My 98 4Runner has 73k miles on it and is now starting to make that squeeking noise when braking. I've never had to change its brakes out until now.

I'm not very competent when comes trucks beyond simple diy mods. And since brakes are so important, I'm going to leave the job to the professionals.

So here are some questions:
1. Do I have to have my rotors turned? I know it's recommended but need to know why its a good idea.

2. I want to use OEM or TRD brake pads, is any place besides the dealership capable of doing this brake job with genuine Toyota parts? Autozone? (Anywhere else in the Puget Sound?)

3. I got a quote for $327.55 to have the front brakes done at Doxon Toyota. (I called Doxon based on the recommendation of some other posts) Is this a good deal?

thanks!
4Runna

 

At least with my 2nd gen, toyota does not advise turning the rotors because they're too thin. Most people say they end up warping soon after. I'd get new ones.

 

73k mi? Yeah, its about time to do the brakes.

I always get my rotors turned every brake job. If your steering wheel is vibrating when you brake, or your rotor has lots of little ridges, you need it.

I would suggest doing it yourself, but I guess its up to you. Disc brakes are one of the easiest things to do on your car... My first time (with little mech. experience) took me about hour and 1/2 - now i takes me about a 1/2 hour. If you have jackstands, and a couple sockets, its so easy to do it yourself (get a shop manual).
Cost for doing mine is brake pads ($35) + rotor turning ($16). I like $50 total a lot better than $300+, they kill you on service at the dealer.
If you must get it done by someone else, I'm sure you could buy the toyota pads at the dealer, and take them elsewhere - there's no specialized knowledge needed to change brake pads.

edit: I just saw the previous post. I have a 99 4runner, and I've had my rotors turned 3 times (not counting the previous 60k mi I didn't own it), and no warping/problems here. But this was my last time turning them, its new rotors next time.

 

I guess the rotors on 3rd gens aren't bolted to the rear of the hub, like on 2nd gens? I just swapped my rotors for the second time today, and it still took 4 hours (also changed my dust seals), 5 hours total including fuel filter change and clean up. I've changed many rotors and brake pads before, but this is definetly more complex than any other vehicle I've done. (4 piston calipers are cool!) I wasn't comfortable bending the hard brake line to the caliper to get it out of the way, so I disconnect the line, inserted a screw to stop the dripping, and bled them when done.

I would agree on most cars brakes are simple. Our old '98 Maxima had "floating" rotors, which just meant taking the calipers off, and the rotor slid right off, those are super easy. (The first time, they were seized on there, so I found a bolts that threaded into the two holes on the rotor, and basically pressed it off, also similar for many cars)

Also, the rumor is that the TRD pads are the same as the Performance Friction pads at Autozone, which is what I installed, and they're great. I think for the third gens, you tell them you have '97 Landcruiser, and you'll get the right ones. For me, I told them I had a '94 4X4 V6 Pickup, and used those pads. (Lifetime warranty, about $35)

 

Yep, on the 3rd gen, once you take the calipers off, the rotors slide right off. My old honda phillips screws holding the rotor on, those sucked!