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How does the brake system work

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Iaaknight, Nov 5, 2023.

  1. Nov 5, 2023 at 9:53 AM
    #1
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    I’m having some brake problems so I’ve been reading a ton of threads about a lot of different brake issues. Im still having trouble diagnosing my issue so I thought I would head to the forums to get a better idea of how the brake system works for 3rd gens. Could someone explain the braking process and what components do what.
     
  2. Nov 5, 2023 at 10:44 AM
    #2
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

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  3. Nov 5, 2023 at 11:01 AM
    #3
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    It’s just one “O” ring that holds back all the pressure on the caliper piston.
     
  4. Nov 5, 2023 at 11:51 AM
    #4
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    Well, you could say that about almost every part between the piston and the brake pedal.
     
  5. Nov 5, 2023 at 11:53 AM
    #5
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    I just installed the 199 tundra brake upgrade and my front left wheel still turns freely when I apply brake pressure. Everything bled fine and no lights have turned on. Also it’s worth mentioning when I replaced them my right side rotor and pads were significantly more worn then my left side so I’m curious if this is a problem with my braking system and not just the caliper like I was hoping
     
  6. Nov 5, 2023 at 11:57 AM
    #6
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    That above issue, based off of how you describe it, sounds like you have a piston sticking on the bore if that side is not contacting the rotor and has significantly less wear than the other side.
     
  7. Nov 5, 2023 at 11:58 AM
    #7
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    That’s what I thought initially, but then why would it still not work when I replaced the caliper?
     
  8. Nov 5, 2023 at 12:03 PM
    #8
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    I have seen re manufactured parts still not function properly.

    Did you install OEM parts or remanufactured, I Did not see when I double checked your above post. If all is bled properly and you still have fluid to that caliper, It does point to that direction.
     
  9. Nov 5, 2023 at 12:08 PM
    #9
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    I went through powerstop.
     
  10. Nov 5, 2023 at 12:21 PM
    #10
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    Is there anyway to test if it’s the calipers? Buying new ones just sounds like an expensive test if I’m not for sure it’s the problem
     
  11. Nov 5, 2023 at 12:25 PM
    #11
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    In order to get you a quicker answer, for the sake of conversation, Google that above question and multiple how to videos pop up on several ways to inspect/test. Multiple ways to check/inspect to narrow down your issue. Sounds like you have it down to a single caliper.

    Good luck.
     
  12. Nov 5, 2023 at 12:27 PM
    #12
    Iaaknight

    Iaaknight [OP] New Member

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    Thanks I appreciate it. New to working on vehicles and im having a blast learning so thanks for all the advice.
     

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