clean, lube and adjust on the rear brakes. Or just do it. If fluid has not been flushed in the last two years, then do that, too. Just these two things did wonders for my braking performance.

If that doesn't do it, then you may need to see a mechanic as lots of things could be wromg--stuck cylinder, booster, master cyl, etc.