Braking Issue

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Apr 15, 2014 | 07:48 AM

Totally Tuna

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Joined: Apr 2007

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Braking Issue

I have an '04 EX with 6.0. When braking at highway speeds the rear end shudders until I get the truck slowed down some. Around town speeds of 45 or less the problem is almost non-existent. It almost seems to be hydraulic instead of pads/rotor issue. Wouldn't a warped rotor show up at slower speeds as well?

I have some good mechanics around, but have never found a great brake shop that I can trust. Go in needing pads and they try and upsell saying this or that is going out.

Apr 15, 2014 | 10:55 AM

lwems

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Joined: Sep 2012

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I'd like to block the front wheels, jack up the rear axle, shift into neutral, spin the wheels, and watch and listen to the rear brake pads. That should tell you whether you have a rotor problem.

I can't imagine how a hydraulic problem could cause the rear end to shudder... but preemptively bleeding the rear calipers is pretty quick if you've already gone to all the trouble to jack up the rear and crawl under.

Don't crawl under the axle without putting jackstands under the axle itself; a jackstand under the frame will not protect you from the axle coming down should your jack choose that moment to fail.

Apr 15, 2014 | 11:09 AM

AKPOWERSTROKE

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2010

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[quote=Totally Tuna;14262917]. Wouldn't a warped rotor show up at slower speeds as well?

Typically a warped rotor is only noticeable once you step on the brakes. Usually tires and rims will cause a constant wobble.

Question is, due you feel the same pulsing in the pedal when you brake. If so getting the rotor turned would be a good first step.

I would also pull the rear brakes a look for abnormal wear such as one pad thicker than the other, wear diagonally across the pad itself. These are both signs of worn out caliper hardware. You can find the kits for about 10 bucks per side at Autozone.

I recently had a similar issue. The wobble/humming noise only started at 45. When I replaced my tires all noise went away. Now its like riding on four pillows.

With that being said do you need new tires. If you rotate them does it move to the front?

Good luck

Apr 15, 2014 | 11:32 AM

Totally Tuna

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Driving home for lunch I experimented some. Above 50 on highway gradually slowing down shudder. 65 more aggressive braking heavy shudder. In town 40 gradual braking fine, 40 hard braking very slight shudder for about 1/2 second. 45 hard braking maybe 1 second shudder. Below 40 all is fine hard braking or gentle. Tried in OD and in 3rd and not difference. I do not notice any pushback on the brake pedal.