Vibration when braking

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May 26, 2005 | 08:11 AM

umtigers

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Vibration when braking

Recently my Explorer will vibrate/shimmy when braking at high speed (50+ mph). The vibration only occurs while braking and not while driving and it only occurs whn braking from high speeds. Anybody have an idea what maay be the source of the vibration?

Thanks

May 26, 2005 | 08:56 AM

bulldog3531

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From: Jacksonville, NC

Give us some more info what year truck? have you had any brake service done recently? does it feel like it is coming from the front or the rear? Are you lightly pressing your brakes or pressing down hard? If your are pressing hard at 50+mph this could cause it to vibrate/shimmy.

May 26, 2005 | 09:03 AM

umtigers

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Brake vibration

Thanks Bulldog. Truck is a 1995 4 door. Rear brake pads have been replaced recently although the vibration occured both before and after the pad replacement. It is hard to isolate whether the vibration is coming from the front or the rear, the whole vehicle just vibrates. The vibration occurs when light to moderate pressure is applied to the pedal.

May 26, 2005 | 10:58 AM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

It sounds like you have warped rotors. This usually happens if someone over-tightens the wheels. Did the problems start after you had any tire or brake work performed?

May 26, 2005 | 05:59 PM

maa139

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From: West Chester PA

Yep. Rotors are warped. Not hard to replace, but good rotors are $$$.

May 27, 2005 | 06:59 AM

drcoffee

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Quote:

Originally Posted by maa139

Yep. Rotors are warped. Not hard to replace, but good rotors are $$$.

Not really. www.rockauto.com $22 ea for Raybestos. They are very easy to replace as well. If they are rusted on, hammer the rotor hat area between the studs but don't hit the studs. Pull on the rotors edge as you hammer and they will free up but be patient and don't beat them so hard that you damage something else like the hub behind it. Use brake cleaner to remove the shipping grease on the rotors before re-installing. Nows a good time to paint the rotor hats and calipers as well if you like that look. I painted mine black so I would'nt see them rusting.

May 27, 2005 | 07:09 AM

lardman

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Chesterfield, Mi

Also, get a torque wrench to torque the lugs to the factory spec and follow the standard tightening pattern. Don't go cheep on the rotors-they'll warp again in 10-20k if you do.