Shakin' when Breakin'
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 983
Likes: 3
From: Detroit 'burbs
Shakin' when Breakin'
I have a 2004 Supercab with 24k miles and lately when Ive been breaking, there is a vibration in the steering wheel and in the break pedal. It feels like the anti-lock break system is kicking in even when making modest stops from 40mph.
I've had breaks go on my other Rangers and never had this problem. My pedal isn't low at all and there is no problem breaking and stopping so what gives? Someone mentioned to me to "reset my breaks" by driving in reverse and then breaking rather hard. What will that do? Does that work?
I've had breaks go on my other Rangers and never had this problem. My pedal isn't low at all and there is no problem breaking and stopping so what gives? Someone mentioned to me to "reset my breaks" by driving in reverse and then breaking rather hard. What will that do? Does that work?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 765
Likes: 11
From: Moneta, VA
My '95 does the same thing. It's often referred to a warped brake rotor. Here is a link from the tech section on that:Linky.
Generally replacing the rotors and pads takes care of the problem. You also have the option of having the rotors turned, i.e. machined to a flat surface again.
It doesn't really affect the braking performance much, I can lock up the front brakes on my '95 still (RABS).
In fact, it kind of massages your foot!
Generally replacing the rotors and pads takes care of the problem. You also have the option of having the rotors turned, i.e. machined to a flat surface again.
It doesn't really affect the braking performance much, I can lock up the front brakes on my '95 still (RABS).
In fact, it kind of massages your foot!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yeah...rotors are warped. Replace or have them turned (they can be turned if the warping is minor), not too bad, fixes it unless something weird is happening. As for the reversing thing, sounds like crap to me.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
Sounds like warped rotors to me too...as for resetting the brakes I think whoever told you that is thinking of the self adjusting drums. When you brake in reverse the drums self adjust to compensate for wear...Has nothing to do with the fronts...
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
If you've had the wheels off lately & the lug nuts weren't torqued up properly, maybe the rotors were warped.
You might try loosening the lug nuts & retorquing them in a cross hatch "star" pattern & come up to final torque in three steps.
Also look to excessive wheel bearing play, if you haven't checked them lately.
If you don't have any success, carefully check the rotor & pads for cracks or loose parts.
DON'T ignore the problem, it's trying to tell you something isn't right!!!!!
You might try loosening the lug nuts & retorquing them in a cross hatch "star" pattern & come up to final torque in three steps.
Also look to excessive wheel bearing play, if you haven't checked them lately.
If you don't have any success, carefully check the rotor & pads for cracks or loose parts.
DON'T ignore the problem, it's trying to tell you something isn't right!!!!!
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, FL
It could also be a bad tire.
Not too long ago I thought I needed my rotors turned but it went away with new tires.
Not too long ago I thought I needed my rotors turned but it went away with new tires.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 117
From: Virginia
Many people call it "warped rotors" but in reality it is almost always an uneven build up of pad material on the surface of the rotor that causes thickness variations. If you catch it early you can have the rotors turned and then follow the pad makers break-in process. Otherwise you will have to replace them. The highspots almost always develop from improper bedding during initial use. If you read that link there is a lot of good info there.
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 983
Likes: 3
From: Detroit 'burbs
Im going to the dealer this Thursday. I made a appointment today and the tech on the phone told me it sounded like it is warped rotors and it'll be covered under warrenty. Ill let you guys know.
My tires should still be good, only 24k on them, and they've been rotated every 3k with the oil changes. I got all my rotations and oil changes done at the dealer-I wonder if the idiots screwed something up when they took the tires off.
My tires should still be good, only 24k on them, and they've been rotated every 3k with the oil changes. I got all my rotations and oil changes done at the dealer-I wonder if the idiots screwed something up when they took the tires off.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 983
Likes: 3
From: Detroit 'burbs
Yep, you guys were 100% correct! I went to the dealer today about this and it was rusted and warped rotors. They were covered under warrenty and I didnt have to pay a penny. If I knew what I was doing, and it wasn't under warrenty, I would've been able to fix it myself with all your help. Thanks!!!
All I had to do was wait 2 hours in the dealer waiting room for them to fix it, and they gave me two brand new rotors. Actually it was quite nice: it was the only time in a few months I got a chance to sit down and read the paper and drink a cup of coffee
All I had to do was wait 2 hours in the dealer waiting room for them to fix it, and they gave me two brand new rotors. Actually it was quite nice: it was the only time in a few months I got a chance to sit down and read the paper and drink a cup of coffee
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Good feedback soundwave, glad to hear you have a Dealer thats taking care of you & all is well.
I too have a squared away Dealer, Magic City Ford, in Roanoke Va, that stepped up to the plate BIG TIME for me under warranty, back in 99. Ford nor the Dealer tried to run from my problem, which was serious & big bucks, but in the end they finally got my problem put right too!!!!
I too have a squared away Dealer, Magic City Ford, in Roanoke Va, that stepped up to the plate BIG TIME for me under warranty, back in 99. Ford nor the Dealer tried to run from my problem, which was serious & big bucks, but in the end they finally got my problem put right too!!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 765
Likes: 11
From: Moneta, VA
Originally Posted by pawpaw
I too have a squared away Dealer, Magic City Ford, in Roanoke Va, that stepped up to the plate BIG TIME for me under warranty, back in 99.