Shimmy Shake on Braking

jack1996 · September 1, 2004

I have a 1996 K-1500, I am experiencing a shimmy shake when braking. It is not a side to side shake, but an up and down shake or hop when braking hard. I was thinking that it may be the rotors, but was not sure why it would seem to hop up and down. Brake pads and rotors look good on the front? Is this a bushing problem? I don't want to spend the money for a brake job it It's not the brakes?

budhayes3 · September 1, 2004

Is the pedal pulsating? Could be looking at rotors or possibly a bad wheel bearing. Worn steering and suspension components can cause pulsating conditions also.

jack1996 · September 1, 2004

No, I don't notice any thing in the pedal or any pulling or shaking in the steering wheel.

Cool Zr2 · September 1, 2004

have the rotors spun, its like 40 bucks (per axle), if they need them or not, its good car care.

jack1996 · September 1, 2004

I was thinking that I would at least have the rotors spun. Is it bad idea to reuse the old pads? They have lots of wear still on them?

budhayes3 · September 1, 2004

If you have access to tools you can get real tricky and check the rotor runout with a dial indicator, but before you pull the wheels off, shake the tires top to bottom and side to side to check for excessive play.

jack1996 · September 5, 2004

Thanks for all your help. A took the truck in to get the brakes done, Come to find out that it was the Idler and Pitman arm wearing out. Did not need brakes after all, but it cost me more to have these fixed.

Matt99Z71 · September 5, 2004

Also, having rotors spun won't cure a warped rotor, gotta replace it. But glad to hear you fixed it. And new pads to uncut rotors just makes the pads wear out faster.

commanche1 · September 6, 2004

i wonder if thats what is wrong with mine? when i brake a get that too on my 1998 chevy k-1500.i replaced the rotors only 2 months ago and pads.anyone like to help me tell if i have a idler arm problem causing this shaking while braking? would the idler arm only do this on braking?

EastCoast HD · September 7, 2004

i wonder if thats what is wrong with mine? when i brake a get that too on my 1998 chevy k-1500.i replaced the rotors only 2 months ago and pads.anyone like to help me tell if i have a idler arm problem causing this shaking while braking? would the idler arm only do this on braking?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does your front end seem to wander at times? Pull from side to side? It sounds to me that it is probably the idler arm, however there are several other parts of the steering linkage that could be contributing to your issue. The old school way of testing the idler is to raise the front of the vehicle (allways secure with jackstands!) with the steering locked, rock the right front tire while observing the up and down movement of the idler arm. If the movement is excessive, replace. My shop manual (99 Silverado) states that you place a spring scale on the idler arm, if there is more than 2mm of deflection it is out fo spec. I have replaced several idler arms on GM vehicles. The old school method has allways worked for me! Good-Luck

commanche1 · September 8, 2004

thanks, no ,i have no wander at all.could my rotors be wore out that quick?i will do that shake of wheel on the right side on jacks. boy, have a forgot things i learned over years. getting old i guess.