New Brakes

[hulk311]

I'd like some advice on which parts/models to get for my new brakes. I did a search on here and basically the census is not to do the tundra upgrade since it costs too much.

My question is, how do I know if I need new calipers, pads or rotors? I think I might need all three because my brakes are horribly right now.

How much would new calipers, pads and rotors cost? I don't want to "upgrade" the parts, just replace them. What are some of the more popular brands and model numbers?

 

[Uneek]

Calipers, if they are leaking, or the the piston is frozen (the 4th gen's front calipers are infamous for this) and cannot be compressed back into the bore. Otherwise, calipers don't need to be replaced.

Pads, when the linings are worned down to the minimum thickness. You should be able to see the pad/lining thickness after removing the wheels through the calipers. Usually, minimum thickness is around 1-2mm. There is also a wear indicator that'll squeak and squeal when you apply the brakes, but it could be sooner than minimum thickness or much after, depending if it was properly installed. Best option is visual inspection.

Rotors, if they are warped or have reached their minimum thickness. You can have them cut or resurfaced if warped, but it could warp even faster after cutting/resurfacing. You can feel warped rotors through vibrations when applying the brakes.

 

[duketogo]

I'd like some advice on which parts/models to get for my new brakes. I did a search on here and basically the census is not to do the tundra upgrade since it costs too much.

My question is, how do I know if I need new calipers, pads or rotors? I think I might need all three because my brakes are horribly right now.

How much would new calipers, pads and rotors cost? I don't want to "upgrade" the parts, just replace them. What are some of the more popular brands and model numbers?

pads - I've had great experiences with Akebono ProACT pads in my Camry so I'm going to try them for the T4R.
rotors - I've had great experiences with Brembo plain rotors in my Camry; going to try Centric rotors this time around. Seems to review reasonably well and less expensive than the Brembos.
calipers - no idea, never had to replace these before, but given the frozen calipers reported here, I have my eye on the remans at the local auto shops (AutoZone, O'Reilly, etc)

I mail ordered my pads and rotors from rockauto this week, I usually go with tirerack, but the shipping was a little cheaper from rockauto. About $180 shipped for the front rotors and pads.

I usually do my rotors (I'll turn the old rotors once; new after that) and pads at the same time.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Calipers on the 3rd gens rarely fail from what I have read. You likely need rotors and pads only up front.

I'm not certain you are doing this yourself(?) perhaps I am mis-interpreting your questions but you don't strike me as a brake expert.Nor am I. Be sure the rear drums are doing their fair share of the work. If you don't know what that means then by all means pay someone to check them out and adjust them accordingly. And check them for proper thickness specs and so on...

Hard to overestimate the importance of proper braking in my humble opinion.

I have had excellent luck with plain Brembo rotors (not drilled or slotted) and stock Toyota pads. I don't drive my Runner like a race car and don't expect braking like a Ferrari. This slightly upgraded setup gives me excellent pedal feel and I have never had warped rotors on this 3rd gen.

Now my old (95) 2nd gen... it would eat rotors like a fat chick at the buffet... but I digress....:fro:

 

[Mel]

Hi There,

I just purchased a '95 SR5 today. After I'd put about 30 miles on it, the brakes got weird (as in, at one point I thought they weren't working!). Then, they seemed normal again, except the car made a rattle when braking exactly like my previous car which needed to have the rotors turned and the pads replaced. I briefly spoke to a mechanic about it and he said on some Toyotas you can't turn the rotors but have to replace them. Is this true? Sorry, I am not a DIY mechanic, and am pretty ignorant about mechanical issues unless I've encountered the problem before. And actually, I don't even know what it means to "turn the rotors" (other than you are fixing them in some way)!

So, I want to figure out if it's true - that you can't turn the rotors but I'll definitely have to replace them. And if I do replace them, should I just accept the mechanic shop's suggestion for the type to replace them with?

Also, I noticed people mention 2nd and 3rd gen vehicles - what does that mean and how do I know? I don't want my car to eat the rotors like a fat lady at a buffet! (quoting Ron Helmuth)

Thanks for your help, and any other advice you can offer me would be fab!

Cheers/Mel

 

[Ron Helmuth]

just glad we can all communicate now via email notifies

Never heard of certain Toyotas that were able to have the rotors turned-I would ask him to explain that statement- of course if the material is too thin then it is indeed time for new ones- but that is not unique to any certain make or model.

 

[Mel]

Thanks, I shall ask him to specify what he meant.

 

[fourwd1]

And actually, I don't even know what it means to "turn the rotors" (other than you are fixing them in some way)!

Basically it's like putting them on a lathe and milling the surface down to a new smooth, true finish.

Also, I noticed people mention 2nd and 3rd gen vehicles

That refers to the year/body style.
1st - 84-89
2nd - 90-95
3rd - 96-02
etc

 

[Asmara]

Never heard of certain Toyotas that were able to have the rotors turned-I would ask him to explain that statement- of course if the material is too thin then it is indeed time for new ones- but that is not unique to any certain make or model.

A couple of things come to mind from my recent experience-
I brought mine to an Checker - O'Reilly to get them turned. The first thing the guy said was that it was often cheaper just to replace the rotors. Looked up the ones for the 4Runner and said nope not in this case.

The second thing he did was look at the center diameter of the rotors and told me that he couldn't turn them. The guy at the counter told me that they were using a newer brake turning machine and the cone used to center the rotors just didn't work right with some of the larger Toyota rotors and would damage them because they would slip. They turned me away. I ended up taking them to a different shop where they measured for minimum thickness and turned just fine.

 

[Mel]

Thanks, I'm starting to figure the lingo out now (re. 1st gen, etc.). Interesting on someone else's experience with the rotors. I ended up having to get mine replaced, not because they couldn't be turned due to being for a Toyota (thanks for explaining that to me too!) but because they were in such bad shape. Everything seems to be running pretty well now. I wish I had the mechanical knowledge like it seems most people on here do...must take a class (or somethin').

 

[Ron Helmuth]

always learning Mel

I'm a complete idiot about mechanical items Mel. You learn these things a bit at a time. That's why it is so nice we all share ideas via forums such as this.

You want to be overwhelmed? take a look over on Yota Tech sometime and the TECH WriteUp Section...some of those guys are just geniuses....:thumb3:

 

[Mel]

Interestingly, doing a couple of Google searches I did end up at Yota tech. I could feel my brain melting.

 

[PhysioTherapyD]

Recommendations

Question for ya'll: need to put new rotors and pads on my 1996 T4R SR5 - manual 4x4, are the rotors I've posted the link from amazon.com a good choice?
No build ups, just a straight rig - for now.

I'm looking at putting the Akebono, Bendix, EBC, or Centrics pads on with the new rotors.

Any recommendations, warnings, or/and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, guys!

1996 Toyota 4Runner: Rotors: Part Finder: Automotive: Amazon.com

 

[Ron Helmuth]

suggestion-Brembo rotors from the link-yes you can save some money with a couple of the others but the Brembo name is in my opinion worth it.

I've had no issues with warping and mine have been on 3-4 years at least.

Just my 2 cents