Shaking When Braking Downhill

[CLopey]

Hey all,

I’ve been experiencing some pretty bad shaking when I’m applying the brakes on a decline, even ones that are not very steep. Even my wife noticed sitting in the passenger side so I’m certain it’s not all in my head.

I recently bought new OEM brakes to install, but I realized that my current brakes were still plenty good so I didn’t change them (so I’m assuming it isn’t the brakes). Could it be the rotors?

The truck doesn’t shake when I brake on a flat road.

I appreciate any guidance!

Sponsored

 

[ScarzRanger21]

First guess would be the rotors are warped? The weight shifting forward when driving downhill could be just enough for you to feel it when you otherwise wouldn’t. That would be the first place I’d check. (I’m sure you already know this but I’m gonna say it anyway… Don’t ride your brakes going downhill! Lol)

 

[CLopey]

First guess would be the rotors are warped? The weight shifting forward when driving downhill could be just enough for you to feel it when you otherwise wouldn’t. That would be the first place I’d check. (I’m sure you already know this but I’m gonna say it anyway… Don’t ride your brakes going downhill! Lol)

Ha! Thanks for the reply. I don’t think I do as I’m pretty cognizant of it, but I’m also not someone who slams on the brakes last minute. I like to think I’m pretty good at lightly and smoothly applying pressure and not riding them. My assumption is that it’s gotta be warped rotors.

You think that’s something I can fix myself or should I take it somewhere to get them re-surfaced? Or, should I just buy new ones?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Mine does this ever so slightly on a particular stretch by my cottage - never noticed it anywhere else. It’s only a slight decline. I‘ve always thought it was just the flex of the leafs tipping the rear axle/diff and oscillating slightly.

I recall seeing a video posted on here of how when the leafs flex, the rear end “rotates” as you’re on and off the gas. I figured it was something similar but was happening because of the weight shifting while braking.

 

[ScarzRanger21]

Ha! Thanks for the reply. I don’t think I do as I’m pretty cognizant of it, but I’m also not someone who slams on the brakes last minute. I like to think I’m pretty good at lightly and smoothly applying pressure and not riding them. My assumption is that it’s gotta be warped rotors.

You think that’s something I can fix myself or should I take it somewhere to get them re-surfaced? Or, should I just buy new ones?

Most auto stores like oreilly or auto zone do resurfacing for $25-30 per rotor. I definitely wouldn’t do it myself but I’m sure it can be done… They’ll do a free inspection to measure them and see if they’re warped/need to be resurfaced. Downside is you gotta have the rotors off the truck to bring them but for a free inspection, can’t really complain.

The cost of new rotors and pads is $250. Personally, I’d start with getting them inspected and go from there. Could save you a hundred bucks.

 

[OGMix376]

Ha! Thanks for the reply. I don’t think I do as I’m pretty cognizant of it, but I’m also not someone who slams on the brakes last minute. I like to think I’m pretty good at lightly and smoothly applying pressure and not riding them. My assumption is that it’s gotta be warped rotors.

You think that’s something I can fix myself or should I take it somewhere to get them re-surfaced? Or, should I just buy new ones?

I’d say it’s your rotors and your driving style is why it seems to only be appearing on decline.. heavier braking… (I suppose you could try a few flat ground runs and just do some heavy braking to see if that’s the case)
Resurfacing should be done by a shop.. having a large enough lathe to turn them isn’t always something you have in the garage.. but you could just get new ones and just swap them out.. (therefore not having any possible extended down time waiting for a shop to turn the rotors for you)
Also if you just buy some you can get the fancy drilled/slotted rotors … for our trucks though it’s fashion over function for the most part doing that.

 

[ctechbob]

It is probably just your rear rotors. For whatever reason, lots of the early 5th gens came with crap rotors and pads on the rear.

Don't turn, replace the rear rotors and pads and I'll almost bet money that your problem will be solved.

Several people have had the issue, myself included when I had my Ranger.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/rear-brakes-fact-or-bs.31844/post-717627

 

[FerdRanger]

It is probably just your rear rotors. For whatever reason, lots of the early 5th gens came with crap rotors and pads on the rear.

Don't turn, replace the rear rotors and pads and I'll almost bet money that your problem will be solved.

Several people have had the issue, myself included when I had my Ranger.

beware that OEM replacements may do the same
I had my first set of rear rotors replaced under warranty. They were crap

After my truck was in dry dock getting the rear ending damage fixed, I suspect the body shop applied the parking brake for nearly a month while waiting for parts. Afterwards, the rear rotors were stuttering and will need attention this coming spring.

weird that OP is only experiencing this on the down hill… ???
Maybe the downhill weight shift is causing this, but mine shudders on a flat also

OP- you can isolate whether its a front or rear end issue using the hand brake in a safe environment

 

[Tom_C]

I have it slightly on my Ranger, and have had the same on a Toyota truck and other cars. Not unusual. Most likely rotors.

I always use tow mode in the hills so I don't have to ride the brakes as much.

 

[CLopey]

I’d say it’s your rotors and your driving style is why it seems to only be appearing on decline.. heavier braking… (I suppose you could try a few flat ground runs and just do some heavy braking to see if that’s the case)
Resurfacing should be done by a shop.. having a large enough lathe to turn them isn’t always something you have in the garage.. but you could just get new ones and just swap them out.. (therefore not having any possible extended down time waiting for a shop to turn the rotors for you)
Also if you just buy some you can get the fancy drilled/slotted rotors … for our trucks though it’s fashion over function for the most part doing that.

I’ll try some flat ground today and see if I feel it. Thanks!

 

[CLopey]

It is probably just your rear rotors. For whatever reason, lots of the early 5th gens came with crap rotors and pads on the rear.

Don't turn, replace the rear rotors and pads and I'll almost bet money that your problem will be solved.

Several people have had the issue, myself included when I had my Ranger.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/rear-brakes-fact-or-bs.31844/post-717627

Thanks for the input. I may just get new rotors and maybe replace them and the brakes next time I change my oil (which is soon).

 

[CLopey]

beware that OEM replacements may do the same
I had my first set of rear rotors replaced under warranty. They were crap

After my truck was in dry dock getting the rear ending damage fixed, I suspect the body shop applied the parking brake for nearly a month while waiting for parts. Afterwards, the rear rotors were stuttering and will need attention this coming spring.

weird that OP is only experiencing this on the down hill… ???
Maybe the downhill weight shift is causing this, but mine shudders on a flat also

OP- you can isolate whether its a front or rear end issue using the hand brake in a safe environment

I’ll try this today, thanks! Yeah it’s something that just began over the last month or two. Never really experienced it on flat roads. I started apply my parking brake every time I brake, even on flat roads, should I not do this?

 

[CLopey]

I have it slightly on my Ranger, and have had the same on a Toyota truck and other cars. Not unusual. Most likely rotors.

I always use tow mode in the hills so I don't have to ride the brakes as much.

Interesting. I’ll give this a try today as I’ll be going up and down some hills. Thanks for the input.

 

[FerdRanger]

I’ll try this today, thanks! Yeah it’s something that just began over the last month or two. Never really experienced it on flat roads. I started apply my parking brake every time I brake, even on flat roads, should I not do this?

the “parking brake rotor test” is to be done while moving

I rarely use my parking brake except when parking on steep inclines.

 

[underwhelmed]

My rear rotors were replaced just before I bought the truck by the dealer and 30k miles later I had to replace them again. Rear brakes on these trucks are garbage.

Sponsored