Shaking like crazy.

[Ronald Willis]

Good morning good people. I'm not sure if this is the right area for this post, but worth a shot none the less. I have a 97xlt.And the other day, while in pretty heavy traffic, every time I press on the brake and come to a complete stop, the truck shakes severely. Another thing I have noticed is that, for the last two weeks. I have had to refill the brake fluid reservoir. I don't know much about cars. So any input will help.

Thanks in advance,
Ron
#SMIB

 

[hueyf4i]

Good morning good people. I'm not sure if this is the right area for this post, but worth a shot none the less. I have a 97xlt.And the other day, while in pretty heavy traffic, every time I press on the brake and come to a complete stop, the truck shakes severely. Another thing I have noticed is that, for the last two weeks. I have had to refill the brake fluid reservoir. I don't know much about cars. So any input will help.

Thanks in advance,
Ron
#SMIB

Your brake fluid reservoir gets low over time as the brake pads wear, but it should be pretty gradual. If you have to refill it multiple times over a short period of time, then you most likely have a leak somewhere. Have you noticed any fluid where you park your expedition?

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[Ronald Willis]

Yes. In front of back left tire. What about the shaking though?

 

[hueyf4i]

Metal lines run from your master cylinder(what your reservoir sits on top of) to the ans module, they then turn from the abs module toward each wheel. Then a rubber line will connect to each wheel. I would start with the rubber lines near the wheels first since they can get cracked or cut easier....they are also easier to see without lifting the truck.

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[hueyf4i]

Yes. In front of back left tire. What about the shaking though?

As your brakes wear beyond their normal life they can start to wear the rotor unevenly and even gouge it. So you have 2 uneven surfaces rubbing against each other, causing the pistons within the brake caliper to oscillate as you brake.

When your wheel is cold, run your fingers across the shiny metal surface of your rotor and see if it feels smooth....check the back too.....

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[hueyf4i]

I had the rubber line split to that same wheel on my 2001 suburban(180,000 miles at that time) and my mechanic recommended replacing all of the brake lines from the ABS module on.....set me back $1,000 worth it, but sadly my trans went out less than 1 year later(195,000 miles)......which is how I ended up with an Expedition.....

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[Trainmaster]

Ronald, I'm in New York and my 2000 rusted out a brake line in the same location. You'll have to patch up that line, check the rest of them to look for any other bad parts and then see if you have any other brake troubles. Not a big deal, but a hundred bucks in parts and a few hours labor at worst.

Just take care of it, because the thing will hit something if you don't.

 

[Ronald Willis]

maybe I should clarify the shaking. Once I have completely stopped. the truck starts shaking. itll shake real bad then stop.

 

[Plati]

I had the rubber line split to that same wheel on my 2001 suburban(180,000 miles at that time) and my mechanic recommended replacing all of the brake lines from the ABS module on.....set me back $1,000 worth it, but sadly my trans went out less than 1 year later(195,000 miles)......which is how I ended up with an Expedition.....

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Had rubber line collapse inside to right front wheel (03 XLT) causing pull (to left I think). Took it to my trusted shop and said "replace both if needed". They only did one side and said "if I replace everything that might break, you'll go broke (Rusty the Rustbucket)" and they only did one side. Its been fine. They work with me and try to keep this thing on the road safe with as little cost as needed. I had a misfire on C4 and told them do "all COPS and PLUGS as you decide". They only did that one cylinder and its fine. Again to keep it running but not put money in something that could go to junkyard at any time.

Had ONE front caliper replaced.
Had both metal brake lines to rear replaced.
More pads & rotors than I can count.
Parking brake reworked several times.
Parking brake short cable to driver rear wheel.

Like to keep all four wheels brakes working incl parking brake.
If any problem with brakes, please address it ASAP!

 

[hueyf4i]

maybe I should clarify the shaking. Once I have completely stopped. the truck starts shaking. itll shake real bad then stop.

Does it feel like the abs is engaging? Almost like a crunchy feeling....

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[Ronald Willis]

Does it feel like the abs is engaging? Almost like a crunchy feeling....

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No, its almost like a vacuum issue of some sort. Maybe a sensor. Cause it was sake real bad.. then stop.

 

[hueyf4i]

No, its almost like a vacuum issue of some sort. Maybe a sensor. Cause it was sake real bad.. then stop.

Do you have 4wd?

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[Ronald Willis]

Do you have 4wd?

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Yes

 

[Ronald Willis]

the shaking doesn't start until I'm at a complete stop. worse at a red light.

 

[SnuffThePunkz]

Does it feel like the engine is shaking, or the brakes?

Like if your fully stopped and you hit the gas while still on the brakes will it go away till it idlea again?

 

[Capn Don]

Ronald,

Check the vacuum brake booster. I suspect it has a ruptured diaphragm. That would cause a vacuum leak when the brakes pedal is depressed,and it could suck brake fluid from the master cylinder. I would suspect this more so if its the rear chamber of the master cylinder that is low. The vacuum leak would be most noticeable at idle, in gear, with the brakes applied.

To check remove the vacuum hose from the engine to the brake booster and plug the hose. Slowly go for a drive and see if the problem is gone. I say slowly go for a drive because you will not have power brakes and stopping will require more pedal pressure and you'll most likely have longer stopping distances.
I had an old GMC truck decades ago with the same symptoms and this was the problem. Hopefully this pinpoints your problem.

Don

 

[rjdelp7]

Do you have a dash light on? Have it scanned(free) at the local auto part store(autozone). This forum has only guesses, based on experience. My 2000's brake line rusted out, just in front of rear wheel. If yours did, you will have almost no brakes, pedal will go to the floor and brake light on. Do not continue to drive like this(over 15mph), you will kill someone. Have it towed to a shop.

 

[Ronald Willis]

It was a bad brake line. got it replaced. and all is well. now my abs light comes on.... lol

 

[1955moose]

Ronald, anytime you disrupt a hydraulic system, and air gets in, all kinds of goodies start up. With Abs brakes in the equation, you now have the Abs pump, wheel sensors , and ancillary parts/areas to deal with. Try a full bleeding of system, including pump itself, if that doesn't cure your light on problem, you or a mechanic will have to dig further. The Abs pump failing is common on 1st and 2nd gen models, but save that part for last. Report back your progress.

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[rjdelp7]

My wire that powers the small motor on the abs pump, rotted away. I pulled one off a Ford E150 cargo van. Its just a motor, with a magnet on the shaft. I had ABS light and code: abs motor open circuit.