Did thread search, still have vibration question

[Wile.E.Coyote]

I did my due diligence on the thread searches related to a vibration problem that just showed up, but it seems there's no consensus on this problem as it could be a number of different things for different people.

4th gen t4r, V6, 4x4, 97,000miles
Bought vehicle in December, and when I used the 4x4 it was probably the first time in a long time. 4 weeks ago noticed grease leaking from passenger CV boot (inner). Last week, cleaned out old grease and replaced with new CV grease, replaced CV boot clamps.

Yesterday while slowing down from 70mph noticed vibration in pedals and steering wheel, the vibration increased when I applied the brakes, lessens when I let off brakes, then goes away below 30mph. The vibration does not return unless i get up to high speed and then slow down. Have continued to drive it normally up to 50mph with no issues.

Would appreciate some suggestions on where to start: CV axle play?

 

[T4Rillhouse]

I see you're from Chicago, any chance you have snow packed in one or more of the wheels? This has happened to me from time to time in other cars.

 

[cmoua]

Sounds like warped rotors. How old are the brake rotors? Replace with new rotors or have the rotors turned by machine shop.

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

No snow in wheels. (At least not right now...).

Could rotors cause vibration if you're not braking? Also there's no vibration when braking under normal conditions/driving below 50mph.

The braking makes the vibration worse, but doesn't precipitate it.

R

 

[Range]

I say its your rotors. Same deal with me until I replaced them. Is your car vibrating without applying the brakes? That's a different story if you're having that issue.

 

[blackoutt]

Severely warped rotors can cause vibration WITHOUT applying brakes. What other parts have you checked? Seeing that you've replaced CV grease and boots before you sound mechanically inclined enough to jack it up, pull the tie rod ends off the spindles and check all those joints/bearings/bushings. Warped rotors would require some fancy measurement equipment or just get them turned to diagnose. Wheel balance would also have to be checked somewhere capable of doing that. Maybe you lost a wheel weight?

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

I've not checked any suspension bits yet, so only other thing I've looked at is when I first bought the truck the CV's had a bit of play. My understanding is that small amount of play is normal and thus was not concerned.

I've never taken the tie rod ends off anything, but I'll do a quick search to figure that out and check for loose bits. I guess I could have a friend check the tire balance for me to rule that out too.

 

[oljedi11950]

Checked calipers ?

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

What am I checking for on the calipers? Also what am I looking for with the tie rod ends and suspension parts? General looseness anywhere?

 

[verman84]

It sounds like its definitely the front end if your steering wheel is feeling it. Also, it sounds like it could be the brakes.

I would check the following.

Rotors/pads. Look for uniform wear around the rotor versus skipping wear. Maybe your rotors need to be replaced or turned. If you have no idea when the last time the original owner replaced the brakes (rotors and pads) you might want to go ahead and do it so that you have a benchmark of when it was done.

Check the calipers to see if they release. Most people think rotors are to blame for brake shudder but the calipers on these trucks tend to seize up fairly often especially in snowy areas with a lot of rust and corrosion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZza01LgmWE

Wheel bearings. With your front wheels lifted, try to move them with your hands. There shouldn't be any free play. You might be able to turn the wheel left to right but you shouldn't really feel any looseness.

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

I didn't get a chance to get the truck on stands this weekend, but I managed to pull the maint records and the front rotors were replaced at 81,000 miles (16,000mi ago). Hopefully this week, with the weather getting better, I can check the calipers and tie rods and such.

 

[Wile.E.Coyote]

I think my account was being hacked and I was locked out for a while.

So I solved the problem and it turned out to be a frozen left front caliper. Replaced the caliper and problem is gone. So I was wrong and it did turn out to be a brake issue.