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4Runner is pulsating while braking

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by StJohn_DaDon, Nov 20, 2015.

  1. Nov 20, 2015 at 5:48 AM
    #1
    StJohn_DaDon

    StJohn_DaDon [OP] New Member

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    Hey Everyone

    I'm St. John from Maryland and i have a bit of a problem.

    i Have a 99 4runner and not too long ago it started pulsating when i brake. So i changed my tires, brakes, rotors and calipers and nothing changed.
    What can the problem be?
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2015
  2. Nov 23, 2015 at 4:00 PM
    #2
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 New Member

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    the whole 4runner or just the brake pedal?

    my camry pulsates at the brake pedal for some reason
     
    Bob likes this.
  3. Nov 23, 2015 at 4:23 PM
    #3
    StJohn_DaDon

    StJohn_DaDon [OP] New Member

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    the whole truck but I feel it more at the brake pedal.
     
  4. Nov 23, 2015 at 9:07 PM
    #4
    LTDSC

    LTDSC Soccer Dad Extraordinaire

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    i had replaced my pads/rotors with brand new and it still shuddered. I had to get my rotors turned, yes the brand new ones.

    This fixed my issue. If you have your receipt turn them in for warranty replacement or have them turned.
     
  5. Nov 26, 2015 at 5:09 PM
    #5
    forerunit

    forerunit New Member

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    Can you elaborate a little more on the feeling?
     
  6. Nov 26, 2015 at 6:17 PM
    #6
    RussToy

    RussToy New Member

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    Russel Lee
    Granville Ohio
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    A Work in Progress
    Normally if your brake pedal is pulsing when you step on the brakes....its your rear brakes that are going bad and need replaced. This is always the first thing to check...if this doesn't fix the problem then you start checking other things!

    Hope this helps

    - Russel
     
    ThatFenwickGuyFromTW likes this.
  7. Dec 14, 2015 at 5:53 AM
    #7
    Shadetree

    Shadetree New Member

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    Bozeman, Montana
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    I recently solved the problem on a 2000 4R. What fixed it were new front rotors & pads, lubing the sliding caliper bolts with CRC synthetic caliper grease, bleeding the brake system, and torquing the lug nuts to 83 ft lbs on steel wheels. I believe the cause was over torquing with an air impact wrench at the tire dealer. I retorqued after a 100 miles (highly recommended).
     
  8. Jan 20, 2016 at 6:06 PM
    #8
    The.Giff

    The.Giff New Member

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    Warped Rotors, AutoZone has the rotors for $35~ a Piece, I will Suggest replacing the pads aswell so you wear the new rotors in correctly and evenly.
     
  9. Jan 21, 2016 at 9:38 PM
    #9
    rangerrunner

    rangerrunner New Member

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    I kinda had the same problem, felt like a pulse or wobble when braking.
    Replaced front rotors and pads...pulse/wobble went away.
    After a 3000 mile Montana trip...wobble is back...feels a little different this time.
    So i replaced rear drums, pads, wheel cylinders and all hardware...still there.

    Could this be wheel bearings or ball joint?
     
  10. Jan 22, 2016 at 6:05 AM
    #10
    4runner-yoda

    4runner-yoda Mud, anyone?

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    West Texas
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    FjSprings. 5100 bilsteins, lots more
    I am a 25 plus years certified mechanic. Pulsation is usually the front brakes. Very rarely is it back brakes. Not all replacement rotors are created the same. If you can't afford toyota rotors, then find an advance auto parts. Ask for the 2 year warranty rotors. I have never had to have those remachined due to warpage. Another option is to find a firestone and have them use an on the car brake lathe. Dont let them replace the pads. NOW this only remedies the symptoms of the pulsating brakes. The cause is going to be the front calipers are sticking. You can still get rebuild kits for the front calipers, but unless you are a mechanic i do not recommend the average person to attempt rebuilding toyota 4 piston calipers. It is difficult even for most mechanics. I could do a write up on the procedure later. You can pickup some reman calipers at any part store. Thats what i recommend. This explains why some go on trips and then the pulsation returns. The sticking calipers have created too much heat and has warped the new rotors. For others that have replace their rotors and they still pulsate, all corrosion and rust must be removed from the mating surfaces of the rotors, hubs and even the mating surface of the wheels to ensure straight rotors. Torquing the bolts down on a dirty surface will make your rotors seem warped. You can't compress rust or dirt. Hope that helps.
     
    Ol'Blue likes this.
  11. Jan 22, 2016 at 7:28 PM
    #11
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    A good set of bosh rotors at good old Napa will do just fine. Next get a set of oe calipers and call it good.

    Or this can give you a reason to just do the tundra upgrade and call it good. Just my .02 on the matter

    Blue
     

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