Shimmy When Braking Hard

[Richard Mickelson]

My 2017 Expedition Platinum, 86,000 miles... When braking fairly hard the car has a slight shimmy in the front end up through the steering wheel. Kind of acts like a warped rotor or brake pad issue. Under normal easy braking everything is fine, brakes straight not pulling to either right or left. Hoping it's not something in the ABS system. Would appreciate any and all comments.

 

[FlyBry]

My 2010 EL did the same thing at 90K miles. It was worn-out/warped rotors.
Does the brake pedal pulse with light input? If yes = warped rotors.
If not, jack up one side, will the wheel move back & forth when holding at 12 & 6, and 9 & 3 o'clock positions = ball joints &/or tie rods.

 

[Richard Mickelson]

Thanks for your reply FlyBry, Haven't had a chance to check anything yet. Will likely get it up on the hoist next week for a oil change, then I can give it a good inspection... Will report back on find later.

 

[GlennSullivan]

This is a common problem with Gen 3 Expy front rotors, have had same issue on all 3 of mine. If the rotors on the front have not been cut, you can get away with cutting them 1 time. If they have been cut, then buy quality replacements - not offshore crap.

 

[Richard Mickelson]

Glad you said common, I replaced them on a 2011 that I still have, had the same problem. It sure does act the the rotors. guess that's where I will start first. Thanks for helping me brain storm the issue.

 

[Trainmaster]

Many folks here know I only by Motorcraft replacement rotors for this reason. There are all kinds of aftermarket rotors out there. The problem is that the quality is very inconsistent and LOTS of them are garbage. I just don't want to do the job twice, so I pony up the bucks for the Motorcraft and never returned to the rotor nightmare I had for YEARS dealing with aftermarket on Expeditions, Excursions and Explorers.

 

[Richard Mickelson]

Quick question, I'm going to get these turned probably next week $15. ea. I'm wanting to put on a good pair of pads anti dust or as little as possible, hate haven't to constantly wash my wheels. Any recommendations ?

 

[Trainmaster]

I use OEM Motorcraft which are ceramic, high priced but work well. Others have mentioned other ceramic pads which are much cheaper that please them. Ceramic pads are tops for no dust but seem to be less aggressive for stopping. I happen to love them.

I found that the auto parts store brands wear out very quickly.

 

[proftomda]

I have a gen 1 expedition owned since new. As a technician the only pads that go on my truck are Motorcraft or Akebono, period. Excellent wear, no dust.

 

[Richard Mickelson]

Thanks for your replys Proftomda and Trainmaster. I'm going to stick with the Motorcraft Pads then.