Brake pedal travel - normal for a 96 4-Runner?

[gilley]

We've recently acquired a 96 4-Runner, and everyone loves it. Me, the mechanic and all around "Dad will fix it" guy, I'm still getting use to the car. This is our first SUV, so it drives different, feels different, etc., etc. I have a question about brake pedal travel.

In all of my other cars - ford van (not for long ), and two maximas, the brakes engage pretty quick. But, on the 4-Runner, it seems that the pedal travels much futher than expected. Braking is fine, and the pedal is not soft. Is this typical for this vehicle?

chg

[Brian R.]

The pedal is fine. As long as the brakes engage and stop you strongly significantly off the floor, you are fine.

[blazzingbrandon]

If its to loose, shouldn't ypu bleed them?

[Brian R.]

I didn't mention that because he said the pedal is not soft.

[corbinwaterski]

Not sure if is related - different cars, but going from my Xterra to my Tacoma or Sequioa I notice a big difference. The Xterra brakes bite hard. Where as the Toyotas are mild tempered. Just a thought.

[Tomsriv]

Worn rear drums will cause a low pedal. The pads have to reach further so the pedal is lower.

Also, grabby brakes are a sign of bad adjustment. If they tend to jolt then they will also tend to lock up. Brakes are designed to drag a little bit all the time so that they don't grab.