Before brake job truck would shake when brakes were applied. It was a bucking from front to rear and would seem to calm down the harder I pressed the brake pedal. I had to replace one drum and I got the other one turned. Installed the Chevy 1 ton cylinders. My shoes were worn out pretty good and I also had some broken springs. I replaced everything that needed it and the truck does the same thing. Any ideas what the culprit could be? Should I replace the other drum just for fun and see what happens? I dont really want to just throw more money at it until it stops bucking but I am tired of seeing my tailgate go up and down in the rear view everytime I slow down. Thanks.

Kevin

 

Probably rotors warped. Hold the e-brake handle out and stop with the e-brake if it feels fine, its in the front. Beware it ain't going to stop good so leave yourself lots of room.

 

I went throught the same problem. Front rotors are gone, but check the calipers I had to replace mine as the one was not releasing and it warped the new ones I put in and had to do it all over again.

 

If it is indeed the rears worn outer wheel bearings can cause the shakes.

 

If your rotors are warped.
You may need to keep a closer eye on your Caliper pins/bolts.
When you remove your Caliper bolts are they shinny? like new?
Or are they gummed up and corroded like mine used to be?
My guess is gummed up and sticky!
This means you need to lube your Caliper bolts more often!
I had to lube mine as often as every 2000 miles to keep them nice and slick.
The design of the 2nd gen. calipers is very poor!
Just look at the 3rd gen truck Caliper design.
They have a very nice rubber boot that keeps the water and dust out.
Our 2nd gens have the bolts exposed to the harsh elements. It doen't take much to get them all messed up.

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SFB

 

I have done the e-brake stoping method before but never from 55 mph. This shaking usually occurs when braking from higher speeds on the highway not in the neighborhood. I will try it one morning when nobody is on the road. Thanks for the input.

 

Double check your springs and levers inside your rear brakes.
You may have them crossed up.
Are you getting the "death wobble"?
Be sure there is no oil on the rear shoes. Oil makes them very grabby.


SFB

 

No death wobble. I was wondering if it were the front brakes why wouldnt I feel it in the steering wheel as oposed to the whole truck bucking back and forth?

 

Warped rotors(or drums for that matter) will make the truck jump up and down not side to side. So you won't notice much in the steering.

 

Well I did the E-brake test at about 50 mph and no bouncing or bucking or shaking, just a smooth stop. So I guess now it is time to rebuild the front brake system. Thanks for all the input.

 

Be sure to do a complete thourough brake job!
Check everything!
Are those pesky Caliper pins sticking?
Are the rotors warped?
Is there rust inside the caliper bushings?
Are the Caliper piston seals nice and soft?
Might be a good time to go for the slotted rotors and a set of loaded calipers!
Do you drive off-road?
Do you drive in wet or snowy conditions?
Do you properly maintain your Caliper pins? (They should be lubed every 2000 miles more or less depending on your driving conditions.)
Sticky caliper pins are one of the weak links on our 2nd gen trucks.
Once the pins start sticking it causes the brakes to Drag.
Once the brakes drag it gets them hot and they warp the rotors.

Keep those Caliper pins lubed and your brakes will be much happier

PM me if you need any more tips and hints. I have a few more.