2002 explorer shakes when braking

[ElkRiverAdam]

My 2002 explorer shakes really bad when braking. I have replaced all the rotors and pads, the front hub assemblies have been replaced and the rear bearings have been replaced, and the stabilizer bar links have also been replaced.

 

[Exproblems]

My 2002 explorer shakes really bad when braking. I have replaced all the rotors and pads, the front hub assemblies have been replaced and the rear bearings have been replaced, and the stabilizer bar links have also been replaced.

Where is the shaking felt? In the front or rear of vehicle or the brakes, wheels, suspension/body etc? Check to see if any of your coil springs are broken and that the lug nuts are tight on your wheels for starters. Also check the sway bar bushing mounts to see if one or more has broken off.

 

[ElkRiverAdam]

I feel the shaking everywhere. The coils spring are ok the rear struts and springs have been replaced. Lug nuts are tight and they sway bar mounts seem ok.

 

[Exproblems]

I feel the shaking everywhere. The coils spring are ok the rear struts and springs have been replaced. Lug nuts are tight and they sway bar mounts seem ok.

You could have a shifted steel belt inside of one of your tires. Look for a shape distortion in one of the tires and how is the wheel alignment on your vehicle? You may have also lost a balancing weight from a rim which would cause the wheel to be out of balance and could cause a shake in the wheel/vehicle. At this point I think you would need to take it in for a "wheel alignment inspection" to determine what is wrong. A wheel alignment shop can also check the balance of the wheels. Make sure all 4 tires are of the same size, tread pattern and wear.

 

[ElkRiverAdam]

All four tires are also new. It shook the same before the new tires.

 

[Limited02]

I know you said you replaced the brakes, but who replaced them and when? Did you replace the rotors after you noticed the shaking or are the "newer" so you can't imagine that being the problem?

Also, does the shaking get worse the harder you brake? Does the steering wheel move back and forth when braking?

 

[Exproblems]

All four tires are also new. It shook the same before the new tires.

So you spent the money on a new set of tires knowing there was a serious shake in your vehicle and you didn't bother getting a wheel alignment done? If I am reading into "Limited 02's" post question correctly about the new rotors you installed or had installed by someone else, I am thinking you may have purchased new "warped" rotors. A warped rotor, even a new one from the factory (which happens), can cause the shake sensation you feel when braking unless you feel the shake all of the time when not braking. If you feel the shake all of the time(not braking), then you have some other type of problem, but if you feel it "only during braking", then look at a warped rotor as the issue. If you have any kind of warranty on the new rotors, you would need to return them for replacement if they are warped.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!

I agree with Exproblems' above post. Also check to make sure the calipers are tight and that the pads and sliders are fully & correctly seated and that the lube points have been hit with brake grease.

Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

Good luck with the fix!