Brake help

Gordon Claunch · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 04:34 PM

I have 2005 Ford Explorer, I have noticed a bit of surging when I start to come to a stop and sometimes a bit of shuddering in the vehicle.

I just pulled the front brakes off and they do not need changing, over half the pads left. I have not checked the rear yet, but I would think they would be even better.

I thought for sure I needed new brakes, any ideas?? just under 38,000 miles.

Silverback51 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Sounds to me that the rotors are warped.

Seagull81 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 04:59 PM

If you can feel the shuddering in the steering wheel it is front brake rotors are warped. Have them surfaced and put it back together. They don't cost too much to have them surfaced. If you don't feel it in the wheel and you have rear drums and you use the emergency brake, it could be the drums need to be turned. They might be out of round.
Steve

Gordon Claunch · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 05:02 PM

It is 4 wheel disc, the front pads are over half left and very even wear, it does not look like the rotor is warped, wouldn't the pads be uneven??

Joe Wicked · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 10:16 AM

Pads will not necessarily be uneven. Do you feel any vibration in the steering wheel? Does the car pull to either side when braking? Dirt or air in the lines can also cause surging, but I wouldn't think it would cause shuddering.

Wayne Maybury · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 11:34 AM

The brakes on my '02 Explorer lasted about 50,000 miles. That's not bad since I do a lot of stop & go driving. I have never had good luck turning rotors so I changed everything at the same time, 4 new rotors & pads. I used genuine original Ford parts by the way.

The emergency brake is a mini drum inside the rear disc rotors. For some reason, some part of this had broken and had to be replaced even though I never use it. Check the emergency brake at the same time that you check the rear brakes just to make sure that there isn't a problem there.

Wayne

nevermind65 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 03:35 PM

It does sound like the rotors are warped. I have never had luck turning newer rotors. You can try it, but don't be surprised if in 5000 miles, the wheel is shaking again.

I wouldn't use Ford products either. I would buy Brembo rotors if they are available, and a good aftermarket brake pad. It will be a noticeable improvement in braking distance.

Gordon Claunch · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2008, 05:15 PM

Thanks Guy's

trularin · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 07:13 AM

The rotors of today are not like the rotors of yesteryear.

They are made primarily in India and China. The quality of metal used is all over the map ( no pun ).

What generally happens is the vehicle is running down a stretch of road and the driver applies the brakes. As the vehicle is stopping, the driver hits water. The water cools the rotor unevenly giving you a distortion. This is just one way to get where there.

Hence, you may notice your vehicle shudder as you apply the brakes.

BTW, it doesn't matter where you buy the rotors, it is the quality of metal.

Just my $0.02