Vibration under braking after wheel bearing replacement

Hey guys,

I've got a 2006 4x4 4.0L Tacoma, 126k miles, and noticed some shaking in the steering wheel from 40-70mph. I checked the front wheel bearings and they both needed to be replaced. Pretty easy, and I knocked them out (thanks to this forum, actually). Next day, the ride is nice and smooth, but I'm noticing pulsation in the brake pedal and steering wheel under braking that slows down when I slow down. I didn't touch the brakes while doing the bearings, so I don't think it's the brakes. What would be other causes of vibration under braking? Did I somehow muff up my suspension during the bearing repair? Would that cause vibration under braking? Is shaking under braking but not at speed a symptom of misalignment?

I should probably replace the pads and rotors, but wasn't sure if I should do anything else while I'm at it. Does this sound like my suspension bushings are worn out?

Thanks!

 

Shaking while braking is usually an indicator of warped rotors. Could it just be a coincidence that you noticed after the bearing replacement? Oh and welcome from a virginia neighbor.

 

You should always get an alignment after wheel bearing replacement IMHO, but I doubt that would be the issue.

It sounds to me like the problem could of been there before you did the bearings and the bad bearings could of been hiding the issue?

 

Thanks Johnny... I'm actually sitting in Chantilly right now. Working offsite today.

Sounds like new pads+rotors, and then an alignment is the way to go. Thanks!

 

I wouldn't waste your money just yet. Jack up the truck and spin a wheel to make sure it is your rotors.

 

What am I checking for when I spin the wheels? Drag on the rotors from the pads?

 

no/yes. uneven drag as you turn the wheel.

as you spin youll have no drag.........then drag........then no drag.........then drag.

If you have that your rotors are warped, but that doesn't solve the issue.

You need to find out why they warped and that usually leads to poorly adjusted rear brakes putting to much workload on the fronts. That's the most common thing I have heard of, but it could be many other things.