Soft brakes 1999 4runner

[Lineman1]

Hey guys.. I was wondering if someone has some experience with this. I’m on the fence about purchasing a 1999 limited 4runner. I noticed the brakes slowly leak down when applying the brakes. I’m assuming the master cylinder is the culprit but read it could be the abs pump. If it is the abs pump would the abs light be on? There are no dash lights on abs or otherwise. I’m semi new to the
3rd gen 4runners. I owned a 1999 limited in 2004 but was not really informed about the ins and outs. I did read over the must reads for 3rd gen 4runners.

 

[LittleCaesar]

At this age it could be leaking rear cylinders, bad MC or ABS modulator. I would crawl under and visibility look around each brake area.

Just how dark is the brake fluid?

 

[Lineman1]

At this age it could be leaking rear cylinders, bad MC or ABS modulator. I would crawl under and visibility look around each brake area.

Just how dark is the brake fluid?

The fluid didn’t seem to dark.. it was getting dark out when I looked at it. I’ll crawl under it ... if I even decide to buy it since the price keeps going up. It’s is in really good shape. I definitely wouldn’t want to pay what he wants and have to invest in all new brake lines.

 

[MaineRunna]

Biggest problem with the brakes on these is the front calipers. They are four piston fixed mounted calipers and usually at least one piston in one or bothof the calipers is seized up. One quick thing you can do is clamp off all three brake hoses and then step on the brake pedal. If it still goes to the floor you've got a bad master cylinder or a leaking brake line. The ABS is not likely the problem. If the pedal is solid then its wheel cylinders, calipers or rear brake shoes worn out/way out of adjustment.

 

[LittleCaesar]

The fluid didn’t seem to dark.. it was getting dark out when I looked at it. I’ll crawl under it ... if I even decide to buy it since the price keeps going up. It’s is in really good shape. I definitely wouldn’t want to pay what he wants and have to invest in all new brake lines.

It could even be bad soft brake lines. +1 that the rear brakes could be out of adjustment. Short of a bad abs modulator new parts aren’t terribly expensive. Front calipers can be built relatively cheap.

Got any pics?

 

[pauldub]

I could just need the brakes bled or the ABS. If someone does brake work and gets air in the ABS circuits, you need a OBD device that can drive the ABS so that it can be properly bled.