vibrations when braking HELP
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Need Same Problem Fixed
This is my first post to this forum and I came in search of the same solution.
I have a 2005 F-350 Diesel 4x4 king cab short bed. It is for my business and had 50,000 miles put on in the first year. I am short for time and have the dealer do service for convenience.
At 38,000 miles the vibration got bad enough to warrant service. It was mostly felt when braking down hill and I first thought it was a front end issue. The dealer advised a rotor job on the front rotors. It seemed to fix the issue for 5,000 miles or so and then the vibration started again. It grew steadily with the increasing mileage.
Today, at 52,000 miles, the dealer's recommendation is again - rotors. This time front and back. They have no recommendation as to other causes as the pads are showing light, normal wear. Nothing abnormal can be found anywhere else.
One interesting thing is that my miles are all freeway. I hardly ever drive in the city, so I'm amazed to have this much waar or warping in such a short time/usage period.
I've given them the go ahead to fix the repair, I unfortunately don't have time to shop around for better service or a longer term fix. I offer this information in support of there being a vibration issue.
If anything else is found out by the repair shop I'll post here. Until then, understand I share your pain and frustration.
I have a 2005 F-350 Diesel 4x4 king cab short bed. It is for my business and had 50,000 miles put on in the first year. I am short for time and have the dealer do service for convenience.
At 38,000 miles the vibration got bad enough to warrant service. It was mostly felt when braking down hill and I first thought it was a front end issue. The dealer advised a rotor job on the front rotors. It seemed to fix the issue for 5,000 miles or so and then the vibration started again. It grew steadily with the increasing mileage.
Today, at 52,000 miles, the dealer's recommendation is again - rotors. This time front and back. They have no recommendation as to other causes as the pads are showing light, normal wear. Nothing abnormal can be found anywhere else.
One interesting thing is that my miles are all freeway. I hardly ever drive in the city, so I'm amazed to have this much waar or warping in such a short time/usage period.
I've given them the go ahead to fix the repair, I unfortunately don't have time to shop around for better service or a longer term fix. I offer this information in support of there being a vibration issue.
If anything else is found out by the repair shop I'll post here. Until then, understand I share your pain and frustration.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Welcome aboard, canick 
So, adnormalities were found in the braking system? Or did they just do the process of elimination thing? We do that here for obvious reasons, but if they have indicators to check run-out, micrometers to check deviation in thickness and so forth, then they should be able to pinpoint the problem.
Sometimes this problem is caused by junky, but brand new pads, no matter who manufactures them. But most of the time it is caused by faulty installation. There are rotors that are made much better than others but even they can become problems if not installed properly.
I wonder in both of your cases if the rotors were installed hastily - wonder if they actually check the mounting areas for problems and correct them before mounting the rotors - if they actually check the rotors for abnormalities after removing them.
If this only happens when braking it can't be anything but the brake system... that I know of.
Originally Posted by canick
Nothing abnormal can be found anywhere else.
Sometimes this problem is caused by junky, but brand new pads, no matter who manufactures them. But most of the time it is caused by faulty installation. There are rotors that are made much better than others but even they can become problems if not installed properly.
I wonder in both of your cases if the rotors were installed hastily - wonder if they actually check the mounting areas for problems and correct them before mounting the rotors - if they actually check the rotors for abnormalities after removing them.
If this only happens when braking it can't be anything but the brake system... that I know of.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: winthrop
I packed my tierod ends with grease drove 1 mile and hit the brakes, it seems that the vibration was a little less violent. at least my mind wanted it to be. Should there be any movement in the steering linkage? Just trying to get through this without rebuilding the truck. i would assume that the vibrations will eventually cause more damage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Originally Posted by whatfish
I packed my tierod ends with grease drove 1 mile and hit the brakes, it seems that the vibration was a little less violent. at least my mind wanted it to be. Should there be any movement in the steering linkage? Just trying to get through this without rebuilding the truck. i would assume that the vibrations will eventually cause more damage.
I think you need to get those rotors "trued", either by borrowing the tools or allowing someone specialized in that field to do it. Like I said, there has to be something in the braking system causing it. More than likely its the rotors.
If the bearings were worn to the point that it would cause the vibration you could actually feel that while push/pulling the wheel at the top and bottom when lifted.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: winthrop
Big Orn thanks for you help
I just replaced front with wagners
and rears with wagners
I have to admit that my inital inspection of the rears was somewhat wrong
the rears look to be good but upon further inspection the pads were shot, and the rotors had skip marks on them, not realizing that the parking brake was shoes internal, i thought that the marks that i saw on the rotor from the pads were from setting the e brake. So anyway lesson learned truck is now braking perfectly, smooth.
Thanks for the help
"WHATFISH"
I just replaced front with wagners
and rears with wagners
I have to admit that my inital inspection of the rears was somewhat wrong
the rears look to be good but upon further inspection the pads were shot, and the rotors had skip marks on them, not realizing that the parking brake was shoes internal, i thought that the marks that i saw on the rotor from the pads were from setting the e brake. So anyway lesson learned truck is now braking perfectly, smooth.
Thanks for the help
"WHATFISH"
