Shaking while braking lightly

robtpap · 02-04-2005, 06:47 PM

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Quad cab with the 20" rims. When I bought the truck, I noticed some shaking when I would brake lightly through rushhour traffic. It eventually got worse where I couldn't stand it anymore so I took it in to the dealership where the fixed the problem for free because I was only at 10,000 miles. I am now at 17,000 miles and the shaking has come back. Has anyone exerpienced these kinds of issues? Is this issue caused by the larger rims? Do I have to upgrade to premium rotors because the factory rotors can't handle it?

Any responses would be much appreciated.

littlebit · 02-05-2005, 12:21 AM

Running through water puddles with hot rotors will cause this problem,If you have extremely large tires it probably would benefit you to go with the premium rotors.But just because they are premium doesn't mean they won't warp!The good thing about these is you can get a lifetime warranty on them.

CCCD · 02-06-2005, 06:11 PM

I have a friend with a '03 Hemi with 20" rims.
The truck has 53000 miles and he is ready for his 5th brake job.
I think he is on his third set of rotors.
In fact it is so bad he is driving his old '98 1500.
He is thinking about getting after market Rotors. Maybe slotted.
Any suggetions on Rotors and pads.
He drives Houston, Tx. freeways.
gm

robtpap · 02-07-2005, 01:03 PM

thanks littlebit...do you have any recommendations on premium rotors???

cousincletus · 02-07-2005, 04:00 PM

I would try a softer pad. The cheap semi-metallic pads wear faster but are more "rotor friendly." I had this issue with my Chevy Cavalier. I used the cheapest rotors and pads obtainable as replacements and the problem has disappeared. So I don't think it is much as a rotor problem as a pad problem.

robtpap · 02-07-2005, 06:25 PM

that actually sounds good to my wallet...

BleedDodge · 02-07-2005, 06:28 PM

Weren't these trucks recalled for the brakes they have?

CCCD · 02-07-2005, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robtpap

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Quad cab with the 20" rims. When I bought the truck, I noticed some shaking when I would brake lightly through rushhour traffic. It eventually got worse where I couldn't stand it anymore so I took it in to the dealership where the fixed the problem for free because I was only at 10,000 miles. I am now at 17,000 miles and the shaking has come back. Has anyone exerpienced these kinds of issues? Is this issue caused by the larger rims? Do I have to upgrade to premium rotors because the factory rotors can't handle it?

Any responses would be much appreciated.

Any update on your brakes?
I have a friend with a Hemi and 20" wheels who has had 4 brake jobs on 53,000 miles.
CCCD

robtpap · 02-08-2005, 02:03 PM

just using softer brake pads or using premium rotors...what has your friend tried

jrmcx · 02-08-2005, 05:45 PM

Make sure you torque down lug nuts in correct sequence, to correct specs.. Don't just let air wrench them down.

jsweeter · 02-09-2005, 11:13 AM

try using heat shields on your brake rotor this will stop the water from getting to them and warping them they come in a variety of colors or just get plain ones and paint them with caliper paint.

TA-Man · 02-13-2005, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robtpap

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Quad cab with the 20" rims. When I bought the truck, I noticed some shaking when I would brake lightly through rushhour traffic. It eventually got worse where I couldn't stand it anymore so I took it in to the dealership where the fixed the problem for free because I was only at 10,000 miles. I am now at 17,000 miles and the shaking has come back. Has anyone exerpienced these kinds of issues? Is this issue caused by the larger rims? Do I have to upgrade to premium rotors because the factory rotors can't handle it?

Any responses would be much appreciated.

All, It's not due to the 20" Rims on these rams that cause the bouncing/pulsating braking effect, as I have 17" Rims and have been having the same problems since I purchased my truck. In fact, if you are past your one year mark, they will not warranty the rotors or pads and it becomes an out of pocket expense.

The problem occurs because of rotor warping due to heat, which seems to me is a manufacturing problem. I have 35,000 on my truck and have gone through 3 sets of brakes all related to the same problem. As a matter of fact, there has been little to no wear on the rotors or pads when I have had to change them (FRONT & BACK). I will be gong to after market rotors and pads this time to try and resolve the problem, because the Mopar parts don't seem to be working.

TA-Man

CCCD · 02-13-2005, 09:18 AM

He has not done anything as of today.
He leaning to go with after market rotors.
Any suggestion on brand and location.
thanks,
gm

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