This is a great site. Recently bought a 94 4-Runner - everything is stock.

Driving around today, the brake pedal started to feel a little soft. Slowly pumping the pedal, it felt as though it was sinking further and further down. Although I never lost my brakes the signs seem suspicious. To further complicate things, the brake fluid resevoir is still full and the fluid level has not changed.

Am I imagining things or is there another explanation for the sponge-like brake pedal?


Thanks
Ken

 

AIR in the system and master cyl failing can cause the soft pedal yet the whole system could pass a visual inspection.....try bleeding the system first....

 

Ditto dragon's post.
Do you know if the 4runner had any brake service before you took the keys?

 

No workorders or maintenance documents on the brakes. But looks as though the brake master cylinder is pretty new. Prior to buying the truck, I had a mechanic check out the brakes (almost 3 months ago), he also mentioned that the master brake cylinder looked new as well.

Anyways, bleeding the brake lines seems to be the best bet.

Thanks guys...

Cheers

 

Same thing was going on with my Runner when I bought it a few weeks back. I had the system flushed and bled and it is all perfect now. It made a world of difference too! Won't cost much to do and you'll be happy you did. Enjoy your new truck!

 

Its the master i would bet, I replaced mine for the same reasons. Really easy actually.

 

adjust yr rears also. with the brake spoon.

 

It sounds like you have some really old fluid in the lines. Either that or there's air in the lines. Like everyone said before me, bleed and flush the system and you should be good to go. I posted a post a couple of months back about where to get a good price for a "motive power bleeder". Search for the post and you should find the good price. I think it was like $45 w/ free shipping.

also read this webpage about more brake flushing info.
http://www.gadgetonline.com/BrakeFlush.htm

Pay special attention to the "power bleeding" section.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys...

Did I mention this was a great site?


Ken