What does it take to get a quality brake job done? I just got the brakes done on my 99 4Runner. They turned the drums and rotors and replaced both the pads and the shoes.

When I left, it felt ok, but the next morning, it took LOTS of pressure to stop the truck. By the end of the block, though, they were fine. I took it back and they (shop's name withheld on purpose) said they just needed to be worn in.

Basically, the pedal movement is the same whether or not this problem occurs. It's just that when it happens, I get to resistance in the pedal, the brakes just aren't effective. It stops, but just barely. But after just a short distance (whether or not I've used the brakes) they work fine.

It seems like a vacuum leak that leaks slowly (like overnight) and then is fine once the engine is running.

Anyone have any clue what I'm talking about or what this is?

Thanks.

Mike

 

Check your brake fluid and lines. Make sure there are no leaks and the reservoir is filled properly (not too much and not too little).

 

Normally it needs a short period of time to break in for both pads and rotors. You should be fine.

 

.........250 miles later and only slightly better. Any other ideas so I have something for them to check when I take it back?

 

Take off the wheels and hose all the parts down with break cleaner.
Use a screwdriver to pry each piston back in its bore to verify they are not stuck.
Also make sure your rear drums are adjusted properly.

 

Thanks, Jamie. Will do.

 

There's grease on the rotors. MTL said it....hose it all down with brake cleaner, then bed them using this procedure

Be advised, your vehicle most likely will require less cycles to heat everything up. See step #2 on the link.

 

Does the pedal feels firm when you press on it? If not, it might not have been bleed properly.

 

prolly the most common issue is just as mentioned above, they grease rotors to keep them from rusting when shipped from factory, some shops forget to clean it off.