Brake Issue

[Kaobb]

Just in case you run into this front braking problem it could save you hundreds of dollars. My 1993 Rodeo had about 70K miles on it. All the sudden, when I would stop at a traffic light or stop sign, the front end would shudder and feel like it was going to drop from out under the vehicle. I took it to a local tire and mechanic shop and he told me that it would need new rotors pads maybe even new calipers. The cost.... right at $1000. I don't think that they were trying to take me or anything but they just didn't know how to diagnosis the problem. It just didn't sound right to me that it was the issue. I took it to a guy that had a lift and he found the problem very quickly. It was a universal joint on the drive shaft that the needle bearings went bad. We replaced all the universal joints (either 2 or 3 don't recall exactly) but it cost me less than $50.
Hope this can be helpful to someone.
k

[Cat Fuzz]

It seems a little odd that a u-joint would cause shuddering when braking. Especially when the front drive line doesn't even turn unless its in 4wd. I kind of doubt you solved your problem.

[Kaobb]

Evidently when the drive shaft was spinning at a higher speed it was smooth. When I applied the brakes and it slowed down is when it started to shutter/bind and felt like the front end was coming out. Just so you know, this was back in 1998. I know for a fact the U-joint was the issue and I have never had another problem since.
I am not saying this will fix all front braking issues but if you experience anything similar to what I described above....... check the U-joints.
Could save you a bundle.
k

[trooperbc]

thanks kaobb, for the headsup and first-hand experience. it's a good one to add to the inhead file. i've only heard and experienced the shudder and/or clunk on acceleration from u-joint problems, so now we can add decelleration to the symptoms.
thanks
//bc