Brakes on 2002 Dodge Dakota

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I have a 2002 with rear drums and front discs. When I apply the brakes at high speeds I feel strong vibration in the brake pedal and sometimes the truck shakes a bit. One guy told me the vibration means it is the rotors. Another guy told me this means the drums are bad, I'd feel it in the wheel if it was up front. Any ideas of who is right? Next question, I've done rotors, but are drums that are utilized by the ABS system difficult to replace myself?

Thank you to everyone for any info.

[Shack]

Quote:

Next question, I've done rotors, but are drums that are utilized by the ABS system difficult to replace myself?

Have you replaced the rotors to try and cure the pulsation when brakes are applied?

If not, when was the last time you did the front pads and rotors (miles wise)?

The rear brakes should be straight forward as replacing rear shoes goes. Very rare, but rear drums can cause a pulsation, but "I" would lean towards the front rotors if they have not been replaced/turned in an attempt to cure the pulsation allready.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Shackbash, thanks for the reply. I replaced the rotors in July 2007. I put about 20K on the truck each year, a lot of stop and go driving, and pulling the boat. It can definately be the rotors, but I don't want to switch them out if they are not the problem. The pads are in good shape. I'm guessing it is the rotors because the last time I had the truck in the shop they said the drums were in good shape. However, they have a lot miles on them.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The drums would have to be really bad in order for you to feel it in the brake pedal. Also you will feel it more in the seat of your pants.

Pulsating pedal is usually the front. I would bet that if you did a reasonable aggressive brake at highway speeds you would feel it in the steering wheel, if not then shortly after the hard brake! If the insides are not pitted bad you may be able to just have them turned. This can go both ways either they will be fine for the rest of the brakes life or the pulsation can return in a short period of time. Make sure the surface on the hub that the rotor makes contact with is free of any big chunks of rust. Make sure the wheels are properly torqued when done!!!!!!

[Macgyver55]

I agree, more times than not you "feel" it more when its the front brakes. But, you can also feel it when rear drums are out of round, just not as easily as the front. Rear drums can be damaged by setting the emergency brake while the drums are hot, or by forgetting to release the emergency brake and driving even a short distance.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Thanks guys. With everyone leaning toward the front rotors, I'm going to start with the front then move to the back.