s.squared-39

I have a 96 3500 4x4 dually. It shakes and shudders when I brake.

It just had a safety inspection and the front brakes, rotors, trac bar, steering box, tires are all new. It just had an alignment. They checked all the other front end parts so I am assuming they are good.

The shaking seems like it could be coming from the rear end. This never happened before it had the inspection. I was driving it after it was first checked and hit a bump and it started. Since it has only been when I have been braking. I figured all the new parts on the front end would stop it but it hasn't.

I think something was not put together right after the inspection. The would have checked the rear brakes, so what could they have screwed up? Rotors not on right? Tires not on right? Seems like it should be hard to screw up.

dozer12216

To test rear brakes: while coasting at 40 MPH or so apply the park brake slowly and see if shake occurs. HAVE HAND ON RELEASE in order to immediatelly release brake.
At what speed does the shake occur. 20-30, 40-50, or above 55MPH?

s.squared-39

I was doing 60 the first time it shook but it was after hitting a bump. Now it does at any speed but only when I brake.

With all the new parts on the front end I don't think it would be the death wobble (it could have been at the bump as the old trac bar was wore out). Now the only front end issues would be the steering stabalizer (which should have been checked on the safety inspection) or if they forgot to tighten the new trac bar.

96_12V

This same thing was happening, with increasing symptoms, the first year I owned 96_12V, so seven years back. I had also had a shop replace the front brake rotors & pads, and they had even checked the rear pads, which I was told "were fine." The problem was finally figured out by a Dodge dealer, and found to be the rear drum rotors were egg-shaped inside, not so slightly either. I understood it took the tech some time and effort to get them off. They also confirmed the first shot probably never took the drum rotors off, so the pads (which were bad, about a month after the first place's work) were never checked. I finally broke down and took it there, because I had had a few too many close calls - nearly not able to stop in time.

This cured the problem, and it's never come back. It was very discomforting when it would occur - seemed like you might hit a person in front of you. I would suggest taking it to a reputable shop for this work. good luck...

Only other thing - could the rear ABS be acting up?

roughstock

I have similar problem of vibration when breaking. I did the park brake test and it definitely came from the rear. So, I'll probably start with new drums, possibly pads. And maybe switch to GM wheel cylinders also.
Every once and a while, I have a hard pedal when breaking and it does little for my stopping. If I let up then apply again, it can lock up the rears, 95% of the time they are normal. Not sure if that is related to the vibration?