Question for those with a braking-related vibration issue...

What do you mean by change/moved. Wasn't it rebalanced?

 

This didn't matter in my case, followed the TRD bed in procedure after install. I think my issue is the OEM rotors are crap. I also always use a torque wrench when re-installing lugs as well.

 

Even as tires wear over time they become unbalance, not to mention about remounting them. Some places will balance the tires on the truck because of possible unbalance drums and rotors.

 

I feel like mine has done this since I drove it off the lot with 2 miles on it LOL. Around 20k miles the whole vehicle just smoothed out and now does it time to time.

 

For me it is more of an annoyance, although I am sure my brakes are not taking it very lightly.

 

Possible, benefit and worst case scenario, completely mangled.

 

Yes. Rebalanced when new tires installed.

 

Also: I didn't think to add this info until I drove home after work today. I noticed that the vibration felt is "faster" when braking initially from 55 mph, and as the truck gradually slows down, the feel of the vibration slows down as well.

 

Is this 20 questions or what? How many miles? You do know the work was done correctly, wasn't some grease monkey with a hangover or was in a hurry to get off of work?

 

You mentioned that a wheel weight might have fallen off - causing the vibration. My reply was that I can't tell if one fell off, because when I had new tires mounted/balanced, the mechanic relocated the wheel weights as part of the balancing the tires. Moving the weights left paint scuffs/chips on the wheels, so I can't tell where the weights should currently be attached.

No, I don't personally know the mechanic who works for American Tire that mounted/balanced my new-ish tires, and checked/corrected alignment. He could be lazy, greasy, and hungover for all I know.

 

This has been going on for a while anything is possible. One thing it isn't an alignment problem. I'm guessing he has warp wheels or rotors. This bits and pieces of information sucks. Google the question for a good local front end mechanic in the area and be done with it, praying might also help!

 

4 piston calipers.

All it takes it for 1 piston to have a bit of rust or crud in it to give uneven pressure.

Usually the inboard lower one.

Serious vibration during braking.

 

Hey. I have some good news. I had the exact same problem. I figured out what the problem was on my 05 tacoma. Did alignment, balancing, break pads, rotors, new tires and still had the problem. Turned out it was the breakfluid. Just got it done yesterday and the breaks feel a lot smoother. The tremor on the steering wheel is gone. I met a mechanic through the subaru forum couple days ago. He drove it and he figured it out.

 

This might sound crazy but I had bad vibrations under braking and turned out my rear u/joint was bad replaced it vibrations gone just my experience might not hurt to check

 

Any fast moving part on a car/truck will possibly give you some kind of vibration. When out of balance or worn out!

 

Did he give a theory on why it was the brake fluid? Too dirty or too much water contaminants in the line? Can't believe I'm back here playing 20 questions!

 

Here's some constructive comments. I had pulsing from my front rotors. I did all the work myself so I didn't have to wonder what was done. I bought all OEM parts. I replaced rotors, pads, and all of the associated hardware. I checked to be sure the caliper pistons moved freely, applied the proper lubricant to the brake pins, made sure there wasn't any rust or dirt between the rotors and hubs, bled the brakes and tightened the wheel studs with a torque wrench in a criss cross pattern. I made sure to break the pads in gently using the advice offered by stoptech. The pulsing has not returned. I have a complete set of OEM drums, shoes and hardware I plan to install this spring as they are overdue. I'm sure they have lasted way too long because I don't routinely use the parking brake and so they haven't been kept adjusted properly because this is how the adjustment happens on a 2nd gen tacoma. I will use the same methodical approach when doing the rear brakes and expect to get good results.

 

He checked it out and said it doesn't look like it's been changed in a long time (prior to me getting it). As far as if it was dirty, air or water build up in the lines? I have no idea. The break fluid was bad so he flushed it out put it new brake fluid took it for a spin and the tremor was gone. Now as far as does his truck have the same Issue? Maybe, maybe not. The purpose of my post was to just give him a heads up and get his break fluid tested. As far as 20 questions, yeah I guess you have to play. That's how I got mine fixed.

 

I get a shimmy from time to time. I find that if tends to happen more if I am cruising in cold weather when traffic in front of me stops for some reason. The initial application of brakes causes a slight shimmy, but then any application after that does not reproduce the problem. I also get a break squeal from the back every now and then too under similar conditions. My theory is the due to colder climates, when the pads and the rotor contact, they both warm up at different rates causing what appears to be a warped rotor. Does this vibration occur all the time or does it only happen after driving awhile?

 

Correct! Vibration is during braking only.