Didn't find much in a search on issues with very touchy brakes.

I've had my 2002 for a year now, and they were not that way until a few months ago when they started for whatever reason extremely touchy. At low speeds (like under 10MPH), I BARELY press the pedal and it practically locks up the tires (hell got them to screech easily in the parking garage).

The main symptom I've read for warped rotors is pulsing/shaking which doesn't seem to be happening to me. However, the other day, I was rolling very slowly and kept a light constant pressure on the brake pedal and it did feel like something was grabbing then nothing, then grabbing until i stopped... an effect as if something is warped. I can't really recreate that scenario - frustrating.

Couple of other things. I've had the 4Runner up in the mountains on very DUSTY dirt roads. Of course, on steep declines applying the brakes would give off a squeal that would make all the wildlife run. I can't recreate the squeal in normal around the town driving conditions.

Last weekend I took it into a mechanic and they agreed that when pulling it into the bay the brakes were very touchy. They said it looks like the brakes weren't releasing properly and the rears needed adjustment. Well, that didn't solve anything so its going back in this weekend.

Any other thoughts? I have 80k miles, bought it with 70k miles. Not sure if the rotos/brakes are original or not.

 

well that stinks. i had a a problom like that on my old 91 dodge and i turned out that my diff seals where leaking and geting the fluid on the pads and causing to much friction till they got warm but that was my problom but i dont know if it is whats wrong with yours

 

u haz siezed or sticky calipers
and the dust just made them stick more

must get them professionally serviced, which
dealers won't do...they just replace caliper

but the pistons need to be pulled, cleaned, reassembled.

I mean that is exactly what is sounds like is going on. this can
happen when you dip the brakes in mud and not clean them up and let
it dry, do again, like, a buncha times. they kinda get crappy

 

Thanks for the feedback! This is sort of the ammo I need to take with me to the service center.

 

I also had something like that with a bad brake booster in my 81 pickup.

Anyone have a write up on rebuilding calipers.. or is it fairly simple. Does the factory rebuild kit come with any directions?

 

Did the mechanic pull the rear drums and look for a leaky axle seal or brake cylinder? When fluid gets into your drum, it mixed with the brake dust and forms a sticky paste type substances that will cause what you are describing.

 

GS - lets just say it was the "free brake inspection". I can't say for certain what exactly what they looked at, nor would i know to ask what you suggested BUT, I'm writing what you said down like the other suggestions and taking it in and will get it answered! Thanks!!