I've been noticing that when I'm putting on the brakes that the truck seems to vibrate as I slow down almost as if the rotors were warped. It only seems to do this if I brake moderately to real hard but I don't notice this if I'm braking real lightly. I thought maybe it was warped rotors but I don't have the pulsating brake pedal when its doing this. I was wondering if this could be a possible transmission problem or if its possible for the rotors to be warped and not have a pulsating brake pedal?

 

ABS system maybe?

 

If it's a nice even plusing feeling then it's most likely your ABS. Mine does it and I don't feel anything with the brake peddle. I even had my husband check my brakes to make sure and they were fine, Not Warped at all.

 

I have the same problem too. It usually only occurs in the morning and when i brake it feels like the brakes are clamping and not letting go and it kinda clunks. Its weird but only happens in the morning never any other time.

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98 F-150 s/c Lariat Sport-Side V8 4.6
Bassani Side exit exaust, K&N FIPK, Snug-Top Hard Lid,600 watt power acoustic amp,8 inch kicker substation, Royal Purple Synthetic

 

JDVern,
Your problem could be loose front wheel bearings. My Ranger had this problem, and behaved exactly as you described. Snugging up and or repacking the bearings might solve the problem.

Speedygfan's problem sounds like it might be something else. Maybe a sticking piston in one of the brake calipers. Might have to take it to a brake shop for a check over.

 

JDVern

Mine has the same vibration when braking normally. I too was begining to think it might be the trany. Have not yet taken to the dealer to check out. Have only 6k miles on truck. Please post any findings!

BassDean

99 4x4 Reg Cab, 4.6, auto, 4 wheel disk brakes

 

I have a 98 SC with the same problem. I currently have 26K on the truck. When I slow down, the truck pulsates while slowing down. This is the rotors. The back of my truck also seems to hop up and down when braking. I am going to take it in for a diagnosis. I almost bet it needs new pads, rotors, and the rear drums adjusted. I'll let everybody know what the outcome is.

Jim

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1998 F-150 XLT SC 5.4L

 

I have a 98 4x2 SC with the same problem. I took it to my Ford dealer to have them checked it out. They replaced the two front rotors/pads and machined the rear drums
with new pads as well. The truck is now breaking smooth with no vibrations. Problem solved

 

You can eliminate the front rotors by pulling your wheels, tightening your front wheel bearings to specs, then use a dial indicator to check for rotor runnout. If you don't have the equipment, try checking for loose wheel bearings, if they're okay, pull the rotors and have them turned, it's cheap.

If your truck is really low mileage (under 12K) sometimes the dealer will do it for free even though brakes aren't generally covered for the 3 years/36K mile warranty.


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Mine: 2000 F-150 4X2 XLT Sport Pkg, Ext Cab Flareside (Black Clearcoat w/dark graphite interior), 5.4L, Auto, 3.55 Limited Slip, Remote Keyless Entry, Trailer Towing Group, 40/60 Pwr Seat, Autolamp, Premium AM/FM W/CD.

Hers: 1999 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4X2, 5.0L, Auto, Tropic Green/Tan, Trailer Tow, 3.73 Limited Slip, AM/FM/Cassette/CD, CD Changer, Remote Keyless, Power moonroof, Autolamp, Electronic Air, Keyless Entry Pad, Mach Audio System, HomeLink, Overhead Console, Rear Air & Stereo, 16" factory polished aluminum wheels.

Toy: 1997 Harley Davidson, Springer Heritage.