1998 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems

“I love my 1998 Toyota 4-runner sr5 - but I hate the expense of the braking system. In the 5 years that I have owned my vehicle I have had to completely replace the entire braking system pads, rotors, drums, cables etc four times. It is never just the pads. Every single time I've taken it in for a brake inspection - they always need to machine the rotors. And, no it is not my driving ability. …”

“I was in reverse and a jolt and pop occurred in the rear passenger seat where my son was seated. He felt it at his feet and all other passengers heard and felt a jolt. When I returned home I crawled under the vehicle and noticed rust and stress cracks on the inside of the rear passenger torsion bar.while applying pressure with my two fingers I pushed through the bottom of the frame rail. The vehicle is not road worthy. My braking problem occurs when I have to stop suddenly in snow or extreme wet road surfaces there is a metal grinding an no brakes. …”

“I am an owner of a Toyota 4 RUNNER (1998), and certainly a safety issue exists with this vehicle. If depressed the brake pedal in an emergency (harder than normal operations), the rear seal (passenger side) will break, leaving only three (3) wheels brakes to stop the vehicle. Had to replace both rear seals at 68k miles. Again at 105kmiles the same issue. I strongly believed that the Toyota rear seal is not within specification of the pressure delivered to the brake lines. Please look into this matter, since a safety issue exists. Thanks”

“Within year rotors had to be replaced, under warranty. Was told by service manager at dealership was due to braking excessively during rain on long downhill run. Suggested to gear down which I now do. Situation did not repeat except that I now intermittently experience similar pulsating while braking. Was told by another repair service that I would eventually have to replace rotors.”

“Brakes become soft and parking brake has increased number of clicks to tighten-this has occurred at approx 11,000 and again at approx 18,000 miles; took to dealer at approx 11,800 initially with this complaint and they only inspected brakes (no adjustment)and said brakes look almost brand new. I had to return to dealer and have shop foreman drive the truck who then told mechanic to adjust brakes. Once again I am noticing brakes are soft and parking brake takes more clicks to tighten (approx 18,000). …”