Question about shake/shudder when brakes applied

Howdy,
Lately and getting worse, my truck shakes like a son of a gun when I apply the brakes at highway speeds. like when slowing down at an off ramp. Plenty of pad up front. Plenty of shoe out back. Its not warped rotors because no peddle pulsation - I know what that feels like and this ain't it. Almost sure it is related to the rotors some how but just looking for any comments or insights to this situation. Thanks to all who reply.

 

Typically that’s a rotor or pad or combo situation causing the problem

 

when you dont have anyone behind you slowly pull the parking brake and feel if the truck shudders. Dont pull it and lock up the rears, keep the handle twisted so that you can release the brake. All you are doing is mechanically applying the rears only by doing this.

 

I developed a shudder when I applied the brakes (somewhat hard) at speeds over 60 mph. One day, right after a rather hard shudder I stopped and felt the rear rims. One of them was too hot to touch, the other was as cool as the front rims. Turns out the brake shoes on the "hot" side were constantly rubbing. I backed off the adjustment and that cured the overheating and the shudder. You might have the same problem.

 

I wouldn't say just because your pedal doesn't shudder (or more precisely that you don't notice the pedal shuddering) that it's NOT the rotors.

That should be your first course of action is either get the rotors turned or replace them and properly bed them.

 

Shudder most always means one of two things-a warped rotor, or a sticky spot on a rotor that calls for some brake kleen. I would take it in for a brake checkup either way. Never skimp on brakes.

 

X 2 on what everyone else has said. Additionally, I would inspect the front suspension components as well. Perhaps there is something loose that needs to be tightened or replaced. Could be a ball joint, A-arm bolt or bushing, could be rotors are loose.

 

Picked up my 2021 Tacoma on Friday, sitting in the service bay on Sunday because of this shudder issue. Why does this seem to be a common issue with Tacomas? Is it the use of drums?

 

You don't have to feel it in the pedal for it to still be warped rotors. Could have something to do with the drums too.

Does it pull to either side when stopping? It could also be a bearing issue although you'd likely see that without braking as well.

 

Almost certainly rotors. You probably need to have them turned or replaced, but sometimes a few aggressive brake applications will help. If you tend to drive very conservatively most of the time residue can build up on the rotors. Getting up to 45-50 mph and brake hard, just short of locking up. Repeat a few times and you might get the rotors hot enough to clean any residue off of them.

I don't think the rear drums have anything to do with it. But I've had the issue come up more than once on my 2007.

 

You're in the 1st Gen forum
1995 - 2004
Ask the 3rd Genners
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/3rd-gen-tacomas-2016.186/

 

Rotors. Mine didn't pulsate at the pedal. Was due for pad and rotors anyways. Went away immediately.