truck shaking when applying brakes down steep grade

I've noticed that when I'm going down a steep grade and I apply the brakes my truck starts shaking. It feels like the brakes are not being "grabbed" properly for some reason. my speed is about 60 Mph which is the speed limit and certainly not speeding for the highway. Anyone have any suggestions because the truck definately doesn't feel safe when it's doing that.

Thanks...

 

I'm thinking warped rotors.

 

why would it do it only going downhill though?

 

More weight to stop the vehicle with gravity pulling you downhill. My VW did it all the time...definitely warped rotors.

 

x2 warped rotors.

 

warped rotors.

 

yup warped rotors. my taco did it for a while and i got new rotors and pads. doesnt do it anymore

 

Before going with new rotors, loosen up the lug nuts and using a torque wrench tighten to 70-80 ftlb. Overtightened or uneven tightened lug nuts will 'warp' the rotors and cause this.

 

dang, wish i'd known that before I bought it! Is it something that should be done soon or is ok to let it go for a little while? Gotta get the finances together...

 

Agreed. Whenever you get some tire place to rotate your tires, etc, and you told them the torque spec, when you get home, break em loose and torque em right. Nothing beats getting that shit right because they won't. If they actually break out a torque wrench, don't ever go anyplace else - period - you've found the only place that does it right.

 

Bingo!

Ive been through the whole resurface and then new with new pads to no solid results

i am going to give this a try. the guys who did my shocks did the hang of the end of the breaker bar thing.

 

Ok to drive. Along as there is no grinding. If you have grinding pull the wheels and check the brake pads. Its just anoying putting up with vibration. If it gets real excessive you could break a tie rod end

 

Great! Thanks everyone for the replies! I'm pretty much a vehicle novest so this really helps me out!

 

You'll probably find it would do it any time you went heavy on the brakes, too. Depends how warped the are. My wife was complaining her old car was doing it, but when I drove it I never felt it. Then one day I wasn't paying attention and came close to locking up at a light. Shook like crazy.