Shocks and Brakes
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Yucca Valley, CA
Shocks and Brakes
Two part question here: For a year now, I've had problems with my brakes, specifically a heavy pulse in the pedal. I changed the front rotors, thinking that they may have been warped. That fixed the problem for a short time. But, eventually it came back, and even got worse. I've inspected the brakes on all four wheels and haven't seen any signs of warping or strange wear. Could it be an alignment problem, bent brake caliper, etc? I live in the desert and do a lot of downhill braking from high speeds.
Second, there's a groaning sound whenever I go over speed bumps coming from both the front and rear end. I thought at first it might have been a CV joint deal until I heard the rear end doing it as well. Is this a sign of worn out shocks? Something else?
Second, there's a groaning sound whenever I go over speed bumps coming from both the front and rear end. I thought at first it might have been a CV joint deal until I heard the rear end doing it as well. Is this a sign of worn out shocks? Something else?
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Joined: Feb 2003
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As for the growning saound can't say much. Now brakes Seems like I was allways warping rotors, alot of hard driving here also. at 140 k i replaced the front calib, rotors, pads, bearings, rear shoes, flushed the entire system. The fliud that came out was very dark. Got it all done and the things stops on a dime and smooth as glass, better than i can ever recall since owning the truck. The pedal has a very noticable differance also. For the 600 in part and my time in labor wish I would have done it sooner. 1997 f-150 4.6 2wd lariet 140k
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Yucca Valley, CA
One more thing I fogot to add. The first time the pulse began, I could feel it in the steering wheel, which led me to believe the front brakes were the culprit. Now, after having replaced the front rotors, when it pulses, I don't feel it in the steering. Could it be a problem with the drums? The rear wheels have a tendency to lock up when I slow to a stop, where there is sand piled up on the road. Your solution of overhauling the entire system sounds like a good one. With 114K, it may be time. If I do replace the whole system as you did, do I go for after market calipers or OEM parts?
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To check the rear drums hold the emerg. brake release and push the emerg. brake pedal at the same time. This activates only the rear brakes so you can tell if they are the problem. Also, if you don't torque the lug nuts to the proper ft lbs, you are almost certain to warp the rotors. Since I started torquing the lug nuts I have not had warped rotors at all.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Yucca Valley, CA
Kingfish, I don't know why I didn't think of that before. I'll try it out today and see what happens. I'll also check on the torque. I don't usually hulk the things down, but by no means am I using a torque wrench when I put the nuts back on.
Thanks to all the replies...
Thanks to all the replies...
