Would guess there’s something rubbing, most likely shoes/rotors - remove the wheels and inspect for unusual wear. If there’s any pull on hard braking then I’d suspect the caliper(s). GL!

 

its not coming from the calipers or rotors, i forgot to mention that it sounds like its on or near the brake pedal, hard to describe but its literaly "hiss" when pressing the pedal. i have had my rotors, calipers checked and everything works fine.

 

If what you're describing sounds like it's coming from the brake pedal area and not the brake calipers/disc area then my 2012 does the same thing.

I don't know if mine does it every time or not. It might. I only notice it on occasion but honestly I quit worrying about.

I don't quite remember how it was described by another member of this forum but I thought it was a perfect description. IIRC it was described as a "wet valve opening" sound which is how I would describe it. However, I can certainly see the sound mine makes described as hissing.

Bottom line, I don't think you are the only one. I've seen the sound described here before. I've had my 2012 2 years and my brakes work just fine. I haven't bothered to look into it. I need to do some maintenance this weekend; maybe I'll try to track it down.

 

yes exactly! I have never thought deep into it and thought i might ask here at the forums. it sounds like a FJ issue. i also read in some 4runner forums that they experience the same thing. im just glad it does not affect function or safety. thanks for you reply!

 

Its your brake booster most likely. Mine has done it since new in 2007. My lexus gx470 does it as well. Its the vacuum pressure bleeding off. I haven't experienced any problems although it is rather annoying. Hope that helps.

 

exactly, its annoying, but you barely notice unless is eerily quiet. glad that its not an isolated issue and it happens to some? FJ's, 4runners, and as you say your gx470. thanks

 

If you press the pedal right after you shut the engine off and hear the same thing then it's definitely the brake booster. I can't hear mine when the engine is running, so you must have real sensitive ears.

Charlie

 

last time I had a hissing sound it was my mother in law in the back seat...……….

 

Lol!

 

Mine does it too and has since I drove it off the lot brand new in 2014.