Braking vibration

I have a 2001, 2.7 auto, 4x4, Xtra cab, with about 175k miles on it. Runs great and no real big issues.

Since I bought it used, I always had a front end vibration with braking at high speed. I thought it was the rotors, so I held off a bit until recently when I decide to put on front rotors & pads. The problem still persisted.

I did the e-brake test to ensure the rear drums weren't causing the issue. Turns out they were shot. I replaced them with brand new ones. Problem still persists on high speed braking, but to a lesser degree.

The last thing I did was swap the front rotors out, thinking the new ones were shot out of the box. Problem still persists.

Any ideas out there? I had a local mechanic check out the front out and he said everything looked fine. I am lost now!

- The high speed braking vibration is generally felt in the pedal and front end. Very light in the steering wheel, if that helps.

 

Ive never had a front end vibrating that i didn't feel through the wheel.

 

I should have clarified. I do feel it a bit through the wheel, but it is mostly through the pedal/front end.

I edited the original post to reflect.

 

Generally vibrations felt in the steering wheel emanate from the front end, i.e. warped rotors, out of balance tires/wheels, poor alignment, etc.
Vibrations through the pedals (drivetrain) are more from the drive wheels, possibly imbalanced tires in the rear, bad wheel bearings, bent axle, excessive brake drum runout, etc.

 

Youll feel a little vibration everywhere in the truck no matter where it's coming from. Next time just let go of the wheel, or use very light finger pressure for control. If the wheel doesn't shake like crazy its not your front end.

If your shoes or pads are glazed just swapping the steel wont fix the issue.

 

Replaced the steering rack bushings a few months ago. It seems to be a little more sensitive to vibration on the road after the new bushings.

 

I put these in. Not even sure if they are poly or not.

$42 ACDelco Professional 45G24060 Driver Side Rack and Pinion Mount Bushing , Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0031I0ULM?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

 

Hard

 

I guess you could say its just stiffer. You feel a lot more through the wheel. Not exactly bad I guess. Better than the looseness of the old, worn out bushings.

 

I have kinda the same thing going on to a lesser degree. I'm thinking it might be wheel bearings, I need to check mine. I just replaced the whole rear brakes: shoes, drums, hardware and wheel cylinder, still bit there

 

I checked the wheel bearings and they look good. I can live with mine, as it drives fine, but it is rather annoying.