cholbach

I am new here. I just bought an 86 runner. The brakes have a bit of an issue. There doesn't seem to be any pressure when you press the brakes. With that said, the truck does stop when you apply the brakes. There is a leak on the back. I will start there, but what else should I check? I am going this weekend to work on it so any help would be great.

bipolarandproud

I'd check Brake master cylinder as well as the wheel cylinders .If you do repair any repairs on the brakes make sure to bleed the system well .

cormel

Your leak has most likely cause you to have air in the lines. I would fix the leak then bleed them and see what that does first.

abecedarian

The leak is the first thing to correct, and likely will require new rear shoes... which will require adjusting the brakes, and bleeding the system.
Personally, I wouldn't just 'bleed it', I'd flush it- it's just another few quarts or so of brake fluid and the cost is worth spending for good brakes.
When bleeding start with the wheel furthest away from the master cylinder and work your way closer, then bleed the LSPV-BV (above the rear axle) last. Have plenty of brake fluid on hand.
Then who knows? This might make your brakes feel 'right as rain'.

abecedarian

Let me add, that a leak in back is likely a wheel cylinder going bad... and if one has gone bad the other isn't far behind. So it may be best to rebuild / replace both rear wheel cylinders.

cholbach

Thanks for all the input. I will take plenty of fluid and start at the leak and see where that takes me. I will let you all know how it turns out on Tuesday.

cholbach

What type of brake fluid do you all reccommend?

abecedarian

DOT 3 or 4. Most modern brake fluids are DOT 3/4 compatible, meaning they are DOT 4 rated and meet DOT 3 requirements.
You can't use DOT 5 at all unless you flush your entire system and replace certain components since it's silicone based and not glycol based.
DOT 5.1, though glycol based like 3 and 4, doesn't offer you any advantage since you don't need the higher boiling point.

cholbach

Ok. Took care of the leak and bled the systen. Still have a light pedal. I see another thread with the same isue and my Brother-in-law has posted to it, so I will follow that thread. Again, thanks for all the help