2024 brake question.

Hello all, I am a new 4 runner owner. I have had Tacoma's for many years and just got a used 2024 TRD off road (32,000 mi.). My question is about the brakes. Mine seem to have quite a bit of movement before much braking occurs. Seems like 90 % of stopping is at end of pedal travel. It doesn't grind or make any noise but you can really feel the brakes engaging. I never noticed this with any of my Tacoma's. Vehicle stops fine but seems different to me. Maybe they are all like this, I don't know. I don't know anyone who has one to ask. Any input is appreciated. ​

 

Welcome. Might bleed the brakes with new fluid. Fluid level at the reservoir good?

 

The 5th gen has more pedal travel than 2nd/3rd gen Tacomas. It's a consequence of Toyota putting larger front caliper pistons (and rear disc brakes) relative to the Tacoma without implementing a larger master cylinder.

 

welcome

 

I believe that part of the aggressive braking just before coming to a complete stop, is the computer (nanny) taking over the pedal assist functions.

 

My buddy's 3rd gen Tacoma feels like race car brakes compared to my 2020 4R.

I replaced all 4 brakes and rotors with the Power Stop z36 Kit and it helped a bit. Still haven't flushed the fluid yet. Hopefully the fresh fluid will help even more.

 

They are fundamentally different systems. I have both vehicles and of course driving style and manners have a big impact on performance. I prefer the brakes on the 4R over the Taco, but that's just me.

 

Welcome! I traded my '21 Tacoma for a '24 T4R and yes, I did notice a different "feel" to the brakes. I don't know if that's because the taco had rear drums and the T4R has disks at all four corners, but like I said I did notice a different feel when braking. As suggested since you're the second owner, was there previous brake work done? if not doing a simple flush may be all it needs, if it even needs that. The pedal travel does seems a bit more on the 4R, but the brakes wok great so not a problem (for me) and after 10K mikes they are what I'm used to now...ENJOY

 

brake pad age and even type makes a huge difference in braking behavior. as my original brakes aged they behaved as you described - the linear bite relative to pressure and travel applied to the brake pedal was reduced. almost like an on/off switch with not much in between.

i did a standard brake job with nothing fancy or expensive and braking has become comfortable again.

 

No. "Brake assist" only comes on during panic brake situations. You'll feel the pedal sink to the floor when the "nanny" comes on. All 2009 and newer Toyotas have this feature.

On Tacoma World there's a widely known caveat for people looking to do rear disc brake conversions - the pedal travel gets noticeably worse because rear calipers demand a lot more flow than drum brake wheel cylinders. Seems 5th gen is basically that caveat in action.

 

Have you checked the pad wear? I can't say I have any complaints with mine.

If it is a 2024 with 32k miles, was it a rental in its prior life?

 

Hello all and Thx for the replies. I think I have come to the conclusion that these brakes react differently than I'm used to. Had it in for front end alignment and had them check the brakes while there. Got rid of the shimmy and all brake pads are fine. Not close to worn out and rotors look good as well. Sounds like it's just a different feel with the brakes and I'm OK with that. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't imagining it. I'm looking forward to many adventures with my new toy. W.W.

 

I too had the same experience with different 4Runners and Tacomas that I've had over the years. I was told by my Toyota service manager that a lot of the difference in braking characteristics has to do with the vehicle having either vacuum or hydraulic braking system. The vacuum would have quicker and more linear braking performance while the hydraulic would have more play in the pedal but have stronger braking performance. Take that for what its worth.

 

You need someone to assist and inspect the brake lines while you give the brake pedal some pressure. Make sure none of the lines swell up or form cracks.

 

Two things to keep in mind

1: 4wd 4runners weighs about 5k with a driver. That's significantly heavier than a Taco of similar year.
2: Tacos had longer wheelbase and rear leaf springs. If you set up a much shorter and softer coil sprung 4runner with the same brake set up as a longer and more stable pickup, things can get interesting if the brakes bite as hard in the initial pedal travel at freeway speeds.

 

I didnt like the brake mush either. Tried the following to firm it up

Flushed and filled with new fluid. Made little difference
Changed to Akebono pads, made some difference
Changed discs to slotted-drilled, made additional minor improvement
Installed new rear brake lines.

Now truck stops on a dime. No travel. No mush nothing. Did this on my 16 limited. Compared it to my 21 Limited, no comparison. I have since put on akebonos on the 21, which helps alot. I think right pads, good new lines and discs will give you what you want. Some dont like drilled and slotted, I do for the rain and initial bite. You may have the same results with no pedal mush/creep with normal rotors, I cant say, but I can say when new with Japanese rotors both my Runners had pedal mush which I hate.

 

I have a 2021 limited with slotted/drilled rotors, some aggressive pads and it definitely is improvement in the pedal feel. Downside is that rear pads wear out fast.