1991 Toyota 4Runner Weak brakes, 3 mechanics could not fix.

1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
200,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CRAIG WAYNE
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The brakes were great until I replaced the front pads. It feels to me as if htere is no vacumn assist. I bled them several times, no change. My wife to it to a repair shop where they put in a new master cylinder, a used vacumn booster, bled and adjusted the brakes still no change. I took it to a Toyota specialist (factory techs) who kept it for 6 weeks, but still could not find the problem. They did agree that the brakes don't feel right and supposedly checked pressures, calipers proportioning valve etc. They were so frustrated they gave the car back, no charge. This car does have rear anti-lock brakes. I have heard that some early versions would retain a memory so I tried disconecting power for several hours and put a new fuse in. All I can think of is that the booster is bad. The brakes aren't mushy they just wont lock up and I have to apply alot of pressure in a panic stop. Before all this they were some of the most sensitive brakes I have had. Please if anyone has any suggestions I would be so grateful. This is my 18 year old daughters car that she loves, but is afraid of now. Thank you for your consideration.
Nov 28, 2008 at 10:02 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there, there is a special tool for setting the piston clearance for the master cylinder was this checked? also there is a specific test for a faulty booster, the Toyota tech should know this, i feel that the problems around here.

Mark (mhpautos)
Nov 29, 2008 at 12:56 AM
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CRAIG WAYNE
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Thank you for responding. I don't know if the master cylinder piston clearance was checked. I will call them on Mon. and ask about it as well as the booster test. I do have good vacuum up to the booster. Thought about replacing it with a new/rebuilt one only if the store will take it back if that does not solve the problem. Maybe a dealership should be considered. Again thank you. Craig
Nov 29, 2008 at 5:28 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Good luck with it, let me know how you get on, thank you for using 2carpros...

mark (mhpautos)
Nov 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM