Shudders when brakeing

[BOONIERAT]

Was wondering if anyone has experienceed this problem?
When I apply the brakes and the vehicle gets below 20 MPH it starts to shudder or vibrate until it stops (the vehicle). It doesn't transmit through the steering wheel, but you can fell it through out the vehicle. It reminds me of when in a tracked vehicle (like a Bradley) and the driver brakes hard and you can feel as each track shoe hits the ground (best way I can describe it).
Any help where to start looking would apriciated.
Thanks again (THIS IS A GREAAAAAT SITE!!!!!!!!)

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I would first off guess a warped rotor or bad drums on the rear. Would suspect front rotors though. Here is a little test for that, run about 30 MPH then ride brake very lightly at first slowly increase brake pedal pressure, keep foot on gas, you do not want to slow down. You may feel the brake pedal pulse under your foot and feel like it is binding momentarily then free. It could also be a bad tie rod end. Have someone turn steering wheel short quick side to side movements, just a little more than the normal freeplay in your steering. Then while this is being done, get under the front end and look at every joint in the steering linkages start from drivers wheel and work to the passenger side. You will be looking for slop between the components, none should be noticed. Engine does not need to be running for this

[ March 08, 2002: Message edited by: Crazy_Jeepman ]</p>

[dfitz]

I have experienced a similar problem, but it usually only occurs when cold like the first couple of stops in the morning or when wet,usually when going very slow with very slight pressure on the peddle, sometimes they (rear I think) want to lock up. Have not seen any of the symptoms noted in the Crazyjeepman test and it only happens every month or so.

[UnkleMunky]

Though it could be any of the things Pete noted, or possibly something else, MOST of my own experiences with brakes shuddering or jerking have been front brake problems. Usually the rotors are faulty in my experience. I know it can be rear/drum/shoe issues too, but I've mostly had front ends causing brake problems.

I'd recommend a "visual" check of your front brakes first....take off the wheel and give it a visual go over. I have heard of rotors "cracking" and causing shuddering problems too, so take a flashlight over the braking(rotor) surface and make sure it's not ready to shatter. If all looks ok there, do a visual check on the rear too. Beyond that, then, yes, you're into some more troubleshooting, but I'd highly recommend a good visual check on things.....you might see your problem right off. If not, keep digging!

Take care....

[Stolen76]

add my vote for warped rotors too, common cause of shudder.

[BOONIERAT]

Thanks all, I'll check them out tommorow. Was planning on repacking the wheel bearings so I'll do a good check while I,m doing that.
Thanks!

[BOONIERAT]

Thanks all, I'll check them out tommorow. Was planning on repacking the wheel bearings so I'll do a good check while I,m doing that.
Thanks!