2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
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2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
I have a 2001 F-150 4x4 crewcab that shakes when you step on the brakes sometimes worst than others. I have ruled out warped rotors because I replaced the OEM rotors with high performance ones and new ceramic pads. I had the wheels balanced and rotated and the problem is still present. Other than that the vehicle runs great. My question is, what other areas should I look at? Hubs?, Loose front suspension?
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
Hiya capnkirkster. Welcome to FTE 
Did you replace all 4 rotors? Sometimes it's hard to tell which end is doing the shaking. Did the shaking go away after the rotors were replaced and then it came back again? It's not unusual for rotors to "take a set" after a few heat cycles. Resurfacing them may be an option.
In the front end I would check the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm for play but in my experience what usually wears the most and quickest is the lower ball joints. You have to jack the front of the truck up with a jack under the lower control arm to unload the suspension so you can push and pull on the wheel to check for play in the balljoint. You can also take a long prybar and put it under the tire, again with the truck lifted under the control arm, then try lifting the tire up and see how much play the balljoint has. Ford's newest spec is .060" but I think they are worn out with less up and down play than that.
Did you replace all 4 rotors? Sometimes it's hard to tell which end is doing the shaking. Did the shaking go away after the rotors were replaced and then it came back again? It's not unusual for rotors to "take a set" after a few heat cycles. Resurfacing them may be an option.
In the front end I would check the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm for play but in my experience what usually wears the most and quickest is the lower ball joints. You have to jack the front of the truck up with a jack under the lower control arm to unload the suspension so you can push and pull on the wheel to check for play in the balljoint. You can also take a long prybar and put it under the tire, again with the truck lifted under the control arm, then try lifting the tire up and see how much play the balljoint has. Ford's newest spec is .060" but I think they are worn out with less up and down play than that.
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2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
Well, I got the problem fixed, which turned out to be a leaky right rear wheel seal. The differential fluid leaked by the seal onto the brake hardware and in turn, leaked on the disc pad. This was causing the right brake to slip therefore causing the truck to shake. PS- I went with hi-performance rotors all the way around with ceramic pads. I can't ask for any better braking. Thanks for your input..... Capnkirkster
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From: Chicago Area
2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
I am planning to go to ceramic pads when I need brakes. Can you share some specifics such as brand, cost, any problems or negatives? Do you feel the rotor change was necessary and how was it beneficial?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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2001 F-150 crewcab braking problem
Hello MrBSS Thanks for your interest. Let's start with the Rotors... I was told by several people as well as a Ford Service Writer that the later model Ford trucks have a problem with Rotors warping because of overheating during braking. As a result of my research we invested in high performance rotors that are slotted and cross drilled. The rotors were purchased from a company in California - Race Concepts. Now for the ceramic pads... they don't wear down the rotors as fast as metallic pads and they are VERY quiet. The pads are made by Raybestos (Quietstop) and they're roughly $65/set. The ONLY downside is that they are a little more expensive. Good luck!
