Toyota FJ Cruiser Brake Booster Squeaking Noise Easy Fix

[@szman99]

You guys just saved me $3000 which Toyota said wanted to charge for full replacement. I purchased a new spring and tube for $12 which instantly fixed the problem. They serve as a check valve which keeps the fluid in the accumulator instead of cycling back into the reservoir. You guys are the greatest.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

szman99 glad it helped.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Isaac Krumm yes. Here are the Toyota part numbers 47955A this is the check tube 90015-AY001 this is the spring 47950F this is the o-ring.

[@dellim3174]

Your Car Guy DR does you need to bleed the brakes afterward? Is there brake pressure lost when removing the booster? Thanks I have 2013 4runner sr5

[@dellim3174]

Did you have to bleed the brakes afterward? Is there brake fluid pressure lost when you open up the booster? I have 2013 4runner makes that nois every so often Thanks

[@dellim3174]

szman99. Did you need to bleed the brakes afterwards. Is there brake pressure lost when removing the accumulator? I have 2013 4runner SR5 53,000 miles and make that sound on start up and sometime on braking.

[@thomaspurdy7352]

This absolutely fixed the issue with my 2008 GX470, thank you. The accumulator had been "cycling" regularly, about every nine seconds. A Toyota dealer inspected it and said it was fine, but after they gave it back it was cycling every three seconds. The cycling caused the accumulator to visibly shudder, the headlights dimmed with each cycle, and when at idle you could see it cause the rpms to go up a bit each time. A few weeks after Toyota inspected it I got the squeaking mouse noise with each cycle; every three seconds. I followed the tips in this video and used the three part numbers in the comments, and now I have no noise, and, it's not cycling as often and not shuddering at all. Thanks Your Car Guy!

[@tompurdy4412]

Well, the noise came back after 500 miles. I took off the accumulator again and wiped down the tube in the spring and put them back and it stopped. 500 miles later, it came back for a few minutes during a 30-ish minute drive and stopped. Any idea why it keeps wanting to come back? Is it the accumulator itself? Is there perhaps dirt in the system? I bought the car used and I am not sure when the brake lines were last flushed. It is on my list of things to do. Any ideas?

[@evanobc4]

Thomas, how did you get the accumulator off on your GX since it looks different from the FJ? There is no hex nut and there is a funky looking bracket around it?

[@AR-xu2gg]

@britton did you figure it out? I need to do this on my GX

[@carsurvivalist]

Long story short. I preformed this exactly with all O.E. parts including o-ring. It solved. The noise for about 6 months. FJ came back now with exactly the same noise. Figured I would just do cleaning method as all parts were just replaced. Noise didn't go away. Pulled actuator back off and noticed how thin the factory o-ring was. Bumped up to next size of o-ring thickness and BAM! No more noise instantly.

[@rkari]

Great video, thank you very much! Helped me fix the periodic squeak on my 2007 4-Runner. I tried to get a shop to do it when performing maintenance, but they refused to take my advice, and wanted to keep it overnight, run all sorts of excessive tests, etc., which I refused. I ordered the spring (060T/90016AY004) and oring (060T/9030113014) from a Toyota dealership (the pipe wasn't available due to the inventory shortages 060T/4795504010), and removed the accumulator replaced those in less than 15 minutes (and less than $13). At least for me, the brakes didn't need to be bled afterwards. Problem solved. Thank you!

[@isaac3310]

Now my girlfriend will finally believe there’s not a family of mice in there

[@jessepauly9112]

thanks for the post... I did this fix after watching your video, stopped the squeaking instantly but returned after about 2 months...

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Jesse Pauly you can get the new plunger, spring and prong for about $5 from Toyota. This should give you a more permanent fix.

[@jessepauly9112]

That's actually what I did... however I only installed the plunger so perhaps that is my issue... I will do this again though as another 10 minutes and 10 bucks are worth a try over the alternative... =] Thanks and I'll keep you posted.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Jesse Pauly make sure the surface where the plunger contacts is smooth and clean.

[@fayewong21]

@@jessepauly9112 wanted to ask if you still have the noise after doing all these steps? thanks

[@AtheistComet80]

Gotta try this on my 4Runner! Can't stand the squeaking any more.

