Noob question about power steering and brakes

[viper83181]

Hey all, new 4Runner owner and forum member. Did some searching but couldn't get the answer I needed. I have an 08 SR5 V6 runner w/ 34k on it. If I turn the steering wheel all the way to lock in either direction, the power steering drops off and the wheel remains where it's at so essentially I can let go and drive in perfect circles forever if I chose to. Is this normal? I would figure the power steering should always try to bring the wheel back to center. Again this only happens when the steering wheel is all the way to one direction where it will not go any further.
My second issue is the brakes. Had them inspected and the dealership said they were fine (pads, calipers, rotors etc) but when I apply the brakes there is a slight delay and gravelly feel to the pedal (very faint) but the brakes work fine. Just sort of a nuisance. Again is this normal for 4Runners? I appreciate any input you guys have. Everyone seems very friendly and helpful here!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Sounds like the alignment could be off. Is the 4runner lifted? I'm gonna take a guess and say the caster is probably way off. As for the brakes, it sounds like the pads may be glazed over. The brakes on my '08 are silky smooth with no delay. You may have to get the rotors machined and buy new pads. You could also try driving the vehicle up to 50mph they apply the brakes as hard as you can until you come to a complete stop. Repeat that about 15 times. Don't stay stopped for too long.

 

[viper83181]

Thanks for the insight! It's not lifted and on stock suspension but I'll def get the alignment Checked. I'll also try the hard brake trick. What does that do exactly?

 

[gm350reratliff]

It beds in the brake pads to the rotor. Also, there could be grooves in the rotors and/or pads causing the gravelly feeling.