Another brake question...

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Dec 14, 2006 | 10:26 AM

04X

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jul 2006

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Another brake question...

I have a '04 4x4 limited excursion. There is a pretty decent shimmy under braking b/w 40-50mph. Once speed reduces below 40...no shimmy. Start braking outside that range and no problems...smooth. Brake above ~50-ish and it won't shimmy thru the problem range. Why would it be speed dependant and why would it not do it if braking starts above that range?

I've been reading the threads on replacements, but unsure how to go. I know the SD wants ~$800-900 to put the stock stuff back on, but I'm not biting.

Thanks for any replies!

Dec 14, 2006 | 10:38 AM

Mark at DPPI

Elder User

Joined: May 2005

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From: Tennesee

04X,

We've seen that and it's usually just warped rotors. Speed can make a difference, mine never didd too much unless I was over 65 or so and then they shook really bad! *00.00 for stock stuff is crazy, the Powerslot Cyro'ed rotors and Hawk pads are less than that and are MUCH better. As a test have the rotors turned at a local shop, if they stop (temp deal for sure) shaking then you know for sure that's the issue, doesn't cost much 20.00 per side and your time to make sure.I f you have any questions on the Powerslots and Hawks let us know.

Mark @ DPPI

Dec 14, 2006 | 10:49 AM

04X

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 210

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark at DPPI

Thanks Mark. The SD said they didn't want to turn the rotors due to the weight of the vehicle. Didn't say whether I had enough meat left on them.

btw...I emailed you guys yesterday. Starting the brake replacement planning...

Dec 14, 2006 | 12:28 PM

VaSheriff

Postmaster

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 2,632

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If it still persists after your brake repairs, believe it or not, it could be something as simple as your wheels out of balance. You know how if you're doing 20 mph you don't feel the wheels out of balance. And if you're doing 70 mph you might not as well. But get in the 40 to 50 mph range and it will shake, rattle and roll ya!

Dec 14, 2006 | 02:58 PM

DSMMH

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,589

Likes: 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04X

I had the pretty much the same problem except mine was more of a front to back surge when I was stopping then a shimmy. It was just enough to aggravate me. I finally pulled the front rotors and had them turned for the first time. I believe they only took .005 off each rotor. Put them back on with the new HAWK LTS brake pads all the way around and WOW!!!!! What a difference in stopping power. Highly recommend the HAWK LTS brake pads.

One other thing you may want to check is your lug nut torque. A lot of garages don't believe they need to torque X lug nuts to 165 LBS-FT per the Ford OEM manaul using a crossing pattern. I also due a two step torque. 80 LBS-ft then 165 LBS-FT.

DSMMH

Dec 14, 2006 | 04:17 PM

wylecoyote

More Turbo

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 568

Likes: 38

From: Henniker

Had the same problem, I turned the rotors, and installed ceramic pads, problem solved. I would go this route before spending tons of $$$.

Dec 15, 2006 | 12:29 AM

jhooch

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,518

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From: Spokane, WA

Good points guys, remember, if it all possible have a shop with an on-car lathe do the machining. Hubless rotors should be turned that way. Afterwards, if you ever remove the rotor, make sure you mark it so it goes back on the the same way.