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Have an '03 4Runner, same brake booster assembly but my accumulator doesn't have a "nut" on the top, it has a circular groove there but nothing to grab. Any thoughts?

[@FloralaBamaRed]

Same here. Searching high and low.

[@duperfastEUC]

I have a 2004 4runner and my brake is cycling very often. Mine doesn't have the nut on top, how do I take off the accumulator?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Bill S I would need to see it to get an idea of what you are dealing with. If you would like you can message me a picture of what you have at 8282348197.

[@sunnychandler8644]

Did you guys figure this ouT?

[@weeeves]

You need the Toyota special service tool to remove the accumulator on 4th gen 4runners/100 series land cruisers. The Performance Tool W1272 tool also works which is used for removing hub lock nuts but you need to remove 2 of the pins. The pins are held in with loctite so you'll have to heat them up in order to remove them. Once you get the accumulator loosened, you'll need to remove the (3) allen key bolts holding the bracket surrounding the accumulator in order to remove the accumulator. They're tricky to access but I found using a combination a 6" long 5mm allen key wrench and hex sockets with extensions worked the best.

[@vubui2090]

My 03 GX470 has the same assembly. The pressure tank doesn’t have nut on top.

[@EyadNajdawi]

great, fixed in less than 15 min

[@ruffo1026]

One question, the brush bar bumper looks great, where did you get it or is it designed for a jeep and you adapted it?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

@@ruffo1026 it was on it when purchased.

[@weeeves]

No, you can't just use "any" o-ring in a braking system. NBR or viton o-rings (most common) are not compatible with brake fluid. You need to use EPDM o-rings if it's being used in the braking system. Just get the Toyota O-Ring, it's only $4-5.

[@AR-xu2gg]

Great you tube video! I’ve got a 2004 GX470 that kind of whines in the cold mornings that I always thought was the brake pump going on. Occasionally, on cold mornings it make a bbbzzzz noise just for half a second. I’ll try this fix but wondering what you think it is in my brake booster/accumulator pump system….subbed for a great and simple video

[@AR-xu2gg]

Switched out the brake booster with new fixed the bzzzzzz

[@kermit80526]

I have a very similar setup on a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. I 'm wondering whether the squeaking noise is nitrogen leaking out of the accumulator or air leaking past seals on the other side. You seem to imply the latter, but I was wondering if you could explain this a bit further? Thanks in advance!

[@mr.hollingsworth9224]

Does anybody have an actual video of the sound? I have an 09 sound like I have pigeons in the dash??

[@muhammadishaq6780]

Thank you for the video Done for my car (Y)

[@talbenshahar]

hi, how long did this fix last? I was told that after not a long time the problem will return and the is no way to avoid replacing/refurbish the entire unit.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Tal Ben-Shahar it has been almost a year now with no issues. You can get the o-ring and check valve from Toyota for less than 10 dollars. I don’t see any point in spending thousands when a simple cheap fix works. I doubt any dealers would want to tell you that as they lose out on the expensive repair.

[@mountainviewvintage386]

Wish could hear the squeak noise..mine keeps making noise from tires

[@chrismiller8568]

I got my rear brake pads on my GX 470 replaced and it came back making a squeaking sound like yours did. I can’t wait to try this. I may pick up the o ring, check tube, etc just to have it on hand. The FJ and GX 470 share the same ABS assembly correct?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Chris Miller I believe that they are.

[@chrismiller8568]

Your Car Guy DR It was so weird. I asked them to bleed the brakes via computer to see if it would help and I got a $3,400 quote but when I picked the GX 470 up NO SQUEAK. If it comes back I know what to do though! I ordered the o rings and check tube etc for the accumulator. Thanks :)

[@markedgardelmar8714]

Very helpful Just wanted to ask if it gave a dash error like this?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Mark Edgar del Mar didn’t have a dash error. Just the annoying noise.

[@tlove14u]

I have a squeaking noise at high speeds only in 2 wheel drive. It goes away in 4WD. I also hear it turning corners. The breaks are in good condition and I can't see any leaks. It sounds like it comes from the rear end but I can't be sure. Could the booster be the cause?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

terrance fryson the booster you normally hear in the dash/firewall area. What you are experiencing could be multiple things like a dry bushing, loose wheel bearing, brake rotor flex, etc.

