Ok,
My girlfriend called me today from work and said that when she drove the 4runner to work, the first time she tried to stop, the brake pedal wouldn't budge. She said after she tried to step on it(pump it) a couple times then the pedal went down and she was able to stop. This is really scary and I don't know what is causing this. She is scared to drive it now and I don't blame her. This happened one time before, but I thought it had to do with it just needing new pads. I've since put new pads on. I don't really think it has to do with the brake pads, but maybe something else with the brake system(linkage, or something else). It's not like the brake pedal was pressed down and it didn't stop. The pedal didn't move until a couple times of pressing. Does anybody know what could be the cause of this? The both times it has happened, it has been really cold outside but I don't know if that has anything to do with it(maybe locking linkage up or something?). This is on a '94 V6 Auto. 4runner. I posted the first time this happened if any of you remember, I just thought it was just needed to be bled. Now that it was bled, I'm not sure what to think.


Thanks,

Salue

 

you probably already have, but if not, id check the fluid.

further than that, i can't help you at all. but there are lots of people here who can.:pig:

 

There might be something wrong with the booster (big circular object on driver's side of the engine compartment against the firewall). Maybe a vaccum line is leaking or loose? Check and see if you can tell anything visibly, then we can go from there.

Good luck!

 

That makes me think that there is ice in your brake fluid. Start by completely bleeding your brakes. If that dosen't fix it look at the power booster on the master cylinder. Perhaps the vaccum line is cracked or the booster is not working for some reason.

 

I was thinking it might be that there's water in the lines or maybe something with the booster. What I don't understand is that my gf said that when she first steps on the brake to shift into drive, the pedal feels normal. But when she stepped on the brake to stop the first time that's when it wouldn't budge. I'm leaning more towards water in the line and freezing(since it's only happened when it's been below freezing). I just am confused since she said that the pedal feels normal when she first shifts into Drive(while stepping on the brake pedal) If the line is frozen wouldn't the pedal feel hard when she first stepped on it to shift?...These are great leads guys....thanks,

keep 'em coming

Salue

 

I would also check to make sure the vacuum lines going to the booster and whatnot are in good shape. If you lost vac. then the brakes would act like they do when the car is off...very hard to push. Could be it?

 

I'll have to check that Ralph...By the way I just noticed on the main page, Hapy Birthday

Salue

 

Maybe its that damn AT and its "Saftey systems" thinking its smarter than the driver again. There is a saftey switch that won't let you shift into gear unless your foot is on the pedal IIRC. maybe there is something wrong with that.

Automatics are inherently evil. Perhaps yet another example.

Still, look at the booster first.

 

Happened to me two weeks ago! Had to get the vacuum pump fixed, but could also be cracked lines! Is your vacuum pump for the brakes connected to the alternator. If so the spline down the middle could be gone as in mine. = totoal alternator rebuild!

 

Hehe, thanks!