What else can cause brake shuddering?

[Stevenr9999]

Hello,

My 2004 Ram 1500 2WD has been shaking and shuddering when braking above 10mph. Last week I changed the:

-Front Shock absorbers
-Inner/Outer Tie rods
-Sway links
-Lower ball joints
-Upper control arms
-Wheel hub assemblies
-Front rotors

...and the shuddering while braking continues. I checked the calipers and they were well greased and couldn't feel any seizing. I wrapped up the whole project with a wheel alignment. I can feel the whole truck shake when I brake. Even on the frame. What else can be the cause? If helpful, I can attach pictures of the wear marks on the rotors. Any ideas? By the way, sometimes I hear a deep thud coming from the front when turning out of the driveway or in parking lots.

 

[Graygoose]

Warped rotors, but if new, dont know what else or tire?

 

[Smokeybear01]

You obviously checked for play in the wheel bearings?

 

[Stevenr9999]

You obviously checked for play in the wheel bearings?

No play. And the wheel hub assemblies are the bearings. Part of a larger... well part.

 

[Stevenr9999]

Is it at all possible that the rear rotors/calipers can be the culprit? Even though the issue is braking while moving?

 

[Stevenr9999]

Warped rotors, but if new, dont know what else or tire?

Yeah, new rotors. AC Delco. Doubt the tyres are the problem. Otherwise they'd be making sounds and causing shaking at high speed which doesn't happen.

 

[ScLeCo]

Did you change the pads too? I'd change the rear rotors and all the pads.

 

[Stevenr9999]

Did you change the pads too? I'd change the rear rotors and all the pads.

I didn't change pads or any calipers. The pads had a good 1/4" of meat still on them and no weird pitting or uneven wear. The front calipers look pretty darn old but the slide pins move smoothly with brake grease. But is it possible that the problem may be rear? I thought standard braking took place in the front only. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Oliver Closehauf]

when was the last time you flushed the calipers? 15 year old brake fluid will have a lot of water and air in it. Pistons might be compressing air in the fluid and jumping in the calipers.

 

[Stevenr9999]

when was the last time you flushed the calipers? 15 year old brake fluid will have a lot of water and air in it. Pistons might be compressing air in the fluid and jumping in the calipers.

I have never bled the brakes before. Hmmm....

 

[kevkev]

Ive gotten new rotors that were warped just from sitting in the warehouse. It wouldnt hurt to have them turned to be true.

 

[kmrtnsn]

You put old glazed pads on new rotors? If you didn’t rough the pad surfaces I’d say glazed pads trying to grip a clean surface is your problem. I’d now take the rotors off, have them resurfaced and then put in new pads.

 

[Stevenr9999]

 

[Stevenr9999]

View attachment 229639 View attachment 229640

Driver & passenger side *new* rotor wear

 

[Stevenr9999]

Rear Driver & Passenger *old* rotor wear

 

[Stevenr9999]

You put old glazed pads on new rotors? If you didn’t rough the pad surfaces I’d say glazed pads trying to grip a clean surface is your problem. I’d now take the rotors off, have them resurfaced and then put in new pads.

I'll heed your advice. New calipers and pads it is then.

 

[kmrtnsn]

I'll heed your advice. New calipers and pads it is then.

Calipers are likely fine. If those glazed pads have put a shine on those rotors, then turn them and put on new CLEAN pads.

 

[kmrtnsn]

When rotors glaze over from over heating repeatedly they are likely hardened deeper than just the surface. That’s why you change them.

 

[kmrtnsn]

I'll heed your advice. New calipers and pads it is then.

Those need turned (recut on a lathe)

 

[RoadRamblerNJ]

The big ass caliper bolt not tight or "not present". Felt like a 9.5 on the Richter scale! Yes, I forgot. That was when I quit drinkin' whilst doing brakes. LOL.