[@zamirmurue4730]

hello my sound every moment and now I lost brakes they brake to the bottom very poor, all abs lights come up with a beep sound, no longer can use it, dealer wants to change abs system for 3000 dlls, will this work??? thks need help please

[@YourCarGuyDR]

I don’t think this will work if you have lost all braking.

[@zamirmurue4730]

@@YourCarGuyDR hi thks for your comment,i havent lost all the brakes but i am afraid to use it like that , did you thik it will work ?

[@zamirmurue4730]

@@YourCarGuyDR and is normal to have all the lights on and a beep sound ?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

@@zamirmurue4730 no you shouldn’t have all of the lights on. That suggests are more severe issue.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

@@zamirmurue4730 I would want to see what codes the abs system has active. This could give an idea where to start.

[@ALYEN513]

Could this work on a Lexus gs300 2001? Same noises after replacing master cylinder brake booster setup.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

MR UNBOX I haven’t looked at the gs300 master cylinder setup. But if it looks the same it should work.

[@ALYEN513]

Your Car Guy DR I mean it looks the same but I don’t have a bolt on top of my accumulator I’ve got a bracket around it and I don’t know if it’ll unscrew

[@YourCarGuyDR]

MR UNBOX I will see if I can find a diagram and check it.

[@ALYEN513]

Your Car Guy DR thank you!!!!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

MR UNBOX based on the diagram yours should have a nut on top that allows the accumulator to come off. The bracket on the outside shouldn’t affect it unless you need to remove it for better access.

[@isaackrumm4140]

Would be really helpful if you actually showed it being done. My 4runner has been doing this for a year and a half. I've put a 17mm socket on and tried to open it but it is tight enough that I feel like I am going to break it.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Isaac Krumm sometimes they can be very tight. Make sure to pump the brake pedal with the vehicle off to drop the pressure. If you use a good six point socket you should be good. A longer ratchet will make it easier.

[@ChrisHuth-mo1qh]

Hey man, the noise mine makes is a squeaking sound, yet it happens periodically (every 5-15 seconds) even when I’m not pressing the pedal. Do you think this would be the same issue?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Yes that sounds like the same issue.

[@staceytouchett2010]

Hi there Toyota told me the same thing 2 days ago when I called complaining of a sound. Yesterday I had to use the e- break because my breaks were gone. Ugh. Should I still try this?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Stacey Touchett if you’re brakes aren’t working you may have a more severe issue. Check your fluid level first and then look for any signs of leaks on the inside of the wheels

[@luiyorodriguez4034]

Hi..I have this issue.. but the difference is that does not brake as usual, it is very hard to stop (all the way down and hard), including the nonstop noise..Aby idea?? Thanks!!!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Luiyo Rodriguez start with the basics. What is your fluid level and condition (color). Check the condition of all brake pads all of the way around. If those things are all good it is time to look at the master cylinder/booster assembly.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Don’t forget to inspect for any brake fluid leaks.

[@luiyorodriguez4034]

@@YourCarGuyDR Yeaaappp...exactly.. all looks to be fine.. problem just begun once I stop the jeep (using also the emergency brake), once all was release, the noise appears and never left..

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Luiyo Rodriguez sounds like there could be some air in the system. A good bleed and purge may help.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

You mentioned the emergency brake. Is the noise only while driving but go away when stopped? Does it sound like it’s coming from one particular area of the vehicle?

[@veralvarez1189]

Where do you get your brush bumper?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It was on it when purchased.

[@angelosoriano2040]

My 2007 FJ just started cycling every 5 seconds when idle. Could this potentially be the issue?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Angelo Soriano yes this is likely the issue. If you read all the comments I have a parts list in there in case you want to replace the parts. Less than $10 from Toyota.

[@randypaigo5056]

Amazing, it worked

[@ruzzerbet]

I have this problem with the gx470 08 that i just bought. Brake booster pump keep turning on for 5-10 secs. I can feel all through the brake pedal. Is this the same problem? Parts Part No.: 47955-30010 PIPE, BRAKE BOOSTER Part No.: 90015-AY001 SPRING, COMPRESSION Part No.: 90301-13014 RING, O

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It is likely the same issue.

