Hi all, I have a 97 4Runner limited, 10K miles. Just wonder how long does the brake last? They seem fine still, or am I just missing some sort of indication??? Thanks, Andrew

The first sign of worn out breaks is a failure to stop. By then its a bit late so I suggest you take it to one of those nice muffler and break companies and ask for a free check. grinding sounds from the front when you apply the breaks means the pads are worn down to the metal. lots of play on the parking break indicates potential wear on the back shoes. regards David

A lot of newer brake pads have warning clips that squeal when they wear down and will annoy you to death. You can always pull one tire at a time and turn the wheel so you can see how much pad you have left. Most pads start at about 1/2 inch thick.

Front brakes normally last around 20k to 25k depending on the braking conditions. The rear brakes will last 60k or more. Checking the front brakes is easy since they are the disc kind. Remove one of the front tires and check see how much clearance you have between the caliper and the disc. When the pads are new they will fill the area completely. I'd recommend changing them when you have a 1/4 or so left so that way you don't have to worry about forgetting and having the metal backing of the pads eat up your rotors. Replacement is easy also. Basically you remove the metal brake pad holding clip and pull the old pads out. Use the old pads to help wedge the pistons back flush with the caliper and slide the new pads in. Replace the holding clip and your done. You might have to bleed the brakes to remove air that may have gotten in when pushing the pistons in. Ryan

My '99 has 110 K on the original pads. I changed out the pads on my '97 T100 at 120 K - they were just starting to squeak.

Two serious questions: How does a 97 only have 10k on it? How does Ed get 110K and 120k out of a set of brake pads? Come on let me in on the secret.

For me, maybe it's because I have manual trannys, double clutch to downshift and use compression braking a lot, and plan ahead (to make lights etc.). Changing the pads *is* very easy though. Steve

I guess it's the gas price that forces me to drive less.. So, if I drive normally, the pads does last over 100k? Also, what kind of indication I should get when it's time? Thanks, Andrew.

You get a squeal kind of noise - there are little tabs that rub and vibrate when the pads are too thin. If you end up not hearing that or ignoring it, you'll start to get a grinding noise when the metal behind the pads is rubbing on the disks - more of a feeling in the brake pedal too. If you don't immediately replace the pads then, you have to turn the disks. If the disks get too thin you have to replace them - that probably costs ten times what it does to change the pads, which is only a five minute job after you take the wheel off if you catch the initial squealing. Steve H

Hey, I feel the braking on my 2000 4Runner is horrible. I have about 59,000 miles and have never changed them or touched the pads. I drive a manual transmission. To slow down, I do a few things; downshift, cut the idiot off, drive around the sunday driver, or all of the above. But seriously, I know sooner or later I will have to replace the pads and/or rotors to get better stopping distance. I am not happy with the stock pads and rotors. Does anyone have any recommendations on some high performance pads and/or rotors? I am contemplating using the TRD pads. Does anyone know if I can use another Toyota car or truck's rotors? Maybe a Landcruiser or Supra use larger rotors that can be used instead of the stock 4Runner ones. Or perhaps Lexus might have something better. If not, I guess I'd go with an after market rotor and/or pads. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks. - Freddy

Freddy, Have the rotors rotated. My 2000 had the same issue, and rides/brakes alot better now. John. Freddy Fingaz

I guess that depends on what "normal usage" is. Someone using the vehicle strictly in an urban environment and not on a freeway, I would tend to agree. My '99 has about half rural interstate miles on it. That's the one with 110k on the original pads. On the T100, (same setup) we just replaced the pads at 120k, and they had about 1/4" left on them. Steve H