I've got 160K on the same brake pads/rotors that came with my 97 Ltd... is this normal?

I've had my brakes checked annually by Toy techs and all seems ok. My truck stops like it should and there is no squeeling or anything.

I was just wondering if I had a freak 'Runner on my hands....

 

Well, the 4Runner is a freakish truck to begin with. In an "Incredible Hulk" sort of way. As long as you are sill braking with ease and precision you'll be OK. It depends a lot on driving style. Im guessing you don't drive the 4Runner like a sports car. Nevertheless, if I were you I would get new ones for the hell of it, or at least have them checked. If you end up getting new ones, get some kevlar brake pads and drilled slotted rotors, and then you can brake like you're driving a sports car.


Zach

 

Do you drive a lot of freeway. Other wise your Runner is freak.

 

I run about 30% highway/60% City/10% Off Road...

 

Whats the mileage on your truck?

 

I've got 47k on my original brakes, and I thought that was a lot! I'm voting for freak 4Runner... :alien:

 

160K is a lot of miles for a '97. Are you the original owner? If you are, then I guess I'm going to have to vote FREAK too.

 

I had about 130k on mine before I changed the rotors and pads. I've still got the original drums and liners at 170k.

 

I only have 55k on my '97

 

My brakes are good at 115k on my 2000. Just take care of them and they'll be good to you.

 

I had mine replaced at 90K and the brake wear indicator had broken off, and the pads were digging into the rotors. I braked just fine, but I took it in just for s and g's. 600 bucks later I guess it's safer.

 

Yep, I am the original owner... I bought the truck brand new back in May 97 and been driving it since.... a LOT!

 

I traded in a 95 Taco a few years ago with almost 120k and the original brake pads and rotors as well. Driving style must be the key.
I have to say though I was starting to worry about them, only because of their age. Thats the reason I got rid of it.

 

I have about 60K miles on my 2K Runner and have had a set of TRD HP pads lying on the shelf waiting for the current pads to wear out. I drive it pretty hard and still have over 50% left on the front.

With that much mileage on that year, sounds like a lot of open highway. Have you checked the thickness of the pad? That would take all the guesswork out of it. If the pads are ok, and the shoes in the back aren't getting eaten up (reflecting bad adjustment favoring the rear), then you should be fine.

 

Why? He got 160k miles out of the first set so far and he didn't say they were worn out yet, I see no reason to use something else. OEM Toyota parts are pretty damn good when it comes to quality and longevity.

 

Yeah, what he said (Shane).

 

I thought he was kidding.

 

I don't think White SR5 is saying that the OEM pads are bad, just that slotted rotors and kevlar pads are going to give you much improved stopping power over the stock setup. Driving in Seattle with some of the yahoos out here, being able to stop a little quicker when the soccer mom driving the excursion, talking on the cell phone, and beating her three kids cuts out in front of you can't be a bad thing!

 

I think I know why they last so long. My parents had a blazer that would go through brakes like every 50 thousand miles, if you were lucky, and the tech guy at the dealership said it was because they stopped putting asbestos in the brake pads. It would make them harder and difuse the heat way better than anything else. but since Toyotas, 4runners, are imported they could still have asbestos brakes from Japan. Assuming they still use them there.

 

Do you use your e-brake, using your ebrake keeps the rear drums fully adjusted and doing their part of the braking.

Since the rear drums are not self adjusting and only adjust everytime you pull the ebrake, that could extend the life of your pads atleast that is what the guys on the Pathfinder board came to, those who used their ebrake got double and triple the mileage out of the pads then those who did not.