my truck is 04 xlt scab with 2600 miles. I've noticed that when on the highway and need to stop (70 to 50)or on the street (40-20) the stering wheel has a slight vibe as well as the brake pedal. When I first got the truck I didn't have this. Just asking questions, this is my first truck so I dont know if its the weight that causes it shake when I stop or that somethings wrong. Also I've noticed that the sterring wheel has to be tilted a little to the left in order for me to drive straight. Maybe its just an alinment issue but I just want to run it through you guys first.
Thanks

 

i have a similair problem. When i put on the brakes at highway speeds my brakes and steering wheel shake bad. i took it to the dealership and they machined one of the brake rotors and it worked fine. however the problem is starting to come back. i didnt have that problem either when i bought my truck

 

pach,

sucks that you have the brake issue, take it back to the dealer, thats why you have a warranty.

 

It's probably warped rotors.

If there is one downfall I've noticed on these trucks, it's that the extra weight of these trucks plays heck on the rotors. If you go flying down the highway, and then brake hard on an off ramp, you can seriously heat those rotors up. They may be larger than previous body styles, but they have a lot of mass to stop.

I've seen some people changing them out to aftermarkets with cooling slots, but haven't heard whether it is helping yet.

If you haul a lot, or hot rod, or ride your brakes because you miss your clutch from another vehicle, you will probably have more trouble than others.

That's why madtrucker's problem disappeared when he had them turned, but is coming back now. These rotors just do not dissipate heat very well.

The dealer probably will tell you there is not much they can do, and to slow down or brake softer.

This is just the most likely culprit. I don't know how you drive, so it's hard to say for sure.

 

That was my gut feel after reading the initial post as well.

RP

 

My 04 F-150 SC has the vibe in the steering wheel (not brake pedal), already talked with the service guy at the Ford dealer, he said bring it in, they will turn the rotors and install new brake pads that do not "heat up" when braking, he also told me the new pads will eliminate the disk brake dust problem.
Now all i need is my truck (still in the shop) from the accident i was in first week in Dec.

 

sounds like they are installing ceramic pads, a little cooler running and no dust, but doesnt have as much "bite" as metallic pads, so you may notice a decrease in stopping power. although you may not even notice the difference