2002 Toyota 4Runner Shakes Braking Downhill

TOYOTA 4RUNNER
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CASES4HIM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 2002 Toyota 4Runner with 74,000 mi. has started shaking when I break downhill. It does not shake when breaking on flat ground (regardless of how fast I am driving). We took it in and the repair facility said that they couldn't see anything wrong. They said that the break pads and rotors looked great. They suggested that we resurface the rotors. We did that and now the brake pedal pushes much further towards the floor. The car still shakes violently when breaking downhill. What could cause the shaking only downhill? Also should I now be concerned about the new problem of the break going to the floor instead of being firm?
Feb 19, 2006 at 11:35 AM
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FISHERMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 937 POSTS
air on the brake lines, you should purge the lines, (spongy feeling on the brake pedal)

how is your alignment?

did you check back and front brake pads?
Feb 19, 2006 at 2:06 PM
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FRUSTRATEDINCA
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  • 2 POSTS
I had that when I got my 4Runner. Was the wheel balance in front.
Jun 23, 2006 at 1:58 PM
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TBLOCH1
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  • 4 POSTS
i have the same violent front end vibration when i brake going down steep hills and not on flat ground. i will have to see if wheels are balanced...i guess it is not the pads on brakes
Nov 28, 2007 at 5:45 AM
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Suggested Repair

Bleed the brake lines to remove air that can make the pedal soft after rotor work. Inspect the front and rear brake pads and check wheel alignment.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Toyota 4Runner with 74,000 miles shakes violently only when braking downhill, not on flat ground. A shop found the pads and rotors in good condition and resurfaced the rotors, after which the pedal traveled farther toward the floor while the shake continued. An expert advised bleeding air from the brake lines, checking alignment, and inspecting the front and rear pads. Other owners reported similar downhill brake vibration and suggested checking front wheel balance.

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