Hello all. I drive a 1973 F 100 and I noticed some shaking when I apply the brakes, and felt it mostly in the seat. So I changed the rear drums and shoes, which needed changing, but still notice it mostly now in the steering wheel. Guess I'll change the front rotors and pads next. Feels like warped rotors. Just wondering what else it could be if not the rotors on front. I am no mechanic, but I have worked on these older vehicles since I was a kid, but that's been quite awhile ago. Thanks for any input.

 

The rotors are more then likely warped. They may be thick enough to just have them turned. If not replacements are not that expensive. Also check the front suspension parts such as bushings, kingpins and tie rod ends as well.

 

Warped rotors would be felt as pulsations through the brake pedal.

Inspect the wheels, tires (slipped belt/structural defect), worn tie rods/steering system, bad pads, bearings... inspect, inspect, inspect.

 

Thanks HIO, after I change rotors I'll check tie rods/steering system. Also, Red Creek Auto, I do also suspect the suspension might be the culprit, so I'll look at the kingpins and tie rod ends. Thank you both for the input. Bought this truck last summer and fixed all engine components, now am working on brakes and suspension. Again, been a long time but it is all coming back to me, so I greatly appreciate the ideas. I am glad I came along this forum.

 

Unless the lugs on the wheels were improperly torqued to the studs on the rotors or, unless the rotor(s) has cracks in it, it's unlikely the rotors are truly warped.

It's more likely the rotors have been hot and some of the brake pad material has deposited from the pad and onto the surface of the rotor, creating high spots in it every time the deposits pass through the calipers. As little as .0004" build up on the rotor can be felt while a deposit of .001" would be very noticeable and felt as pulsations through the brake pedal or as front end judder when the brakes are applied.

The rotors can be turned and the pads replaced but, the problem will soon return. If this is the problem, the only way to get rid of it is to replace the rotors and the pads and then re-bed the brakes.

-Warped- Brake Disc and Other Myths

 

Ultra Ranger, you described what I am feeling when brakes applied. The first two I can do, but what do you mean by re-bed the brakes?

 

Stock Brake System Bed-in

 

That's a great article on brakes. Thanks a lot!

 

You're welcome, sir.

 

Ultraranger--Thanks, great article and thanks for the info on re-bedding the brakes. I will do that after I change the rotors and pads. Again, enjoyed the educational reading.....