I’d been dealing with warped rotors since a week after taking ownership in 2012. I had planned on going with all new OEM parts to replace the existing brakes but learned about the TBU on T4R.org (specifically the 199 upgrade with the 13WE rotors). Turned out the cost was basically the same so I decided to go for it. What could go wrong?
As usual I prepared by watching Timmy the Toolman do the 233 TBU. What I wasn’t prepared for was the bleeding. I splurged on some Earl’s Solo bleeders (for all 4 wheels) since Henry wasn’t here to help. I installed them without any sealant because that’s what I mistakenly heard the guy at Tognotti’s tell me. I also didn’t have the engine running for the first bleed. To say I was frustrated when I tried to go for a test drive and the pedal sank to the floor would be an understatement.
That night I hike up my skirt and put the Runner in gear. To my surprise the brakes actually did work. I took a spin around the block and there was just a ton of travel and they were definitely not up to the task. After posting on T4R.org I received and heeded some advice and went back to work. I reinstalled the bleeders using some Permatex sealant from AutoZone and started bleeding with the engine running. Another 32oz of brake fluid later and I wasn’t expecting much but was ready for a test. Boy, was I wrong. The brakes felt amazing!
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