Shaky steering wheel when applying the brakes?

[piperoo]

Really it only happens when I am going down a hill. The steering feels fine with normal driving, whether it be in neighborhoods or on the interstate.

But when I am touching the brakes while going down a long hill, the steering wheel shakes as does the gear shifter (automatic). At speeds of 40-60 mph...but if I slam on the brakes it gets better or stops.

I am about to go on a 3,000 mile round trip next week....so any help would be great!

My 4Runner is a 2001 SR5 with 120k.

 

[LINY4Runner]

it's just warped brake rotors...

more of an annoyance than a safty conscern

if you really need to you can wait until after your road trip as it could cost you anywhere between 150 and 300 dollars (because most shops will recommend putting new brake pads in as well)

 

[96743runner]

:iagree:

I had the same problem a few months back. After my rotors and brake pads were changed out it was fine. It costed me around $150, but only because my uncle (a mechanic) did the job for me.

It almost stopped me from going to the beach as often. (I have a pretty long downhill drive to get to the beach from my house.):twak:

 

[piperoo]

Cool, thanks guys! I will just try to change them out when I get back...then I can just change the rotors out and inspect and see if I need new brakes.

 

[pat161]

I would give serious consideration to an upgrade while you are in there, otherwise you will most likely be in the same place a year or 2 down the line. 3rd gens are notorious for having paper thin front rotors, add in a fairly heavy truck and warpage is bound to happen. I did brakes on my 02 and hoping to save money I went with powerslot rotors and hawk pads, for a few months it was great, then lo and behold a few trips to the Mts. and they were warped again. Mine is the same as you said, usually fine, but add highway speeds or a steep hill and it starts shaking. I figured the quality rotor and pad would be enough but my experience says no, granted I'm in central MA and go to NH and VT often so hills are everywhere. I am running this set up for the summer and this winter I plan on beginning to amass parts for the Tundra swap, then hopefully I will have the front braking Toyota should have given us from the factory. And I completely rebuilt my drums when I did the front, so I know they are adjusted and working fine and not lending to the premature warping.

 

[ambush]

YES..search next time..

I did it...NEVER looked back...
Tundra Rotors.
It took me all day since that was my first time but just TUNDRA rotors/calipers from a wrecked tundra (2001-2002), go to Autozone or orderonline Tundra pads and you are GOOD!

TRUST ME!

 

[jspagna1]

I did it...NEVER looked back...
Tundra Rotors.
It took me all day since that was my first time but just TUNDRA rotors/calipers from a wrecked tundra (2001-2002), go to Autozone or orderonline Tundra pads and you are GOOD!

TRUST ME!

Will they fit on a 97 T4R SR5? Or what year would I use for my truck? Mine has had the same problems and with 133,000 miles, I'm not getting rid of my truck yet. It runs great otherwise.
Thanks for the advise.

 

[WinterSteelhead]

You must have 16" wheels to do the upgrade,
15" wheels will not work !.