Hi all,

I replaced my pads (front & rear) on my 03 4Runner, and they started squeking pretty bad (every time I hit the brakes my 2 year old said "firetruck"), but that's it. So, after searching the YotaTech forums, it was pretty obvious I needed to not by the cheapo pads, so I got some ceramics. Since I had it apart, again, I got the rotors turned, what could it hurt? Get the rust off the edges if nothing else. So I put it together and the annoying squeak/screech is gone. But, during light to moderate braking, major shimmy in the steering wheel, and a vibration in the floor. Never did this before. I've retorqued (83ft.lbs) the lugs, and at a loss of what to do next.

I saw other posts, I don't think its the rotors, no pulsating, just a bad shimmy/vibration, and it didn't happen until I changed pads again.

Thanks for any help at all.

 

If I understand what you say, it sounds like somehow one of your rotors were turned wrong or damaged somehow. It didn't happen until it was worked on, and a warped rotor is the only thing I can think of that will show up only while braking.

 

I agree with William. if you are certain it isn't a bad caliper then it's probably the rotors.
Like they say just cause it's new doesn't mean it's true.
I had a strange shimmy shake when I applied my brakes recently. I looked into it and discovered that one of the pistons on one of the rotors was seizing up. that pad was worn completely sideways. one half barely worn. the other almost contacting the metal backing.

 

I have a similar problem when braking. The truck seems a little sluggish sometimes, and when I brake I fell a vibration in the steering wheel, and in the pettle. It kind of feels like something is lopsided the more the brakes slow the truck. Had Les Schwab do a check on the brakes and said they are 30% left on rear and front with no noticeable rotor damage. There isnt any vibration or unbalanced feeling while on the gas, and I don't notice any while coasting. There is some grease splatter around the yoke on the rear differential towards the middle of truck. The shaft where it looks like a tube slides over it near the yoke is shiny and is near where the grease splatter is. Any ideas?

 

My vote is rotors. I had mine turned at a reputable shop and the screwed em up not once, but twice! The second time they had one rotor so off that it chewed the brand new pads to the metal within 2 weeks... Needless to say they are now illreputed in my book now.

To OP

 

if your rotors are good then your steering could be off or loose somewhere, or maybe wheel bearings.

 

I think it might be a wheel bearing. When I put my truck up on stands and spin the front driver side wheel, It makes a lil thunk a second after I stop the wheel. Kind of like something is still spinning for a second after I stop the wheel. When I pull out on the tire it doesnt really make any movement.
About the rotors...Is there a way to check them without taking them to mechanic with a digital caliper?

 

The way I've heard to check wheel bearings on here is to Jack it up and try to wiggle the wheel and if it moves and your steering doesn't than it's probably a bad wheel bearing

as far as checking your rotors on your own... I don't know if you can check to see if they're warped slightly without the tools they use at a garage. Maybe some one here has a method of doing it at home... I'd like to be able to check mine too

 

you could probably check for warpage with a metal ruler in multiple places front and back of the rotor. vehicle on stand. wheel off and back light the ruler with a strong light if need be. it wont take very much at all to cause problems

 

Changed the rotors and brakes all around. Went with mountain rotors, and hawk hps brakes. The old rotors were definitely warped. I like how the new setup feels. Ill report back on the dust factor and wear.

 

Well after changing the front and rear rotors and pads, the shuddering when stopping wasn't present at first, but it is now starting to come back. I can barely notice it, but it's there. I've put almost 1000 miles on them since installing. the front rotors are showing wear around the outer edge of the face, but the rest of it still looks new. the rear rotors show no signs of wear. I also noticed that the boot around the steering knuckle where it attaches to the wheel is ripped. Would a ripped boot cause the shuddering?