NO1B4ME

Hi Yah'll,

As of late, when applying the brakes I get a bad shudder, jerking from the front end. With the window open, I can also hear a tire squeeling sound but cant figure out where its comin from, the front or rear, but I beleive its the front. Took wheels off and cant seem to find anything, could it be a sticking caliper thats causing this or... . Has Anyone else experienced this condition, a hint to a plan of attack would greatly be appreciated. Thanx for all the input.


97ext cab 3500 12V Auto 4x4 bone stock

rockwithjason

I would look for warped rotors. I have had problems with those symptoms and the rotors were always the culprit. I bought new brembo rotors from tirerack.com and upgraded to the chevy wheel cylinders on the rear. That really seemed to help. At the
minimum have the rotors turned.

Barry St John

I agree with Jason. Sounds like rotors to me. Did you get your brakes hot recently? IBEW member 1245, lineman do it with hot sticks! NRA member since the dawn of time.

infidel

Don't bother turning the rotors, the warp usually comes right back, new ones from tirerack.com aren't that expensive.
Also check that you don't have a worn out front wheel bearing that is allowing the wheel to wobble.

NO1B4ME

I replaced both rotors with factory(dealer) rotors, new pads for sure, front end is tight cause I check it everytime I grease the front u-joints, the wheel bearings are new on both sides, installed them the same time when I did u-joints and rotors. I did not do a run-out check on the rotors but will pinch her up in the air tomorrow and throw a dial on them. Can it be a seizing caliper on the one side, they are still the originals on the vehicle.




97 ext cab 3500 12v auto 4x4

infidel

A siezing caliper will get very hot.
If you don't have a temp gun do the hand test after a short drive.

NO1B4ME

Well, so far the rotors are fine. Had the truck to 3 shops with 3 opinions. One shop said it was the track bar, 2nd said it was the rear brakes for sure a 100%, and the 3rd said it was the front rotors after I did a runout check. I see play in the track bar, I will take the drums off the back to have a look, but could rear brakes or the track bar cause the truck to shake when applying the brakes???

Timmay2

I have similar problem and im thinking rear brakes too... I already replaced the front rotors and pads with no change... still shakes hard at low speed braking and sounds like the pads are worn out squealing... when pulling a couple thousand pounds of weight on the backend it almost completely went away?

Dualler

If you are not sure if it is the front or the rear, check the rear first. Front calipers can cause front brakes drag but I have not seen them to cause a sudden lock up and tire squeel. Common problem in the REAR, however, is sudden brake lock up due to differential oil leak into the brake drums. Brake shoes will slide on a film of oil with deminished braking effect until suddenly the oil film brakes, the brakes grab and the wheel locks up. Get under the truck and look for greasy inside of the tires and rims as the oil exits the brake drum between the drum and the backing plate. If you see that, you definitely have a problem if not, you still might have the problem too but the leak is still small and not much oil ais apparent on the outside.

NO1B4ME

Well Fella's,
The prob was definately in the rear, pulled wheels and drums to have a look. The shoes were fine with plenty of life left, no leaks from wheel cyl. or axle seal. The adjusters were so far out that I had to turn them probably 20-25 clicks to get them to come up. After the adjustment took the truck for a spin and what do Yah know, no vibration, no shaking, just like it used to be, happy camper Me is. Thanx to all for Your posts.

NO1B4ME

Timmay2

Glad to hear! Ill be digging into my rears soon (heh.. sick!)