Steering wheel shudder when braking at freeway speeds

bju96

New member
Noticed yesterday driving home from Tahoe that my steering wheel shakes/shudders/shimmies when I brake from ~60-70mph. It's nothing major, just a slight shudder, but it's there. I have never noticed this before, as my wife is usually the one who drives the truck. I did just get new tires put on before the trip, but they rode very smoothly with no vibrations or anything up to 70mph, so I don't think they're out of balance.

I tried searching the archives but didn't find much except maybe my rotors are warped. They are probably the original rotors (88k on the truck), if not pads also, if that is even possible. I don't recall replacing any brake parts during the 10 years and 40k miles I've owned it. This truck has been so dependable, aside from oil changes, new tires, and a starter replacement, I haven't had to touch a thing.
 
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Noticed yesterday driving home from Tahoe that my steering wheel shakes/shudders/shimmies when I brake from ~60-70mph. It's nothing major, just a slight shudder, but it's there. I have never noticed this before, as my wife is usually the one who drives the truck. I did just get new tires put on before the trip, but they rode very smoothly with no vibrations or anything up to 70mph, so I don't think they're out of balance.

I tried searching the archives but didn't find much except maybe my rotors are warped. They are probably the original rotors (88k on the truck), if not pads also, if that is even possible. I don't recall replacing any brake parts during the 10 years and 40k miles I've owned it. This truck has been so dependable, aside from oil changes, new tires, and a starter replacement, I haven't had to touch a thing.

yes most likely the rotors. There notorious for being thin and warping this is why many put the larger tundra brakes on.
 
Warped Brake Components.

To tell if it's front or rear, at highway speeds slowly pull up on the parking brake lever. DO NOT YANK IT! And also make sure theres no traffic behind you, as the brake lights to not light up for the parking brake.

If you lift the parking brake and the vehicle slows without shutter, then the rears are not your problem.

I would bet my money on warped front rotors.
 
Warped Brake Components.

To tell if it's front or rear, at highway speeds slowly pull up on the parking brake lever. DO NOT YANK IT! And also make sure theres no traffic behind you, as the brake lights to not light up for the parking brake.

If you lift the parking brake and the vehicle slows without shutter, then the rears are not your problem.

I would bet my money on warped front rotors.

I agree. Just put on new pads and had the rotors machined. Problem solved.
 

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