Pulling to left and shimmy while braking?

[dat5574]

Hi, I've got a 2002 4runner.

I'm noticing it pulling to the left and the steering wheel vibrating while braking (especially at higher speeds).

Does the braking issue seem related to the alignment or should I be thinking it's caliper related?

If so, how can I test and determine if my caliper is bad before taking it somewhere and getting ripped off?

Thanks.

 

[Burt]

Sounds like a brake job is due. Suspect a warped rotor causing shimmy in steering wheel. The 4th gens are known for frozen caliper pistons. I would just take it to my favorite mechanic.

 

[achen]

Guys,

My 2004 4runner recently started to vibrate when braking at high speeds. But my rotors and brakes are fairly new. I changed them last summer. It also vibrates on speeds of 65 or above. I did all the alignment and wheel balancing. Problem still occur. What else could it be? Caliper? Please help in any ways. THanks!

 

[achen]

Steering wheel vibrating

I took my car for another alignment and balancing. seems like the vibrating part went away. But when applying brakes, the steering wheel started shaking. I don't know if it is the brake pads. I changed my front brake pads back in Nov 2008 and changed all rotors and rear brakes in April 2010. If anything, it may be my front brake pads that need to be changed. How is that possible? Since i changed my front pads till now, it ran only about 17K miles. the brand was Hawk LT pads. Is it possible thoses pads can be worn out in such low mileage? Please advise. Thanks!

 

[Acidmeld]

I think your rotors are warped again. Those hawk pads are a harder compound than oem and will build up more heat. You should take it in and have the runout of the rotors checked.

 

[achen]

I repalced all 4 rotors last summer 2010 with the rear brake pads. you think it is the rotors? I replaced the front pads in November 2008

 

[Jeff4runner]

If the pistons are seizing, it could keep really hard pressure on the rotors after stopping fast. This high pressure + high heat will cause warpage fast. You might want to consider a possible caliper overhaul, or a change in braking habits. Aka: when you come to a stop, let off the brake until it barely rolls, then apply just enough brake to hold the car back. Works fine for me, and my rotors are good.