Lately I've noticed I've had to push farther and farther down on the breaks before I notice the truck is actually braking. Also when it finally does start to brake the cab will shake from front to back when doing so. This doesn't seem right, seems like it should be a little pressure on the breaks which leads to a smooth stop. What should I check to fix this? A little background information: 2005 Lariat 5.42 2wd, had the rear brake pads replaced when I rotated the tires so they've been on less than 10k. Thanks guys.

 

Have you looked at the FRONT brakes? Sounds like worn out pads and warped rotors.

 

How would I be able to check? Like where should I be looking for signs of wear and tear? Do you have pictures I could use for reference?

 

Take it to a shop for a free brake inspection. Let someone with experience look at it.

 

Got a buddy to look at the fluid, said I should probably flush it. I'm at 113k now so it is due for a 100k tune up. Should I flush any other fluids while I got it in the shop? Power steering, coolant, radiator, transmission?

 

Umm, get your buddy to look at the front brakes themselves, not just the fluid.

 

He did, he said the pads were good for probably another 10-15k

 

Did he check the rotors to see if they were warped?

 

Gotta be warped rotors if the pads are new.

 

Only the rear pads are new, since I got it with 100k on it the front brakes haven't been touched.

 

Let me spell it out.

W
A
R
P
E
D

R
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Any questions?

 

Warped rotors are still what causes shaking in the front end upon braking.

I have a daily reminder because my bicycle's front wheel is bent from me smashin into stuff and jumping it. Brand new pads all the way around, no shake with back brakes, is a shake with the front brakes. The bike wheel acts exactly like a rotor. It's out of true (bent), so when clamped upon, it causes noticeable shake and vibration.

 

How about some feedback? I saw your post in the classifieds.

 

Got a free inspection today and they said all 4 rotors should be replaced and flush the brake fluid. Wanted $620 for everything. Are the rotors something I can do myself? The fluid I'll still probably get a place to do it but should I replace all 4 or just do the front two to start with?

glc - do you know if those 4wd rotors will work for my truck?

 

The rear rotors are interchangeable, the fronts are not.

I don't mean to be rude, but I think if you have to ask if you can change your own rotors, you should have a pro do the job, and do it right. If all 4 rotors are bad, all the pads should be changed too, even if you just changed the rears a while ago. Brakes are a major safety item, and if you don't know what you are doing, leave it to a pro. You can't put a price on your safety.