Why does my pickup shudder when I apply the brakes?

Question

It also shudders when I get going. That must be unrelated but if you could explain that too you have a good chance at being chosen for best answer.

Seems checking the rotors is the universal answer. Isn't this site great? I learn so much.

This is an '85 Ford F-150. It only shudders when I am starting off from a stopped position and also when I brake. Only have had the truck for 2 weeks so I don't know it's history.

Oh, and it is a stick shift.

Answer 1

Have your rotors checked. If it's doing the same thing when you accelerate, your calipers may be sticking.

Answer 2

Is this a new pickup, or was it recently in an accident? Does the shuddering happen at the same speed, regardless of whether you're speeding up or slowing down? Warped rotors will cause shudder when braking, but the fact that it happens accelerating is too much of a coincidence and rules out the brakes as a factor.

1) Get your alignment checked - being seriously out of alignment can cause shudders and vibrations at certain speeds.
2) If you just got new tires, or had the old ones rotated, get them balanced.
3) If this is a used truck or it was in an accident, your frame may be bent. Get someone to follow you down the road and see if it looks like the truck is running straight, or if it looks like it's ****** on an angle.

Answer 3

Most likely it is the rotors. The rotor is a flat metal disk onto which the brake pads clamp when the caliper applies pressure. When it is not absolutely flat the pads ride up and down on the hills and valleys in the rotor producing a vibration when you apply the brakes.

You did not mention it, but if you also happen to have recently intalled new tires or had any front end work in which the mechanic removed the front wheels it is not uncommon that a lazy mechanic used an air wrench to retighten the lugs and over tightened them in the process. This can warp rotors very quickly.

Answer 4

I would say check your brakes and rotors too, however, if it's happening all of the time, and feels like a rotational thing that's not just happening when you stop, I'd also look into your universal joints and CV-joints. Both pieces rotate constantly, and will shudder when something is going bad in them. A quick check...when you go from Drive to Reverse or vice versa, does it feel like there's slack in the transmission in bewteen D and R? It'

Answer 5

Sounds like a warped rotor ,But most likely a stuck caliper .either case you need to have it checked out . It could be as serious as a wheel bearing .

Answer 6

Mine did the same thing. Have your rotors and your brake hoses checked. I found out that my rotors were worn and my passenger side brake hose was completely busted. I had to have my rotors, both brake hoses, and my brake pads replaced.

Answer 7

Check your rotors. They are probably warped.

Answer 8

it could be the roaders. the tires could also be out of alinement
or unbalanced