I think that I need new brakes.

N1H6T

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
V6
AWD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

My Highlander is shuddering when I apply the brakes very hard. I have been told that this means I need new brake pads. The alignment is fine when driving and smooth, it is just when applying the brakes. I was also told that using the brakes too hard can heat up the rotors and warp them. I know that my teenage son has done this on the rare occasions that I let him drive my car, little sister tattles. Stopping is still fine, but the shudder is disconcerting. Do you think I need new brake pads? Do you recommend any type? I hate brake dust, I am a neatnik. How much should a brake job cost in Colorado Springs?

Saturday, September 5th, 2015 AT 5:50 PM

1 Reply

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF POSSIBLE WARPING, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE THE WARP "TURNED" OUT ON A BRAKE MACHINE.

SO

IT MAY NOT JUST BE PADS THAT YOU NEED

IF YOU HAD A DIAL INDICATOR, YOU COULD SET IT UP AND SEE JUST HOW MUCH RUN OUT THE ROTORS HAVE. IT MAY BE QUITE A BIT, BUT THOUSANDS OR EVEN HUNDREDTHS OF AN INCH CANNOT BE FELT OR SEEN WITH YOUR HANDS OR EYES.

BASICALLY, THE ROTOR SURFACE IS WOBBLING THRU THE BRAKE PADS

SHOES/ PADS COME IN VARIOUS GRADES, THE NUMBERS ON THE GREEN STUFF IN YOUR WALLET GET LARGER AS THE GRADES GET BETTER!

THIS TECHNIQUE SHOULD WORK NATIONWIDE. IT SHOULD HOOK YOU UP WITH JUST THE RIGHT PLACE, FROM A LOCAL QUALIFIED OPINION. SEE MY LINK.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2003-nissan-altima-gas-line-leak-near-tank-told-running-tank-tank-itself

RETURN WITH GOOD NEWS!

THE MEDIC

Image (Click to make bigger)