Steering wheel shakes if I am slowing down from highway speeds without pressure on steering wheel

05 Tacoma Base

This hasn't been a big problem for me just something I notice from time to time...I'm assuming I will need new shocks. But if I'm loosely gripping the steering wheel it will shake as I'm slowing down from highway speeds.

Am I correct in assuming I will need new shocks?

 

I’d have the brakes checked.

 

New brake pads we're installed about a year and a half ago...but I will definitely have a mechanic check it out. Thank you!

 

At high speeds it doesn't take much uneven rotor wear to cause a vibration.

 

Sounds like rotors to me.

 

I would assume you are in line for a new set of rotors and pads
What you are describing sounds like a warped rotor

 

My guess is the rotors too.

 

If you are lightly braking when this happens, yep, rotors are in your future. Check tire pressures as well. Shocks really don't come into play here.

 

But if your shocks are original, then they likely need to be replaced in any case.

 

Had similar issue…replaced my rotors, problem remained…balancing my tires fixed it.

 

Brake rotors have run out causing pulsation with heat.

Worn steering and suspension components can make it feel more aggressive though.

Sounds like you're due for an inspection.

Make sure the drum brakes get adjusted regardless, it will help the truck stop without needing as much force on the fronts.

 

Slowing down by pressing brake pedal? Or slowing down by letting off the accelerator pedal without touching the brake pedal?

 

Everyone in here is saying brakes, but it could possibly be your Ujoints or center bearing. I have shakes decelerating (plus shakes and noises at lower rpms) and I just got confirmation from my shop yesterday that my center u joint is out.

 

I'm going to throw another one out here. If the brakes and rotors Are fairly newer, you may want to have them check the amount of rust that has developed on the rotor hats and have them scrub it off if there is a lot on it.

After installing my all aluminum Bora spacers on the front of my rotors I haven't had an issue with brake rotor vibration for the last 8 years. I have used the same rotors every time and have changed the pads out twice, technically riding on 3 different sets of pads. Not something I preached in my professional career, but in my personal, oh yeah.. less work for me in the end.

Not saying you should go out and buy spacers just for that reason alone, but what it has cured and abated (despite tons of rust build up existing on my hats from then to now is something to be aware of.

 

Slowing down by pressing brake pedal

 

Then it's brake related like everyone is saying. Replace or resurface the rotors

And check for a tight caliper too

 

FYI - Last time I did this (a few years ago), there was little difference in cost between new rotors and resurfacing. I just went with new.

 

Oh I know, I work at a shop. I was just throwing options out