Warped rotor(s); unbalanced tires???

Driving home today on I5 after an abysmal round of golf (maybe I should stick to something I'm reasonably competent at?), I noted that semi-heavy braking from 65 +/- mph had a shuddering feel. I've always connected this to warped rotors in other vehicles I've owned / driven. Also, it seems like my Michelin Defender tires, with about 10K miles, seem like they're not as smooth as my previous experience with Michelin tires on other vehicles, with a nearly indistinct shuddering. My truck has about 50K miles on it, with no brake work to date.

How should I address / triage these issues? I have some thoughts on this based on past experience, but want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

Thanks.

 

You have warped rotors, mine too at 46k. Your pads are probably worn too.

 

Next time u feel it doing it, try using the emergency brake. Only do it at speed though because the drum brakes have a tendency to "lock up". Lightly apply the parking brake and see if it's coming from the rear. There's a tsb for the rear axel and brakes.

 

If it only does it while your foot is on the brake, then it's likely rotors. I rarely get past 45k miles without replacing.
I used Raybestos coated rotors and pads on a 2014 Tacoma a couple years ago. Seemed to be of OEM quality and RockAuto has them for about $75 total...
RAYBESTOS 980670FZN

$38 RAYBESTOS EHT976H Raybestos Element3 EHTTM Replacement Front Ceramic Brake Pad Set for Select Toyota 4Runner/FJ Cruiser/Sequoia/Tacoma/Tundra and Lexus GX460/GX470 Model Years (EHT976H)

RAYBESTOS EHT976H

 

Had my rear drums turned at 15k as they were warped. The vibration was worst around 60-70mph. Guessing it was from using the ‘auto LSD’ and/or A-TRAC function off road heating them up. I don’t tow but we take the truck off road often.


Story time, or just read past

I took it to the dealer and they said it was the front rotors and wanted $300 to turn them + diagnostic. I complained as they first said it was under warranty then came back after the ‘diagnostic’ test and wanted money. Called Toyota corporate and complained, 5 min later the dealer called and said they would replace front rotors for free. Too bad they don’t know how to pull the parking brake to test the rears independently.. Won’t bring the truck back to that dealer. anyways, $20 turn at the local tire shop and the truck is back to normal.

 

I gave up golf. Not relaxing except for the beers in the bag.

Try jacking, loosening, and evenly torquing yours lugs as a first step. Ham-fisted ugga duggas can cause an induced warp.

 

With my tundra it was both after 150k miles...installed new slotted and drilled EBC rotors and new rear brake drums plus pads and shoes....actually the rear shoes were still good. Also was able to get a newer brake star adjuster with more graduation from toyota for the rear drums.

 

Beer can on the floor, spin the rotor and it's a self check run out gauge, and life enhancer.......(the beer) and then get some foot powder for your golf club and practice....lol
Zim

 

If you got 50k out of your brakes you are doing great. Apparently as I was told you can"t machine the new rotors and the pulsing on the brakes is usually rust.

 

Before you buy rotors, check the torque on your wheel lugs.

My truck was doing this and I brought it into the dealer for my last service within the warranty period and they told me I needed a brake job (which is ridiculous at 15K miles where I don't tow, ride my brakes, etc...). I said no. They still changed my oil and rotated my tires. Surprise, no more vibration/thump during braking. Feels like brand new.

So the issue was likely improper wheel torque, a tire out of balance (unlikely since they hadn't been an issue before either), or something with the rear brakes. I'd check these things first before spending a dime.

 

Rotors are cheap enough today for newer vehicles....don't know of anyone that machines them here anymore, except maybe older stuff. Just my experience with toyota vehicles best not to machine anyways...seen, and heard to much about them warping sooner again.

 

Funny, when the dealer told me my rotors were warped, they wanted to machine them rather than replacing them. As stated in my other post, none of this was actually necessary for my truck at that time.