1994 Ford Explorer Braking question

[mike422]

When I apply my brakes I notice the front end of my Explorer shakes and vibrates. I recently flushed the brake fluid (1 year ago) and the pads still have plently of material and the rotors are still smooth. The car has 150,000 miles with ABS brakes. This only happens when I am traveling faster than 40 mph (freeway driving).

Thanks for your help.

[RickMN]

Only when you apply the brakes? That's a sign of a warped rotor(s). Have you had any tire work done within the last 3,000 miles? Rotation? If they didn't use a torque wrench on the lug nuts, that can distort the rotor and cause permanent warping. If you imagine the tone arm on a turntable bouncing up and down on a warped record, that's exactly what's happening with your brake caliper as it rides around the warped disk.

[mike422]

The last time I had tire work done was probably 12000 miles ago when I had my shocks replaced and I'm pretty sure, my mechanic took the tires off. It was also about the same time I had my tires rotated. The brakes worked fine with no issues, I have Raybestos ceramic brake pads and Raybestos ABS Rotors. Nevertheless, I will perform a visual inspection of my rotors again. The last time I checked the rotors were smooth with no pits or grooves whatsoever.

Thanks for your input

[denisb]

You might not be able to see with the naked eye that they are warped. The only have to be thousands off to cause a vibration. The only real way is to use a dial caliper to check them, or just to get them turned (if they're not to worn).