I need some brake help

[captainehh]

Howdy all-
I've got a 95 Tacoma 4x4 ext. cab with 190,000 miles. She runs great. However, at speeds above 50 mph when i hit the brakes, the whole truck shakes a fair bit before i slow down to 35 mph or so. I took my brake drums and rotors off today and they look to be in pretty damn good shape. The pads and shoes are also in good condition with a fair bit of meat on them. Should i go ahead and have the drums and rotors turned or am i attacking the wrong problem? Does this sound like a brake issue or could the problem lie in the suspension somewhere? I don't want to throw money at the brakes unless i have to.
Thanks!

[tabahop]

Hi, i think your problem basically comes from the rotors, never the less is important to verify the direction terminals to make shure thy're in good conditions, thus you can be shure your problem comes from the brakes, by the way you describe your problem i'm shure it comes from the rotors, turn them or change them for new ones as well as the pads!!


Hope to be helpfull!!!!

[ShawnM]

If they are that bad I would buy new ones. They warp and cause that high speed pullsation due to heat build up. The more you machine off of them the less rotor thickness you have to help dissipate the heat, which makes it more likely to warp again.

[captainehh]

Thanks guys-
So to you it sounds like rotor/pad issues. That was my suspicion as well. I was just thrown off when i removed the rotors and pads to inspect them and they looked pretty good. So the rotors can warp regardless off if there are grooves in them etc. ?

[rok923]

A freind of mine had a similar problem with a Chevy truck and it turned out to be the brake line hoses. Apparenty they can deteriorate from the inside and impead the fluid to the brakes. Just something to consider since the pads and all looked so well.

[ShawnM]

The rotors can look perfectly normal but still be warped. We usually check them at the shop with a dial indicator. Or if its off the car take it to a shop and have them spin it on the brake lathe. Should be easy enuff for them to spot if it is warped.

The rubber brake flex hoses do collapse internally, but its very rare. When that happens it usually just feels like the car dosent stop as fast as it should. If the hose is collapsed you wont be able to get any brake fluid out of the bleeder at that calliper.