Shaking while braking

When I apply the brakes to come to a stop, it seems like when my auto transmission downshifts it's very shaky. It's either that or the brakes are shaking. Is this normal or does it sound like I've got a problem?

 

Had this problem or a similar one start to develop.
Got my rotors turned and it solved the problem. Check your brakes homie

 

Yup, doesn't seem like a tranny problem. I'd start with the brakes. Also maybe get your tires balanced.

 

I'd wager that you have warped rotors. as stated above, have then turned.

had this problem on my 97 GMC.

 

Strange - my truck is almost brand new with 5000 miles

Maybe I'll ask the service adviser.

 

what are your braking habits?

-splash through alot of puddles, after a hard braking?

-hit the brakes hard alot?

-slow down for stop lights at the last second?

-get on the brakes way too early for stop lights?

 

If you want to rule out the transmission, shift to neutral and then brake. If it still happens, it's your brakes. My money's on warped rotors.

 

I would say no to all of the above.

I bought the truck with 2553 miles on it (Dealer Demo), so I've only put around 3k miles on it myself. Also, it's done it since day one, but I never gave much thought to it until recently.

 

there ya go. have them turn the rotors.

bet it goes away.

 

If you just bought it, I would take it back to the dealer first and tell them to fix it for free!

 

How long has it been since you bought the truck?

You could take it back to the dealer and HOPE they fix the problem.

Reason I say HOPE - is because brakes are a 'wear' item and they might try to blame it on you & your driving (typical dealer response).

 

Bought it in January

 

Just called the dealer for cost estimate because I am having the same prob. $132 out the door. Can this be a diy??

 

I feeling these trucks put alot of pressure on the front brakes anyways.

Needed my rotors turned less than 10k after replacing pads. should have rotated them same time.

I think you said the truck had 2k on it when you got it. That's 2k of possible hard driving you don't know about.

Oh dealer demo. Trust me, whenever I go to the Nissan dealer to check out a 350 Z. It's usually to get an adrenaline rush and have some fun. I've bought 1 of the dozens of cars I've test driven. Scared a honda dealer in an Si real good once though...

 

To avoid warping your rotors, don't stand on your brakes if they're hot. Riding them at all will cause them to get hot. Usually if you're hard on them and sit at a stop light with your foot on the brake, it will cause it. Being aware of your braking habits when you drive will easily prevent this from ever happening.

Rotors can be turned for a hell of a lot cheaper than that. Go look around at any service, or some tire shops. They'll usually turn them for cheap. All they do is throw em on a lathe and take off a couple mm's. Probably 50 bucks, I had to have a set turned on my old honda when I first bought it, cost me 45 bucks.

 

I just tested it when i went home for lunch. The shaking that I'm noticing is definitely when the transmission downshifts - it seems to shift pretty hard.

I tried braking in neutral and didn't notice the same shaking.

 

Ummm... that doesn't sound good, at all. Take that shit in!

 

Looks like I lost my bet - which is bad for you because warped rotors are much easier/cheaper to fix than the transmission - assuming there really is a problem with it. Take it back to where you bought it (was it a Toyota dealership?) and let them take a look. If they try to blow you off claiming there's nothing wrong with it, you may have to get a second opinion from another Toyota dealership - and then try to force their hand. Don't be obnoxious about it - but be firm and let them know you're not just going to go away. If it's been doing that since you bought it - they should fix it. If they say "that's what they all do", ask if you can drive another one like it (or go to another dealership if they don't have any) and see for yourself. maybe they do. Mine is a manual, so I can't comment on the automatic.

 

too bad it wasnt the rotors...thatd been too easy.

 

No Bueno. Warranty?