Hi Scotty, I’ve got a 2000 Toyota 4runner, V6 auto trans with just over 200,000 miles on it. I’ve owned this truck almost from new (bought it 3 years old). I can not fix it’s current brake shudder issue. So far I have replaced front rotors, pads and callipers, rear brake shoes, rear cylinders, all new hardware and drums. I have also replaced the tires. Hubs (and all making surfaces) were cleaned of all corrosion/debris and lug nuts torqued properly. Fluid flushed and replaced. All to no avail - I still get a shudder during braking at speeds above 25mph (sometimes quite violent). The shudder is definitely through the steering wheel and only when braking. What am I missing?
The 3rd Gen 4runners had horrible brakes, rotors and calipers were too small, and would warp like crazy. It is a common issue and most owners would upgrade the brakes to a 199mm rotor or the bigger tundra 240 mm rotor, or around that.
Does the shutter stop for a time after you get new rotors and pads? Mine would do it, and the warp again very soon. I would be surprised if yours wasn't doing it.
I upgraded to the 199mm which came from the...2001ish Tundras I think. That did help a lot, but I soon learned that using akebono pads really help them not to warp. You can upgrade to 199mm rotors with no customization. You would need calipers, rotors, and pads though. Look it up online, there are tons of people doing it, and telling all about it.
I carried a full load of passengers, which likely exacerbated the issue.
I sold my 98 4Runner at 225k miles with 199mm setup, and no warped rotors.
Have you checked your wheel bearings?
Thanks Chuck for responding, bearings seem tight - no noise, no play
Is your steering and balljoints tight?
driveline joints tight and lubed?
Thanks Joe, I never thought to check steering and ball joints as I only get the shudder during braking. I’ll check for play in the steering components ball joints asap.