Manioca35

I live in Colorado, so my 2001 4Runner gets lot's of action in the brake department. I bought the car Toyota Certified Used at 38K miles. After I put on about 3K miles, the brakes began squeaking right before bringing the car to a stop. Now, at around 44K when I'm in the mountains, the brakes shake the steering wheel pretty badly after heavy use. This shaking continues after I get back to town, even at low speeds. After what I assume is the brakes cooling, it totally goes away (at least as far as I can tell), although the squeaking remains. I searched threads for this on and off braking problem, but didn't see anything like this. Do the rotors warp and then go back into true, or what? Do I need to do anything? I mean, it is very annoying but I am BROKE - I DO want to do what the car needs to have done though...
Thanks!

rimpainter.com

Yep, warped rotors. Personally, I would push the dealer on this issue since the rig is relatively "new." Explain to them that it is a safety hazard and should have been taken care of during their 200-million point inspection. If you cannot convince them, you can score some rotors with a one-year warranty for about $60 each from Autozone online. They are easy to change too.

Again, go after the dealer. They should have taken care of this. However, they are probably going to ask you why you didnt say something sooner.

Heat is the reason you feel the shake intermittently. As the rotors heat up, the metal expands and the pads are hitting the rotor. As the brakes are cooled, the metal contracts and the warped rotor is not as noticeable.

Manioca35

Great advice on talking to the dealer...I'll give it a shot, and thanks!

Manioca35

I called the bastards, and the mechanic quoted me $240 to replace the pads and resurface the rotors. I assume this is unreasonable? He was totally unsympathetic to my plight, by the way, saying that "a lot of people come in and say, 'I just bought this car and took it up a few passes and now I have these brake problems,'" which sounds like ˟˟˟˟e to me!

shamrockmac5

˟˟˟˟e is right! Got any metric hand tools? Got a buddy who can help you flush the brake system? BMW reccomends replacing brake fluid annually. The principle they have in mind is universal, however most folks just bleed the air out of the lines after swapping pads and top the fluid level off. In my humble opinion I figure if your down there anyway you might as well flush the system.

rimpainter.com

Yeah, that is a crock. I figured they would tell you that. I would go in there with your dealer inspection papers and talk to the service manager.

I changed my pads and rotors for about $175. It is really easy if you have the tools and a friend who knows what they are doing. There are a ton of guys from CO on this board that I am sure would help you.

TechWrench

If you haven't already, loosen all the lug nuts on the wheels ( one wheel at a time), and re-torque them. If the wheels were installed using an air gun and not torqued properly, they could give you the brake 'shake' problem you describe. I would guess the correct torque is somewhere in the range of 80 ft lbs.

leebee

when i purchased my 93 about 2 mnths ago, it did similar things when the brakes were applied. i got the dealer to provide new rotors at n/c to me. then i took the truck in to have the wheels balanced. my tire guy said they were so out of balance, he wondered how i kept it on the road. now there is minimal vibration and i have a brand new set of rotors ready to go when these give up the ghost.

lee

mike_d

right on. the tire shop told me it's 75 for my truck.