Safety: Brakes are a safety system. If the pedal is soft, very hard, or goes to the floor, do not drive the truck.
Checks, in order
- Pads and rotorsPull the wheels and check pad thickness and the wear pattern. Uneven wear between pads on one caliper points to a sticking piston or slides.easy $ · under about $50
- Caliper slides and pistonsClean and grease the slide pins with brake grease and check that the pistons retract freely. Replace a caliper that won't move.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Brake fluidCheck the level and color. Old fluid is dark and should be flushed.easy $ · under about $50
- ABS pump or accumulatorA hard pedal, a loud pump chirp or ABS and brake lights together point to the ABS hydraulic unit or accumulator. Have it scanned and inspected by a shop.hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+
- Wheel speed sensorsA dirty or damaged speed sensor sets ABS, VSC and TRAC lights. Check the sensor and tone ring and read the codes.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 2003 to 2009 4Runner with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and the 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8, 2WD and 4WD. Engine specific items are labeled, and some issues apply mainly to early model years.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | Replacing worn or glazed pads | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota DOT 3 brake fluid | Flushing old fluid; confirm DOT 3 on your reservoir cap | Shop on Amazon |
| One-person brake bleeder kit | Bleeding air out of the lines | Shop on Amazon |
| Dial indicator with magnetic base | Measuring rotor runout | Shop on Amazon |
The same problem on other Toyotas
More 4th Gen 4Runner problems
- V6 losing coolant, cold start misfire or overheating (early 4.0L) (Engine)
- Frame rust or rusted suspension mounts (Frame & Body)
- Clunk, knock or wandering from the front suspension (Steering & Suspension)
- Sticky, melting or cracked dashboard (Body & Electrical)
- V8 timing belt service: when is it due? (Engine)
- Ticking or diesel-like noise on cold start (Engine)
All 16 4th Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.