Yesterday, driving home at 80 mph the whole truck started shuddering after I'd pulled away smartly from a light. (04 5.4 4x4 Heavy Duty package). Even the steering wheel was shaking. I pulled over because it felt like I had a flat tire, but all tires were good. I did smell what smelt like a burnt transmission smell. When I re-started and drove on everything was good again. I hadn't used 4x4 at all that day. Since then no problems. I have 96.000 miles on it.

Any suggestions?

Ed

 

i had mine do that once and i pulled over and smelt brakes, pulled away and it has never done it since. i think it was the parking brake pads chattering(the pass rear brake area was where the smell was the most). this was like 2 years ago and it has never happened again.

 

Willing to bet the rear e-brake shoes came apart from the backing plate and were binding inside the rotors. Pull the rear rotors off and your e-brake shoes will fall onto the ground.....

 

Well if it's just that I'm very relieved!!! Yes the smell did seem to be round the rear.
Thanks
Ed

 

was your truck built in norfolk virginia? if so theres a tsb on the e-brake system...faulty parts used at that factory.

 

Well if N is for Norfolk, then yes. Does that mean I get it done for free?
Ed

 

uhh no, not that i know of, unless you have some kind of extended warranty? just means your dealer SHOULD be aware of the problem and be able to order the parts no prob. i never did have mine changed, just the one side is backed waaaay off so itll actually release when i pull the handle. i still carry a hammer just in case i have to pull over and bang the stupid thing back.

 

I have had this happen more than once and it is a front caliper not releasing and getting the rotor so hot it warps and begins to shake the entire truck horribly. I pulled over, hit the back of the caliper with a hammer and it immediately released. Was going to replace calipers but after about a half dozen instances the problem has not come back.. Excessive brake dust on the driver front has since stopped as well. A rear brake won't jerk the steering as bad as mine did. BTW. Mine is 2005 F-150 4x4

 

when my ebrake was sticking there was no steering wheel jerking, the whole truck was violently shaking. course the prob didnt show i was well into til highway speed, but then as i slowed down it wouldnt go away, stays shaking at all speeds. this has happenned to me ever single time i used my ebrake. so i quit using it. then i did had my brakes done and it did it again. then i did some research. Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips.