Brakes And Rotors

[Minus (-)]

I recently took a 12+ Hour Trip in my 08'.....During Braking At Highway Speeds My Steering Wheel And Car Shakes.....Took It To Toyota...They Said I Need Front Brakes And Rotors...I Still Have A lot Of Lining...But It Needs To Be Changed to Stop The Shaking...They Can Fix It For $550.....I Don't Really Care For Letting The Dealership Do My Work...What Kind Of Pads And Rotors Do Ya'll Suggest....And Where Can I Buy/Order Them From?? and What Do Mechanics Normally Charge For This....Thanx In Advance

[Tom in Tacoma]

Generally, when the car shakes during braking, it's a result of warped brake rotors. The very first thing I'd check is to ensure the lug nuts are torqued evenly. Another potential cause is rotors overheating due to caliper(s) not releasing fully or riding the brake pedal unnecessarily.

But I would get a second opinion. Go to a reputable brake shop and ask for an inspection. It could well be that all you need is to get your rotors turned to get them smooth again.

[Minus (-)]

Ok Thanx...I Will Visit A Shop First Thing Monday Morning

[Paul3637]

Originally Posted by Minus (-)

I recently took a 12+ Hour Trip in my 08'.....During Braking At Highway Speeds My Steering Wheel And Car Shakes.....Took It To Toyota...They Said I Need Front Brakes And Rotors...I Still Have A lot Of Lining...But It Needs To Be Changed to Stop The Shaking...They Can Fix It For $550.....I Don't Really Care For Letting The Dealership Do My Work...What Kind Of Pads And Rotors Do Ya'll Suggest....And Where Can I Buy/Order Them From?? and What Do Mechanics Normally Charge For This....Thanx In Advance

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Although I have an 09 Camry, it has the V6 engine and therefore suspension parts similar to an Avalon. I had the exact same problem as well as other issues. I was sure it was the rotors. Started a thread in the Camry forum entitled "09 LE V6 - steering wheel vibration(s)/bad brake rotors-NEED HELP" as follows:

09 LE V6 - steering wheel vibration(s)/bad brake rotors-NEED HELP

Turned out there is a TSB on the issue and the dealer fixed it at no charge and rotors had nothing to do with it as follows as it relates to your situation copied and pasted from the solutions noted in my thread:

1. Replace both brake pads and calipers on both front wheels as per TSB. Rotors were not warped and did not have to be turned. Parts as follows:
04465-33470 Pad Kit
08887-80609 Disk Brake Caliper
Cost: ZERO

Good luck and hope this helps.

[Minus (-)]

Thanx....I looked into that TSB...I will take her back to the dealership I got it from and see what they say and do...they fixed my headlight/highbeam issue....it was a TSB....and I'm Damn sure still under warranty...only had it for 4 months....I have the TSB printed out...I'm ready for war....even my vin number is a part of the tsb

[boosted-fc3s]

I got rotors from tirerack along with nice pads. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts evenly. Minimizes the chances of warped rotors from that, and also the wheel falling off haha.

[saabdriver59]

even torque is crotical - don't let your tire guy trust torx stick... always confirm with a torque wrench.
I just replace mine with Brembos from NAPA and OEM toyota pads - both recommended by my mechanic. My pads had plenty of lining, but he advised replacement anyway. In "this" case it wasn't a profit issue - got them for cost, so I trusted it.
$500 with markup and labor doesn't sound too awful bad though. I can NOT put up with the braking shimmy, especially at highway exits.