I drove my car for the first 'real' time today, I think I encountered something odd. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 03:55 PM

For the first time I got a chance to drive it over parkways, highways, etc. 97 Camry and I freaking love it lol, it handles amazing. I named it Cammy >_>

Anyways. I noticed when I'm going around 60 and brake to get off at an exit, there is a slight shaking as I brake, It's not too big but it's definitely noticeable.

I thought it would be due to low tire pressure but I realized if that was the case it would technically happen all the time because the tires are spinning blah blah.

So then I thought it's the brakes, but is it? I'm not sure. It could be the axles or the tires being unbalanced, but if it was unbalanced why would it shake only when I'm braking? So it has to be the axles...or something, I don't know.

Feedback appreciated, I think I saw a topic like this before, got to go dig it out and read it.

(Taking it to a mechanic tomorrow for a check up, all around, I'll ask about this too but for now I'd like to know what it is and if it's a big task that costs lotsa $$$)

Chris Crash · 08-26-2010, 03:58 PM

Sounds like warped rotors. Or maybe you need an alignment.

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 04:05 PM

Does this run expensive <_<? How bad is it to drive like this? I think I'm screwed x_x. Spent $633 on damn college books today.

uuuuu · 08-26-2010, 04:30 PM

Turning your rotors (shaving them down so that they are flat) might be $15-30 each. Brand new ones might cost $25-50 each. You can only turn the rotor if there is enough material on the rotor in the first place.

Chris Crash · 08-26-2010, 04:31 PM

Yeah books are a bitch. I just spent $400 the other day on books, as well.

An alignment is usually cheap, like $60 or so. I don't know prices of things, I do everything but inspections myself haha.

Warped rotors should just be replaced, as the cost to turn them is usually about the same as new rotors. And with new rotors comes new pads!

Black Sunshine · 08-26-2010, 04:45 PM

It's a minor problem that braking from high speed amplifies. I wouldn't rule out the tire pressure until you are certain that the vibe comes with the proper pressure.

Do you have safety inspections in NY? If so then they will tell you when you have an ailing chassis component such as a tie rod or ball joint.

If it is the brakes, it won't hurt anything besides your pride to get some more life out of the pads.

As another posted stated it could be the alignment. Does your wheel point straight when you are going straight? Does it pull in any direction? If the alignment is out it will chew up tires.

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 05:06 PM

Next inspection is March of '11.

The tires have 44 pressure max, it's now around 33.

The steering wheel when straight makes the car go straight, not a curve or anything.

I have somewhat new brake pads >_> a year old on front, few months old on back. How long is the life expectancy? Because my car brakes well.

Chris Crash · 08-26-2010, 05:43 PM

But how old are the rotors?

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 05:56 PM

Good point.

Guess I'll get some new ones...for all 4 wheels what's the cost/labor price for this? I really hope it's no more than $200 >_<

Chris Crash · 08-26-2010, 07:56 PM

No clue. You can do it yourself for under $200.

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 08:34 PM

Lol I could never do it myself :P

Is it really the rotors though? I tried it before, at 30 miles, doesn't shake, 40 miles, doesn't shake, around 50-60 it shakes when I brake.

***projektvertx*** · 08-26-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DM616

Lol I could never do it myself :P

Is it really the rotors though? I tried it before, at 30 miles, doesn't shake, 40 miles, doesn't shake, around 50-60 it shakes when I brake.

Rotors and Pads are easy. It shouldn't take more than 2 hours, even if it's your first time. Very minimal tool use as well. I did mine at the beginning of the summer in an hour and fifteen minutes

This DIY is for an Avalon, but it's pretty much an identical procedure on the Camry:

DIY: Front Brake Rotor Removal

DM616 · 08-26-2010, 10:27 PM

Well if it is warped rotors, I want to make sure it is (tomorrow at mechanic).

Let me make this clear:

-The car 'rumbles' near the front end when I'm going over 50+ MPH AND braking. If it's lower than 50, it does not shake.
-It's a rumble, the steering wheel, brake pedal, nor tires shake to the left or right or anything like that.

Does it still sound like warped rotors? Maybe I was just braking too hard? Hell it was my first time driving in a while.

***BMR*** · 08-27-2010, 12:06 AM

Most likely it's warped rotors. And a mild case at that. There are some other possibilities, but they're less probable.

When you say it "rumbles", do you mean you can hear it?... or just feel it? If it's making an audible rumble, then I might answer differently.

mr.nitro · 08-27-2010, 12:34 AM

sounds like uneven tire wear/balance. I had this happen to my other car. it was caused by a bad bushing. either way, check the tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DM616

Well if it is warped rotors, I want to make sure it
is (tomorrow at mechanic).

Let me make this clear:

-The car 'rumbles' near the front end when I'm going over 50+ MPH AND braking. If it's lower than 50, it does not shake.
-It's a rumble, the steering wheel, brake pedal, nor tires shake to the left or right or anything like that.

Does it still sound like warped rotors? Maybe I was just braking too hard? Hell it was my first time driving in a while.