2003 4 Runner - Possible Front Brake Grabbing

tlucier

tlucier

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2007
Location
Mebane, NC
A friend of mine has a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner with the V6. It’s not his primary vehicle. He drives it maybe once every 2 months or so. Last time he drove it he said he had a hesitation problem. After talking with him it seems like he hits the gas and the truck doesn’t take off right away. He gives it more gas and then it slowly picks up speed. He thought his trans was going but the fluid looks great and is at he right level.

Today he tells me it’s doing it again but he noticed some me residue all over the front wheel and went he went to wipe it off, the front wheel was really hot! Leads me to thing he’s got a caliper hanging up. He said he feels it more on the back roads and doesn’t feel it as much on the highway.

Any of you Toyota guys experience something similar in the same or similar model year? If so, what was the solution.

Thanks in advance for your help and any suggestions.
 
It's 15 years old and doesn't get driven very often. Just like any vehicle under those conditions, stuff happens and those things aren't necessarily Toyota-specific. Tell him to check the normal easy stuff like a sticking caliper slide pin or corroded caliper piston.
 
I take that back, it doesn't look like they have floating calipers in the front. Anyway, possible stuck piston after 15 years. Cheap and easy to replace or rebuild if that is the problem. Could be a disintegrating line that is holding residual pressure too, or a rear parking brake sticking.
 
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If you have to crack the fluid system I'd take the opportunity to go ahead and replace all the flex lines under the vehicle. They're probably compromised, probably due to water getting absorbed into the fluid, and you're going to be chasing this problem again. At the very least, do. A full fluid flush. Harbor Fright sells a badass fluid extractor and brake bleeder kit that works off shop air.
 
catfishblues said:
If you have to crack the fluid system I'd take the opportunity to go ahead and replace all the flex lines under the vehicle. They're probably compromised, probably due to water getting absorbed into the fluid, and you're going to be chasing this problem again. At the very least, do. A full fluid flush. Harbor Fright sells a badass fluid extractor and brake bleeder kit that works off shop air.
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Good thinking! I'll let him know.
 
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