97 2WD 207K

a couple of years ago I put new brake pads on the front. They were the cheapest I could get. My wheels are now filthy with dust, and last fall I started getting the bad shimmy when braking.

Making things worse, I bought the cheapest rotors I could get, pulled and recycled the OEM on the truck (they were grooved pretty bad but I did not bother to check thickness) and put them on myself. Left the cheap brake pads on there.

This solved the problem for about a week. Shimmy came back slowly. Now it can get really bad, esp. when brakes get hot (summer driving stop and start etc.)

I'm guessing the cheap-ass rotors have warped - you get what you pay for.

My plan at this point is to buy OEM or equivalent rotors and pads and put them on - the hope thinking problem should go away - or will it?

Maybe wheel bearings and alignment too?

My commute distance is about to rise substantially, trying to get one more year out of the old gal.

Thoughts appreciated. Pads and Rotors I can do myself. Calipers are in good shape.

 

I replaced the two rotors, front pads, and rear shoes with OEM 41k ago on the 2wd, and when I checked them a month ago, I still had nearly 50% wear left on them. The brake dust is minimal. The front rotors have started to chatter slightly, but it is probably related to alignment. I strongly recommend OEM brake parts when needed.

 

Did you use Denso pads?? I have to replace mine about once a year.
OP- Have you checked your tie-rod ends, steering linkage, ball joints, etc?? those can have a lot to do with the shimmy.

 

plus one on Jrobertsons advice.

200k there are other front end suspension component parts that can add up. Really worn parts shorten the life of other parts too.

 

If it is a sticky caliper, you will just warp OEM parts also.

 

Thanks to all for the thoughtful replies. I think OEM pads and rotors are a must, and I'd rather put those on myself before taking to my shop where I will pay double for the same thing.

Since my shimmy does not really exist when brakes are cool I am somewhat confident that they are the primary problem, but no doubt tie rods, ball joints, etc. need a look at. Shimmy can't be helping things with them.

Any easy way to determine a sticky caliper, other than the seemingly obvious? they don't seem to stick from a full stop - i.e. I can release brakes from idle and it starts rolling.