Vibration; maybe brakes, maybe not

Trollbait · Oct 22, 2007

I have been getting a vibration from the front while braking. I know this should be a cry to get the rotors fixed, but the vibrations aren't consistent. Sometimes they are light while braking, occasionally they're heavy, then for nearly half the time there isn't any vibration at all. Plus, I sometimes feel them while cruising at around 50-55. The vibrations are light enough then, that I might be imagining it. I've had warped rotors on other vehicles, and don't remember them causing anything while not braking.

I rotated the tires over the weekend, and the source hasn't shifted. So an out of balance wheel doesn't seem likely.

I noticed one of the caps(grease?) on the rotor/hub was dented in along the rim, maybe a 1/4 inch. Could that be causing it?
While I'm in the area, I understand that the 2000 Rangers have sealed bearings. Do they need any form of maintence?

I haven't had the alignment checked, but I'm not having problems with tracking or tire wear.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

Wicked_Sludge · Oct 22, 2007

a dented dust cap will not cause vibration problems.

your 2wd has standard tapered roller bearings. only 4wds of that year have the $200 sealed hub/bearing.

i would start by giving the front end a good once over. how much pad is left? how do the rotors look (grooves, burns, ect), how do the wheel bearings feel/sound when you spin a tire with the vehicle off the ground? is your tire pressure correct?

sometimes wheel bearing/tire issues only become apparent while braking due to the increased weight shifted onto the front axle.

Trollbait · Oct 23, 2007

The truck sat for most of the last two years, so I thought repacking the bearings would have been a good idea, but Haynes didn't specify that the sealed bearings weren't on the 2WD.

Haynes also mentioned that the caliper slide grease was something unique. Were they correct about that, or could I use any off the shelf caliper grease?

Wicked_Sludge · Oct 24, 2007

ive always used wheel bearing grease for the caliper slides and its never given me a problem. you could probably use whatever you wanted.

if the trucks been sitting, its possible your tires have developed "flat spots". this would effect all 4 tires, so rotating them wouldnt change anything. you might have the balance checked on all 4 tires.

Trollbait · Oct 24, 2007

The tire shop over-torqued the lugs, and managed to bend the shield behind the rotor. So, I wouldn't be surprised if they simply didn't properly balance the tires right.

The bearings are due anyway, so I'll start there. Any tips on repacking them?

Wicked_Sludge · Oct 26, 2007

not really, just clean all the old grease out and use a quality wheel bearing grease. ive had good luck with fords graphite based stuff.

Chic N Stew · Nov 1, 2007

yes, check the alignment, negative toe has been known to do it in some occasions, but most likely not, but it wouldn't hurt to get it checked

Vibration; maybe brakes, maybe not

Trollbait

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

Trollbait

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

Trollbait

15+ Year Member

Wicked_Sludge

15+ Year Member

Chic N Stew

15+ Year Member

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