Interesting braking issue

Interesting issue here. About 3800 miles ago I had my front brakes done due to an awful vibe when braking. Only reason I didn't have my rears done was the fact that I was on a cross country drive..and was hauling a Harley..shop wouldn't lift the whole truck.

Needless to say.. 3800 miles later.. I feel the same vibe... Advice? I'd like to think I haven't chewed through pads or warped a rotor in 3800 miles. Any chance that I should check something specific for tightness or weirdness? I can see striations on the rotor. But they are on the entire run of the rotor.. All sides...

 

You had new front pads and rotors done 3800 miles ago?

 

Yep. Had it done at a Goodyear in Texas.

 

Is there any chance the tires have been off recently and the lugs were not torqued down? Even if you got cheap pads and rotors they shouldn't go bad in less than 4000 miles. I know nothing about drum brakes, other than they only supply about 20% of the braking. I dont really have any other suggestions, hopefully someone that knows more will chime in.

 

My Highlander had the same issue...took it to Goodyear for service...drove it home, it had a shimmy while breaking. They had not torqued the lugs down to spec....

 

Well the weird thing is... I have driven it the last 3800 miles without any issues... So it would seem that a loose lug nut wouldve popped up issues sooner..

But I'll give them a check... I'll also check fluid level.. Calipers (eg. Sticking).. And the sort.. Just trying to see a general consensus on if i could have even possibly blew through a set of cheap pads and rotors.

 

Did you properly bed the new pads? Don't feel bad if not, most folks don't.

I'd pull the wheels, make sure the sliders are clean and lubed. Assuming the pads look ok (not worn lopsided or anything) pull the rotors and scuff them with scotchbrite pads and clean, reassemble and bed the brakes.

You may well correct your problem with a couple hours of work & lunch money worth of lube/cleaner.

 

Mine has done the same, When it was time for new pads I installed new oem rotors as well since the factory ones had a slight vibe to them. Well I'm about 4k miles later and the vibe is back again, brakes were bedded in and my wheels are always torqued with a tq wrench. I think the factory brakes just cannot handle it when you work the truck, I did some towing since my brake install and that's what I think did it, you were doing some hauling cross country so I'm betting that what did it. Upgrade your rotors next time around. I'm ditching my OEM stuff for a set of EBC brakes this time around.

 

Often overlooked when diagnosing and finding warped rotors is driving "style". For example, when stopped, only apply enough pressure to the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. Firm pressure on the pedal after a hard (or series of hard stops) concentrates heat to rotor from overheated pads at the contact point or surface area of the pads to the rotor. For example, I generally stop short at lights and let the vehicle inch forward (very light pressure on the brake pedal). Disclaimer: just one of a number is things that can contribute to warped rotors

 

I don't think its just driving style, it also has a lot to do with the parts in question as well. My 2014 Silverado that is my work truck has no braking issues and I don't baby that truck like my Tacoma. both driven by me so driving style isn't a factor there, not saying it cant be an issue but I think brake components play a role in it as well.

 

this could be a long shot but may be you lost a wheel weight on front tires.
May be front tires out of balance?

 

If that was a case it would vibrate when your up to speed, with this scenario hit the brakes and steering wheel death wobbles. everything else is smooth as can be until you press the brakes and then you hate your truck.

 

With all due respect, I would be behind you screaming pick a spot a stop dumbass. It bugs the crap out of me when the person in front of me moves 3-4 times during a red light.

 

Take a deep breath!

 

Ended up being a seized caliper slide.. A couple hours, some brake cleaner, and the sandblaster at work took care of it

 

also check the fit of the pad in the caliper, they should have a little wiggle rm, ive seen many mechanics hammer them in, a little fileing time and a dab of grease to make sure they are even to the rotor, replaced many pads on my 4 runner and they all required a lil love to fit correctly.

 

I know what your problem is, if your rotors are constantly getting chewed up and they give you that vibration often. The answer is usually bad brake calipers. You may need to rebuild or replace your calipers.

I've seen this a lot in many of vehicles, new rotors and pads only to find out miles later same problem. Check your calipers.

 

Just read this, just as I thought, no one ever grease them up and it can seize up.

 

I remember when I used to buy OEM pads it would come with a packet of grease. I never knew what it was for so I just kept it. Found out years later it was meant for the pins....

 

We have fixed calipers there is no slide. The calipers do not move.

I'm guessing you are talking about the Pad Retainer Pins?