Very sensitive touchy breaks

[Texas_4Runner_1]

Hello all I am new to this forum. And thanks ahead of time for the help. I posted this in the Problems forum and not much help there. I figured that this forum may be better place to post it.

I am the proud owner of an 02 4Runner. I love it so far. I have one problem that I want to get fixed ASAP. My breaks are extremely touchy. And what I mean by that is its almost as if they are totally on or totally off. I mean they work well as far as stopping. But there is no slow way to come to a stop. its like you run up behind some one and end up stomping hard on the breaks before you run in to the car in front of you. Any ideas on what could cause this?? When I bought it they put new pads on it and turned the rotors I think. But am not sure about the rotors. Let me be clear I am not a mechanic. But I am not afraid to get in there and try some things either.

Thanks!

 

[gapboi210]

wish mine were like that, mine have always felt mushy and weak. It is getting worse too. When it is cold out, the pedal feels like a rock and it is hard to get the truck stopped, it keeps going while mashing as hard as you can on the pedal.

 

[4rnr4me]

mine were like yours gapboi, until i had my rotors turned and put new pads in...could be too that your rear brakes are completely gone, and your front has to do EVERYTHING...

texas, i have no idea what would cause that...but i would take it back to whoever did your brakes and tell them about it...

 

[Texas_4Runner_1]

Well thanks for the replies all. I guess it sounds like I should be happy they are nice and sensitive...But they just seem over sensitive to me but I suppose I will get used to it.. Wife has no complaints so far.

 

[gapboi210]

It has new rotors and pads. Besides that shouldn't affect pressing the pedal. When I step on the pedal it barley budges. Espcially if the truck is cold it barely wants to stop.

 

[4rnr4me]

I think theres some kind of cable you can adjust to change the sensitvity of the brakes...

 

[hkspwrsche]

IF youre not a mechanic then you need to take it back.

Sounds like they probably pulled all 4 wheels and checked the brakes and it needed front brakes. When they check the rear drums they back the adjusters off and they may not have readjusted the rear when they put it back if it feel like your stopping with the front and the front tires are nearly locking up.

Could be they over adjusted the rear if the rears are locking up.

Another possibility is the brake proportioning valve is outa whack ... or could be some grit in there when they compressed the pistons but, thats a rare issue. Bleeding the brakes and or readjusting the rear for very slight drag would probably fix it... again. if youre not a mechanic take it back... it's not right. They are only human and the phone can ring and something could get missed.

Good luck!

 

[Texas_4Runner_1]

thanks again. I will take it back soon then. Just let them readjust it maybe it's like you said they just over looked something. I am thinking about using my Toyota dealer from now on and just having the peace of mind that it was done right the first time.

Any one want to comment on their dealers mechanics? My mom and Dad have a Avalon they really like it a lot. And they really like the service dept here at the Toyota dealership they say they always do a great job for them. I have heard this from some of my friends with Toyota's also. So maybe worth taking my 4runner there.

 

[shootmymime]

wellim 18 and i take my 4runner in and it seems they dont give a flying hoot to young male boys who want to spend money...

thats why i work at a mechanic shop and stay away from the steelership, plus they are too expensive

 

[FateOne]

My 2002 Sport Edition is like this to. I have to really carefully ease into the pedal because it goes from nothing to BAM! full on stopping power. I've driven a HMMWV (the military Hummer) and it did the same thing...took forever to get up to power and stopped like hitting a wall. I figured it was just the way the 4Runner drives. I guess I better have mine checked too??!?
If you find out what is causing this please let me/us know.

 

[hkspwrsche]

Its not right.. hydraulics or adjustment problem

 

[K_Labs]

Stealerships <<<< :bonk: Ha ha I haven't heard that one before. I like it! Don't DON'T DON'T Go to the dealership! They will rape you and not call the next day. LOL

As far as the brakes go I think the best advice was take it back and complain! Smaller shops are known for taking care of customers because they want them to come back again. If you don't complain they have no idea you are unsatisfied. I bet they fix it for free unless they find some "new" problem. If that happens you call "bull sh*t" because it wasn't like that before.

My Grandma's brakes were like that too but we left it like that because old people have a slower reaction time so when she finally does brake it's all good.

Do you have 4x4 or 2x4 because if you have 4x4 it must have been an expensive brake job. I'd bring up the rediculous price you paid too. I do my own but I had to go out and get that massive socket so I could change my rotors.
BTW it's BRAKES <<<<