Just did the first front brake job ever on my 180k 4Runner

[mtnbkr]

I bought this truck when it had 58k miles and have put right at 120k on it since.  I never touched the front brakes.  Each year, when it went through Va's state inspection, I always asked about the brakes.  Each time, I was told they were fine.  Last time, the guy said the pads were starting to get a bit thin.  In addition, the brakes were shuddering when applied at highway speeds, so the rotors were likely warped too.  I bought the parts and set about replacing the brakes today.

The pads had plenty of life left.  At worst, they were about half worn.  The rotors were nearly glass smooth, but were about 20 thousandths thinner than the replacements. I might have turned them, but not knowing how worn they were, I had already bought new rotors.

At a minimum, assuming the previous owner did a brake job just before selling the truck, I got 120k out of the brakes and might have gone further had the rotors remained true.  I can't complain about that.  If the new brakes last half as long, I'll likely sell the truck before I need another brake job.

Chris

[Ben]

You know, that must be some kind of Japanese Manufacturing quality thing. My 2000 Trooper is at a little over 80K and I've never had a brake job. On three different occasions when it was in for other stuff (the last time was at 75K), I've had them checked and have always been told they have a lot of life left.

I'm always checking the rotors for wear, Just because I can't believe I've gone this long, but they're glass smooth. I've never had one of my American vehicles go this long without needing at least new pads.

[Tallpine]

You know, that must be some kind of Japanese Manufacturing quality thing. My 2000 Trooper is at a little over 80K and I've never had a brake job. On three different occasions when it was in for other stuff (the last time was at 75K), I've had them checked and have always been told they have a lot of life left.

I'm always checking the rotors for wear, Just because I can't believe I've gone this long, but they're glass smooth. I've never had one of my American vehicles go this long without needing at least new pads.

That the rotors wear out before the pads ...?   

I'd rather replace a few sets of pads and never or rarely ever worry about the rotors.

[mtnbkr]

That the rotors wear out before the pads ...?   

I'd rather replace a few sets of pads and never or rarely ever worry about the rotors.

Rotors aren't that expensive.  I paid about $100 for the pair.  The pads would have been $60 if not for the MIR I received.

Considering the 120k (or 180k if these are the original brakes) it took to get there, I'm not complaining. 

None of the American cars I've been familiar with have gone this long.  When I did a brake job on my wife's Grand Am shortly after we got married, it needed pads, rotors, and a wheel cylinder.  Cost me a grand because I didn't have time to do it myself.  The car only had 105k miles and this wasn't the first brake job.  I did a brake job on my parents' car once.  It had less than 100k and this wasn't its first brake job.  I did turn those rotors rather than replace them.

I'm keeping the 4Runner's rotors.  They might be machinable, but I didn't want to get halfway into the job and find out they weren't, so I replaced them "just because".  I'll check into having them turned.  If the price isn't that much and it looks like they'll have plenty of life afterward, I'll turn 'em, coat them with oil, and stash them under the bench as spares.

Chris

[roo_ster]

I know your gave some vibration, but I never figured out the utility of turning rotors that were in good condition (not warped, not too thin, etc.). Seems like needlessly removing material for no end.

[mtnbkr]

I know your gave some vibration, but I never figured out the utility of turning rotors that were in good condition (not warped, not too thin, etc.). Seems like needlessly removing material for no end.

I only did it if they were warped (shuddering, vibrating, etc) or heavily grooved.  The ones I pulled of today were nearly glass slick, so I would only machine them because of the shuddering.

BTW, the new brakes stop VERY well.  :D

Chris

[MechAg94]

2003 GMC Sierra 1500.  I am over 140K so far and I haven't changed the front pads.  I changed the rear brake pads at 100K because one pad was a little worn for some reason.  I still have the new set of front pads waiting.  The OEM pads look like they haven't lost much compared to the new pads.  I figure they are just making better pads that don't wear out so fast.  I'm not sure if there are disadvantages.  I was told they were 100K pads when I bought it, but I was expecting to have to change them sooner.

[zahc]

I never figured out the utility of turning rotors that were in good condition (not warped, not too thin, etc.). Seems like needlessly removing material for no end.

What about glazing? It might be only legend, but I like how freshly-turned rotors have a perfectly flat, but not mirror-smooth, finish. It seems better, and around here's it's only $15 per rotor while you wait. Chevy 2wd truck rotors are $70 each.

[mtnbkr]

What about glazing? It might be only legend, but I like how freshly-turned rotors have a perfectly flat, but not mirror-smooth, finish. It seems better, and around here's it's only $15 per rotor while you wait. Chevy 2wd truck rotors are $70 each.

You can break a "glaze" with just sandpaper.  That satin finish won't last beyond a few brakings.

Chris