Front End Shimmy while braking

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Jan 26, 2009 | 01:49 PM

Beach_Bob

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Front End Shimmy while braking

Our 04 Sport Trak has started giving a little wobble on the front end when we're braking. Not much, but enough that if you take your hands off the steering wheel, you can see the wheel vibrate back and forth about an inch.

Brakes seem fine, so I'm kind of stuck on thoughts as to what the issue is. Any suggestions?

Jan 26, 2009 | 02:31 PM

highlandescape

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sounds like the rotors are warped. may need new brake rotors or at least see if the rotors can be turned.

Jan 26, 2009 | 02:38 PM

Beach_Bob

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Rotors were just turned, I figured that that was the likely problem as well. Turning them did not change the problem at all.

Jan 26, 2009 | 02:44 PM

highlandescape

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try new rotors. i have found on rangers and explorers the factory rotors are pretty much junk after the first set of pads are worn. and if midas turns the rotors they seem just as bad.

Jan 26, 2009 | 06:02 PM

aquanaut20

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From: BC Canada

Check your Ball joints, tie rod ends and tires for cupping/separation.

Does the brake pedal pulsate when applied??

Jan 28, 2009 | 09:43 PM

steve(ill)

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put jacks under both A--frames with front tires a couple inches off the ground. turn one wheel by hand and see if the other turns also or too much slop between them.. on my F150 i had the idler arm bushing wear out and do that. this is the anchor link that bolts to the frame under the radiator area. other end is bolted to the tie rod cross link.

Jan 29, 2009 | 02:14 PM

Beach_Bob

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In taking a better look at the suspension, I realized that the passenger front tire looked awfully low. Once inflated properly, the problem seems to have gone away. Go figure.