Soft Brakes
- Thread starter stever1000
- Start date
ajordan1975
New member
change your rubber brake lines. after time they weaken. they may look fine, but the lines can expand when pushing the pedal, making it feel soft. i put stainless steel braided lines on the wifes and the pedal feels way better.
Vansnxtweek
New member
I definitely can't disagree with that. I'm going to look into a Toyota replacement.
That's a great point thanks! Definitely will look into that that makes a lot of sense.
While rubber brake lines don't last forever, if they were expanding under pressure like that, I have a feeling there would be evidence and rupture would occur very quickly. I always run SS lines on older vehicles with any brake job, but I've never seen something (rubber line) get that close to catastrophic failure without fully failing or being painfully obvious. There is a lot of pressure in brake hoses, if the pedal sinks that far under pressure, the line would be expanding significantly I imagine.
The master cylinder an slave I purchased were from a Toyota dealer in California, I'm in WA so it was about location when I ordered the stuff primarily. Just so happened they were extremely cheap as well, they were genuine Aisin OEM parts.
Some of the stuff people need help with are tough, I hate suggesting stuff that someone may or may not need ultimately, but it's difficult in some cases without being there first hand.
The master cylinder an slave I purchased were from a Toyota dealer in California, I'm in WA so it was about location when I ordered the stuff primarily. Just so happened they were extremely cheap as well, they were genuine Aisin OEM parts.
Some of the stuff people need help with are tough, I hate suggesting stuff that someone may or may not need ultimately, but it's difficult in some cases without being there first hand.
Vansnxtweek
New member
^^^ I agree with that for sure. I'm sure mine could use an upgrade so I'm gonna try the SS lines but I am not gonna hold my breath that it will be the golden ticket haha.
stever1000
New member
I bit the bullet and ordered a new OEM master cylinder from Camel back...
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stever1000
New member
Ok I will also order new lines and try that first...
Looking at CENTRIC 95044007 on rock auto for stainless front lines - any good?
The stainless lines sound like they may cure my problem if in fact my old lines are worn and swelling
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Vansnxtweek
New member
That's what I ordered brotha
I ordered mine off eBay for $44 on the front set and an extended off wheelers for the rear that is around $35.
I've used 4-5 different brands over the years. Any main stream brand should be good. Just recently found a guy who makes them in his backyard that I use. He closed down his fill time business and just does it as he wants to from home. So I wouldn't worry too much about which ones you choose.
I've used 4-5 different brands over the years. Any main stream brand should be good. Just recently found a guy who makes them in his backyard that I use. He closed down his fill time business and just does it as he wants to from home. So I wouldn't worry too much about which ones you choose.
stever1000
New member
Good info thanks! Will order these up ASAP
I'm wondering if it would be cheaper to replace these first then order the master cylinder if the hoses don't fix the mushiness...the master cylinder was $300 CAD so if $50 in hoses can fix it...I'm in a jam
You can simply go look over the rubber hose portions on each side of the truck and you will see variations in the rubber if they really were expanding creating this mushy feeling. I HIGHLY doubt you will see anything or have experienced this pedal feel from lines alone. The SS brake line upgrade is more for the peace of mind people, where statistics show they stop 4 feet shorter due to no brake line expansion. I just do it to avoid any BS and so I don't have to bleed brakes more then once you know?
My opinion as I questioned way back was the master cylinder is bad. If you have bled brakes, adjusted drums, and the pedal has issues, it's not brake line related and it's something more mechanical. Such as the master. Being in Canada, you get raped on costs, so don't take my input too seriously, but anything you spend on unnecessary parts is just that, money spent unnecessarily. I would bet on master cylinder over brake lines any day.
Climb under the truck, have someone pump the brakes with it at idle, check each line up front and the soft line on the rear above the axle. Money says everything is fine, an master makes most sense. If you were closer I'd come help you diagnose it.
stever1000
New member
Thanks for the help, I really appreciate your time walking me through this. I will order the master cylinder and have the peace of mind knowing that it is new and not bad.
No sweat, just a few minutes of time. Hopefully it fixes it for you, before you drop $300 on master cylinder or $60 for hoses, have you considered getting a quick diagnosis from a qualified shop? You don't seem afraid to buy the necessary parts, might be worth your time to get a hands on diagnostic test by someone before throwing shit at it.
Good luck.
stever1000
New member
I talked to Toyota and they had to do the usual brake bleed first ($80) before they could start diagnosing it further ($130/hour shop rate), plus my time to drop off and pickup during work hours I would rather go with the parts and do it myself
I talked to Toyota and they had to do the usual brake bleed first ($80) before they could start diagnosing it further ($130/hour shop rate), plus my time to drop off and pickup during work hours I would rather go with the parts and do it myself
With prices like that, can't blame you lol.
Hey guys,
Hope you don't mind me chiming in but I have been dealing with these exact issues for the last 2 weeks. 96 3rd gen 4Runner. Rear brakes replaced, then the front calipers, pads, lines, the works. Pedal still went to the floor. Replaced with an OEM MC and same issue. Bled the brakes 10 times on all sides to no avail. Pulling my hair out as I have now dumped hundreds of dollars into chasing this ghost brake issue.
Anyway, I do recall seeing my ABS light come on once or twice like a year or so ago. I hate to have to dump a grand into chasing all these brake parts. Anyway, if I find anything with my system I will certainly post and let you know but I think I'm going to start looking at the ABS.
jasontrd
Hope you don't mind me chiming in but I have been dealing with these exact issues for the last 2 weeks. 96 3rd gen 4Runner. Rear brakes replaced, then the front calipers, pads, lines, the works. Pedal still went to the floor. Replaced with an OEM MC and same issue. Bled the brakes 10 times on all sides to no avail. Pulling my hair out as I have now dumped hundreds of dollars into chasing this ghost brake issue.
Anyway, I do recall seeing my ABS light come on once or twice like a year or so ago. I hate to have to dump a grand into chasing all these brake parts. Anyway, if I find anything with my system I will certainly post and let you know but I think I'm going to start looking at the ABS.
jasontrd
nevada
Senior Member
calipers on the correct side? bleeder on TOP?
jkeith.w
Official Vendor
I think I'm in the same boat, air in the ABS pump somewhere. I've NEVER heard my pump run, nor has it activated in the 11 years we've owned the truck... and the brakes have always sucked, regardless of how many bleeds/components are thrown at it.
