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Spongy brakes after part replacement + line bleeding

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by macril40, Dec 8, 2019.

  1. Dec 8, 2019 at 7:59 PM
    #1
    macril40

    macril40 [OP] New Member

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    Hi all,

    Two days ago, my 2003 4Runner (175K miles) was running great, minus a metal-on-metal brake pad. We went to replace the pads, and realized all 4 calipers were severely rusted (east-coast vehicle). We decided to replace the calipers the next day. After replacing all four calipers, & break pads, we bled each line with over a pint of brake oil running through each (clearly all apparent air out of system), and have ensured that there is no liquid leaking through the new brake line/calipers connections.

    HOWEVER:
    The brakes are spongy. When I fully depress the brake pedal, it goes to the floor with little resistance. If I press it 3 times quickly, it builds up enough pressure to hold in place, and thus engage the brakes. However, as soon as I release my foot, the brakes lose pressure and return to being spongy.

    What are we missing??

    Our theory is that over night, enough fluid dripped out to drain the master cylinder,/accumulator but we've flushed so much fluid through the system today that I'm shocked that there would be any more air.

    Any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks a ton!
    -Kevin
     
  2. Dec 9, 2019 at 6:20 PM
    #2
    Ajmogen

    Ajmogen Staying Stock

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    Sounds like you need to bleed again. I really like speed bleeders for brakes.
     
  3. Dec 10, 2019 at 4:17 PM
    #3
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    Spongy = air. Bleed the brakes.
     
  4. Dec 10, 2019 at 5:16 PM
    #4
    NightOwl

    NightOwl 1985 Toyota 4 Runner DLX 22REC

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    Ballwin, MO
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    Sometimes if you bleed the brakes...and please I apologize if I am being too simple...I have had friends that bleed brake lines and made it worse by not starting with the caliper or brake cylinder that is furthest away from the master cylinder and actually pumped the air into the remaining other lines...Most master cylinders are on the driver side fire wall...hence the passenger rear, then the driver rear, then the passenger front and the driver front last...and always pump three times and hold...be sure to close the caliper or brake cylinder bleeder every time while the pedal is on the floor...other wise you suck more air in...I hope this helps...and again I am sorry...I never meant to insult if you know all this...my ambition is to help others always.
     
    aroyalsfan likes this.
  5. Dec 10, 2019 at 5:47 PM
    #5
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Just another suggest check the rubber lines (not sure what the 03 has) also.
     
  6. Dec 10, 2019 at 5:53 PM
    #6
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I thought is was closest to the master cylinder first then work back. Forgive me if I’m wrong somebody want to chime in?
     
  7. Dec 10, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #7
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I do farthest to closest.
     
  8. Dec 10, 2019 at 6:07 PM
    #8
    NightOwl

    NightOwl 1985 Toyota 4 Runner DLX 22REC

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    I was always taught furthest from too Dillusion...my thought it 's worth another can of brake fluid and 30 minutes to try...be careful though...my wife helped me last time and keep pushing the clutch pedal in...Oops!!!
     
  9. Dec 10, 2019 at 6:19 PM
    #9
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Yes, it’s the farthest first, I didn’t mine backwards, what an idiot......
     
  10. Dec 10, 2019 at 6:35 PM
    #10
    NightOwl

    NightOwl 1985 Toyota 4 Runner DLX 22REC

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    Your not an idiot...do you realize how many people would even have a clue on how to bleed their brakes...give yourself some credit...try it by doing furthest first and closest lasts...if it works you saved yourself a ton of money and learned a great lesson to help someone else...Life is Great!!!
     
    SR5 Limited likes this.
  11. Dec 10, 2019 at 6:54 PM
    #11
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Well I disassembled my calipers on the Z28. Powder coated them red. Then rebuilt them, all it is, is an “O” ring you replace. Got them back on and bled in record time...
     
  12. Dec 10, 2019 at 7:05 PM
    #12
    NightOwl

    NightOwl 1985 Toyota 4 Runner DLX 22REC

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    Nice job!!! Brake work is not too challenging and very rewarding when you get it finished and works nicely!!! I have always learned to leave one working side in tact...to have something to look at "just in case I get side tract with a wife request for an hour" so when I come back I can say..."oh yah...that's how it goes back together"...after looking at the NOT disassembled side. My brain just looses track of stuff...not totally but just enough to go"Whaaaat"!!!
     
    SR5 Limited likes this.
  13. Aug 20, 2022 at 1:01 PM
    #13
    Keukasmallie

    Keukasmallie New Member

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    Or is it the ABS pump...a $2,000 plus fix?
     

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