Vibration when braking downhill

Hello everyone!

Tundra 2018 SR5
I am posting this to find if somebody have experience vibrations during brake applications when going downhill in Toyota tundras at highway speeds +55mph?

The first time we experienced this vibrations we though it was probably the wheels or brake system of our camping trailer. But is not, we get the exactly same issue without trailer. Right after that, I took my truck to a tire shop for an tire rotation balancing and alignment. But the issue still persists.

I recently upgrade the wheels and tires and find that the issue still present. I took my truck for the regular maintenance to the dealer and explained the issue to the service manager so they did an deep inspection on the breaking system finding 0 issues at all and the techs where unable to recreate the issue. I mentioned that this only happens downhill with other without cruise control activated.

 

I had the same problem as you have mentioned. When going at that speed and applying the brake my steering wheel would vibrate and shake going downhill and even on flat ground. I did the balance and alignment also to no effect. Then my next step I did was to do the rotors and I changed all the brake pads also. And then the vibrations and shaking went away. Hopes that help.

 

Warped rotors would be the most probable cause.

 

I agree, if your only feeling it downhill, it sounds like overheating rotors, depends on what downhill means, though. Does it happen anytime your going down a hill or after a few brake applications on a long grade.

 

Yes! only happens after few brake applications on a long grades 5-7%

 

Hello,
First post...
I just traded my '19 4Runner TRD ORP for a '21 Tundra Limited TRD OR (AG).

I experienced severe vibration in the steering wheel while braking while on a 5%-8% grade driving from Flagstaff to Phoenix towing a camping trailer (approx 3200lbs w/electric brakes).
I had the cruise set at 70 and I assume the frequent application of the brakes to maintain that speed coupled with grade contributed to the vibration.

Once to turned the cruise off and managed the brakes myself the vibration went away.

I plan on taking it in to the dealer to have them look at the brakes. I have never experienced a vibration like this.. very unsettling.... especially for my wife.

Matt

 

I wouldn't recommend using cruise control on downhill grades while towing, too much braking involved. You should be using your gears and engine braking to control your speed. If you have to brake, brake once, slow down to about 5mph under the speed you want and give your brakes time to cool off, before braking again. But if your in the right gear, with engine braking your speed, you shouldn't have to use a lot of brake on a descent.

 

Thanks SLA,
This is the first vehicle I've owned with adaptive cruise control. Now I know it's not ideal to run while towing.
I used it without any issues on a previous trip between PHX and FLG, but I was not towing on that trip.

 

Hello Matt!

We experienced exactly the same issue in The same road Flagstaff to Phoenix.
I recently took truck for scheduled service and they inspected the brake system. And they said everything is OK

 

My wife's Highlander has done this from day one. Been to 3 dealers and they all tell me it's normal. We live around the mountains and she's tired of it every time she comes down the hills. The brakes are due soon so I'm hoping that will fix it. If not the cars going up for sale.

 

I really don’t think it always is the rotors warping. I think pad material gets deposited inconsistently across the rotor surface. Try doing a re-bed procedure. Go make a series of heavy stops (about 10) from about 60 mph down to about 10 to 15 mph. Do this aggressively almost to the point where ABS will start to lock up. Then try to not come to a complete stop until you reach home and let them cool off. Coming to a stop while the rotors are that hot will leave pad deposits on the rotor, causing you to possibly have to start this process over again. Let them cool off and go do the procedure one more time. This is what my TRD pads recommended for the initial bed in procedure.

I have noticed wheel shake coming down out of the mountains myself. Usually when I’ve been off-road. But it never does it again until I re-create the same scenario. But I had read that it most likely isn’t the rotor warping as much as inconsistent pad material across the surface.