Safety: Brakes are a safety system. A soft pedal, a pedal that goes to the floor or fluid leaking at a wheel means do not drive it until it is fixed.
Checks, in order
- Pads and rotorsRemove the wheels and look at pad thickness, rotor surface and lip. Deep grooves, heat spots or a ridge at the edge mean the rotors need resurfacing or replacement.easy $ · under about $50
- Caliper slides and hardwareMake sure the slide pins move freely and are greased, and that the shims and clips are intact. A sticking slide causes uneven wear and pull.medium $ · under about $50
- Fluid level and conditionLow fluid means a leak or worn pads. Dark fluid is old. Look at every wheel and the lines for wetness.easy $ · under about $50
- Oil on the rear friction surfacesIf the rear differential or axle seals leak, oil can reach the rear brakes. Inspect the rear pads and the parking brake shoes inside the rotor hats.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Flush and bleedSpongy feel with no leaks is often air or old fluid. Bleed or flush with the correct fluid, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: US-market FJ Cruiser, 2007 to 2014, with the 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 (timing chain) and either the 5-speed automatic or the 6-speed manual. Assumes the part-time 4WD model with a floor-mounted transfer case lever; 2WD trucks skip the 4WD checks.
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 FJ Cruiser problems
- Rust on the frame, especially at the rear crossmember (Frame & Body)
- Clunk or thump from the rear when coming to a stop or pulling away (Drivetrain)
- Steering wheel shimmy or flutter at highway speed (Steering & Suspension)
- Vibration that changes with vehicle speed, felt in the seat or floor (Drivetrain)
- Oil leaking from the rear differential, or whining, howling or grinding from the rear axle (Drivetrain)
- 4WD will not engage, or the A-TRAC / VSC lights come on (Drivetrain)
All 16 FJ Cruiser 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.