Safety: Brakes are a safety system. A soft pedal, pedal to the floor, fluid leak or grinding metal-on-metal should be repaired before driving.
Checks, in order
- Pad thickness and wearRemove a wheel and measure the pad material. Under about 3 mm, replace pads. Check the wear indicator tabs, which cause squeal when they contact the rotor.easy $ · under about $50
- Rotor surfaceLook for deep grooves, a lip at the edge and blue heat marks. Measure thickness against the minimum stamped on the rotor.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Caliper slides and hardwareClean and lubricate the slider pins and replace worn clips. A stuck pin can cause uneven wear, drag and a hot wheel.medium $ · under about $50
- Fluid level and conditionCheck the reservoir. Low fluid usually follows pad wear. Dark, old fluid should be flushed on schedule.easy $ · under about $50
- Flex hoses and leaksInspect rubber hoses for cracks and bulges and look at each wheel for fluid. Replace any hose that is damaged.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 5th generation 4Runner, 2010 to 2024, with the 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 and the 5-speed automatic. Assumes the stock configuration; trim-specific items (KDSS, sunroof, A/C) are noted where they apply.
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 |
More 5th Gen 4Runner problems
- Rust on the frame, flaking, or holes in the frame rails (Frame & Body)
- KDSS warning, fluid leak, or clunking and uneven ride on a KDSS truck (Steering & Suspension)
- Oil leak or oil smell from the front of the engine (Engine)
- Rough idle, shaking, or misfire with a flashing check engine light (Fuel & Ignition)
- Check engine light with P0171 or P0174, system too lean (Fuel & Ignition)
- Check engine light with P0420 or P0430, catalyst efficiency (Emissions)
All 16 5th 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.