[@dellim3174]

Car Guy, my 2013 4runner does that screeching every so often. 53,000 miles. Do you need to bleed the brakes after removing the accumulator? Is there brake pressure lost when removing the the accumulator? Does it fly out because of the spring in there? Also are there lots of brake fluid squirting out when removing? Please help! Thanks

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Del Lim we didn’t have to bleed the brakes afterwards. Very little fluid came out.

[@dellim3174]

Your Car Guy DR thanks for the fast reply. I want to change the spring, o ring and post inside. So the brake pressure is not lost even if removing the accumulator? Did the spring fly out or is there tention when removing it? Thanks!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Del Lim just take it out slowly nothing will fly out. Pretty quick and simple job.

[@dellim3174]

Your Car Guy DR thanks! I m just scared that the brakes will lose pressure and I have to bleed the brakes. These 4runner has to be electronically bled at the dealer not like other cars.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Del Lim actually they can all be bled mechanically. The electronic bleed is just much faster.

[@alexle5026]

Is it the same fix for 1998 Land Cruiser?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Alex Le not sure on a 1998. But if you are getting the noise and your booster looks similar it will likely work.

[@alexle5026]

Thank you

[@jasondixon9095]

I just got a 2007 fj Cruiser with Nitto tires on it maybe it’s my break but the noise is Very weird sound coming from the wheels

[@YourCarGuyDR]

jason dixon could be the brake pads or bad wheel bearings.

[@jasondixon9095]

Is the noise coming from the breaks

[@YourCarGuyDR]

jason dixon the noise is coming from the brake booster.

[@zubairiqbal9356]

Mine is 07 FJ. No squeaky noise. Only hard brake paddle. I change two front calipers and was good for 24hrs only.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Zubair Iqbal how long has it had the hard pedal issue?

[@mariofalfan2997]

This would make sense, if I put the truck in N the noise goes away ! I will do this this weekend !

[@AsianStvex]

Are these the only 3 parts you need? 47955A this is the check tube 90015-AY001 this is the spring 47950F this is the o-ring. I heard you talking about a plunger.. is that the check tube? if not, may I have the part number for that too?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Steven Huynh yes that should be all you need.

[@AsianStvex]

Your Car Guy DR sounds good going to give it a try tomorrow. And when you say depressurize by pressing on the pedals. Should the key be off?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Steven Huynh yes key off

[@josephrobles3850]

Car Guy, was able to get the accumulator off, check the o-ring (good condition) and the spring, also in good condition. However, when I attempted to put the accumulator back on and “thought” I put it on tight enough, but when I started the car, the brake light and the other lights, and there was a constant “beep” and then take fluid was bubbling out....did it twice, then got the leak to stop but the lights are still on, beeping has stopped. Lost some brake fluid, but not showing below the minimum on the reservoir. Is this something I need to have the dealer reset all the lights and notifications? Or will they eventually turn off?? Any help is appreciated. You’re the best!!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Joseph Robles they should turn off after a couple of drive cycles. If not there are several scanners on the market that are not expensive and usually cost less than the trip to the dealer that can cost for a reset.

[@josephrobles3850]

@@YourCarGuyDR Noise turned off and car ran great and brakes were great....However, tonight, the accumulator failed and was leaking. Unscrewed accumulator and now it will not screw back on. Looks like the "female" end where the "male" end of the actual accumulators screws back into is threaded out as I cannot for the life of me get this to screw back in. I had no trouble re--attaching the accumulator the first time, but now, its seems impossible. Any thoughts??

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Joseph Robles check your threads on the accumulator and right where it screws into the booster. It will only take a small burr to prevent it from screwing in correctly.

[@josephrobles3850]

@@YourCarGuyDR I don't know how or why, but it really looks like the threading on the booster looks stripped....The threading on the acccumulator "male" part looks fine and the O-ring is in good condition... I applied your recommended pressure to re-attach the accumulator the first time, so I know that it WOULD screw in...I haven't touched it since, but now now matter I try, this damn thing will not screw in and tighten...

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Joseph Robles if the base is stripped you will have a couple of options. One is to get a used booster assembly. The other would be to to overview the hole then put in a thread insert.

[@AtheistComet80]

Nevermind, my accumulator doesn't have a nut to take off. Different design. Grrrrrr

[@duperfastEUC]

You must have the older 4runners, mine is 2004 and it doesn't have the nut to un screw.. did you ever figure it out?

[@sivonnajones4550]

I’m guessing it would be similar to a oil filter?