Steering woes when braking

[troy_ barker]

I have a 99 Chevy c1500 2wd drive pickup. Has a 350.

I started having issues when attempting to stop. The front end starts shaking really bad. I would think this has to do with the steering and not so much the brakes.

Since this problem has started I have replaced both rotors, bearings, pads, wheels and tires.

I took it to an alignment shop to get it aligned but he stated it did not need it. He stated something about the PS pump maybe bad. Strange thing there is that is turns fine and no noises and it does not leak.

When I say shakes bad I mean when I hit the brakes the front end starts shaking violently. Maybe 2-3 inches on the wheel. It will go way but scares the crap out of whoever is driving.

I did jack it up and I do see the part that is attached to the bottom of the steering gear box does have a little play in it but not so much it could cause the front end to shake as bad as it does. Keep in mind it does not do this all of the time nor does it matter what speed you are going.

Before I just start throughing more money at it I thought I would seek some options.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Check the ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm and tie rods using the prescribed method for each, was any work done that triggered this problem? Any play in the steering off center?

[troy_ barker]

No work was done on the truck what so ever.

The only thing I see that could cause an issue is the pitman arm could need replacing. However it has very small play in it.

All of the other suspension parts look ok.

Yes there is a little play off center, looks like about 1-2 inches to the left.

[brumleveb]

Sounds like warped rotors to me..

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by troy_ barker

No work was done on the truck what so ever.

The only thing I see that could cause an issue is the pitman arm could need replacing. However it has very small play in it.

All of the other suspension parts look ok.

Yes there is a little play off center, looks like about 1-2 inches to the left.

May not be the issue, but engine running, turning the wheel, lt to rt off center should be no play, the wheels/tires should respond directly the the steering wheel input. Short of you just replacing the rotors, I would think that was the problem, you could get a dial indicator and check them for runout as a precaution.

[troybarker]

well it turns out to be the pitman arm 25.00 and its good.

Thanks for the replies

[maxwedge]

Good work.