Squishy Brake Pedal

barcelonared2014

barcelonared2014

New member
Hi guys,

New to the forum, just got the 4runner trail and it's absolutely stupendous, I love the old school high low shifter. However, I noticed that after 400 miles of driving the brake pedal makes a squishy sound when depressed. I sprayed a little white lithium grease on what i think was the rod (its hard to get to) but it didn't help. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I know some people think it isn't a big deal but it drives me crazy. :uzi: Thanks in advance y'all

-Carlos "El Bandito"
 
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It's normal, you'll get used to it. Mine also will "pulse" a little from time to time, I feel it when I'm stopped at a light and the pedal will vibrate a little, I think it is just the emergency brake system doing something. I've read that's also not something abnormal.
 
Thanks to the replies guys. however...
It didn't do that the first 400 miles. Whenever I buy a car I listen to every little thing so I know would've noticed it if it did that when i picked it up. If it's "normal" do any of you know what interaction of parts actually makes that sound? On my old tacoma the clutch made a similar squeaky sound and an official toyota bulletin was issued for the clutch pedal, I fixed it by disassembly and reassembly with lots of grease, but my taco had 100k plus miles and ol red this is brand new.
 
It was driving me nuts, too. I took it to the dealer because I thought my brakes needed to be bled. They looked into it, asked around, test drove a couple others on the lot...determined they all do it. :shrug:
 
Is it the noise or the feeling you don't like? I really doubt anything can be done about it. Someone posted previously that the noise is related to the system that assists in braking in emergency situations. Turn the music up and forget about it.
 
I know why it does it and unless you have advanced degrees in physics, fluid mechanics and electrical systems and design I would not tamper with it. Now, if you want to pull a master cylinder off a '78 Buick and replace it then go ahead and knock yourself out. They all do it and it is one of the best braking systems out there. Do me a favor: go to a deserted stretch of road and panic stop from 55 mph. If you can design a system like this then you have patents in your future.
 
well thanks for all the responses guys. When y'all are being so final about the issue, it kinda squashes the curious spirit, which all you 4 runner owners should have. My friends new sr5 doesn't do it. If any of you have real engineering insight into it or blueprints (I can't seem to find them online) other than "it's normal" I'd like to see it. Call me crazy but a 30k plus truck shouldn't have squeaks new. It just doesn't logically follow…if it's normal, why didn't it do it when new? If they all do it why doesn't my friends with 13k make the sound? If it's related to the emergency braking, why does it happen during normal braking? I've built and restored all types of cars and never had this issue with any sort of system, powered or unpowered. Once again, not trying to be disrespectful to anyone, but I'm curious from an engineering perspective and would like to fix it.
 
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My 2014 SR5 does it as well and did it from brand new. What mine also does that is super annoying and in 1200 miles cannot get used to is pulsating when braking. Happens i would say 90% of the time. Took it in and the tech said he felt no pulsation. 2 others I drove did not do it.
 
Arkangel said:
My 2014 SR5 does it as well and did it from brand new. What mine also does that is super annoying and in 1200 miles cannot get used to is pulsating when braking. Happens i would say 90% of the time. Took it in and the tech said he felt no pulsation. 2 others I drove did not do it.
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The other ones I've drove haven't done it either. Mine doesn't pulsate tho…can't lose em all i guess :high5:
 
I have an 11 SR5 and bought it brand new. It's always been there and yes it's normal. You'll get used to it and not even know it's there.
 
Mine's been doing that since day one and as others have voiced so have theirs. It's normal and there's really no sense in fixing what isn't broke. You're more likely to cause more damage than solve a "problem".
 
barcelonared2014 said:
well thanks for all the responses guys. When y'all are being so final about the issue, it kinda squashes the curious spirit, which all you 4 runner owners should have. My friends new sr5 doesn't do it. If any of you have real engineering insight into it or blueprints (I can't seem to find them online) other than "it's normal" I'd like to see it. Call me crazy but a 30k plus truck shouldn't have squeaks new. It just doesn't logically follow…if it's normal, why didn't it do it when new? If they all do it why doesn't my friends with 13k make the sound? If it's related to the emergency braking, why does it happen during normal braking? I've built and restored all types of cars and never had this issue with any sort of system, powered or unpowered. Once again, not trying to be disrespectful to anyone, but I'm curious from an engineering perspective and would like to fix it.
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Because I don't believe you when you (or your buddy) say it does not have the squish sound. I will say, having owned two 5th gens so far that one was louder than the other but both did it, along with all the ones I have test driven. Now for some engineering:

The brake assist is activated by the speed of actuation, not the force of actuation. The sound is fluid flowing across a tuned orifice with sensors that will sense pressure drop depending on the acceleration of the depression of the pedal. What this means is you can press it at normal speed and pressit to the floor without activating brake assist. Or you can barely touch the brake in a panic situation (really quick actuation) and you will stop. Right. Now. Again, go out and test it but be prepared to be taken aback by the, suddeness I guess, of the stopping ability. Its actually pretty scary if you are not expecting it. Its your truck though so feel free to "improve" on the operation lol.
 
I still have problems transitioning from driving other vehicles back into the 4Runner, and when wearing heavy boots. I have given up in driving in heavy winter boots in this thing. A "don't sue us for unintended acceleration" panic stop due to a snow boot clobbering the brake pedal in snow and ice conditions isn't something I want.
 
LandCruiser said:
I still have problems transitioning from driving other vehicles back into the 4Runner, and when wearing heavy boots.......
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Speaking of Transitioning.... Go from driving a 5 Speed Manual Honda Accord for 16 years and then get in any automatic and try to remember that the car you are driving doesn't have a clutch! My wife hates it when I reach for the clutch that isn't there and ultimately catch just enough of the break pedal to jerk everyone in the vehicle! :)
 
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