Shaking Brakes Someone Please Help!

[Matt Starr]

I just replaced my brake pads and had my rotors turned. Ive done the brakes on Toyotas so many times I could do it blindfolded by now but I cannot for the life of me figure out whats wrong. Its almost as if the calipers arent holding the pads firmly against the rotor. I have plenty of stopping power but the brakes dont engage until the pedal is about 50% compressed and, not all the time but some times, the braking shakes the car really bad. Im thinking maybe either the rotors are too thin, the calipers are bad or the brake master cylinder is going out. Any insite would be much appreciated. Thank in advance.

 

[rdgt4r]

sounds like the problems our patrol cars and usually its the master cylinders that go out on them. Well it is a ford too.

 

[Stick Figure]

you need to measure the rotor and see if it is too thin. There is also measurements for the pedal height. This can be adjusted under the dash at the brake booster to pedal connection. If the master cylinder is going out it would be losing fluid inside the brake booster. you need to remove a couple bolts and pull it away and check for fluid. If you have a leak here fix it ASAP... brake fluid will eat the paint off anything it touches... this means your booster, and firewall will end up bare metal and rust quickly.


As far as the shaking, did you torque the wheels to the proper amount? or did you hammer them on w/ an impact, or breaker bar? Is there any rust on the hub that the rotor seats to? maybe time to either buy new rotors, or have them turned on the vehicle.