Brake issues on a 2003 Runner

[4Runner03]

14 months ago I had the brakes replaced on my '03 4Runner V8 4WD. It seems now that whenever I apply the brakes, it shudders. It almost seems at low speeds I can feel the brakes catch at the same spot in the revolutions of the tires. Why would I already be having brake issues? I would say it has been driven about 10K miles since being replaced.

[4Wheel]

What you are feeling is "hard spots" in your rotors. The main cause for hard spots developing is excessive heat, (hard braking). Other causes are calipers that are not completely releasing causing the heat to build up, even when not braking.
Driving with you left foot resting on the brake pedal will also cause the heat to build.
Last, inferior rotor material.

[4Runner03]

Solutions?

[Brian R.]

New Toyota rotors

[4Wheel]

Yes NEW rotors from Toyota. Have them turned centered on the bearing races, (mounted on hub) it is the ONLY proper way to machine them.
Rebuild or replace the calipers if the pistons hang up it will cause heat and the hard spots again.
Turning the old rotors with hard spots will cause the cutting bit to “bounce” over the spots resulting in an even worse surface.
Grinding will realize the best results but the hard spots will STILL be there and will cause pulsations very shortly after resurfacing.

[Brian R.]

I don't believe that new rotors from Toyota need to be turned, just cleaned with brake cleaner and rubbed with sandpaper.

[4Wheel]

They shouldn't but I have had problems with one set for a 92 and other older vehicles.
At least dial mic them once installed that would tell you right away.

[xthirdimpact]

Any reasons why you all feel you should buy Toyota rotors? Do aftermarket performance parts not do well for the vehicle?

[Brian R.]

Anytime the cost difference is not too much, I buy Toyota parts. If you buy aftermarket parts, you have no idea to what specifications they were built.

[KimMG]

I have had fewer problems with OEM (dealer parts). Less noise, better fit, and there is not much of a price difference. If you are a AAA member, ask the dealer or AAA if they give discounts to AAA members. Check with your local dealer(s) to see if they have a mailing list. I'm always getting coupons for parts from two of the local Toyota dealers. It is is actually cheaper for me to buy oil and air filters from the dealer and they are better quality than the orange filters that the local chain parts store is selling.

[xthirdimpact]

Wow! Thats cool. My Toyota dealer in town is never running specials for any service...EVER! I go to his website and there arent ever any coupons of any kind. The jerk!

My 2003 4Runner Sport V8 is going in for its 20k maintenence. The list they look at for the 20k isnt too lengthy, but do you guys n gals recommend anything extra be done?

Also, i have a hood protector i got for xmas (yes, the OEM hood protector). Should i ask them to put it on for me?

[KimMG]

I get coupons in the mail, not from a website. Ask the parts counter if they have a mailing list. It may help that there is at least four dealerships within 35 miles of my home and probably more than ten dealerships within 60 miles.

[4running03]

I've got a 2003 4Runner with almost 100,000 miles. I had the same shutter, had the rotors turned, but it happened again after about 6,000 miles. I replaced the rotors from NAPA (made in China) and haven't had any problems. A whole lot cheaper than Toyota rotors!!