Why is my steering wheel SHAKING?!! Diagnosing Warped Rotors on my 3rd Gen (1998) Toyota 4Runner!

In this video, I diagnose my warped front brake rotors using Toyota procedure, and show a simple solution.
Tools used in this video:
Dial Indicator with magnetic base: amzn.to/3gqdmnl
Dial Indicator with Adjustable Arm: amzn.to/3B6dDDR
Magnetic Light (2 sizes): amzn.to/3kfkROQ 8" or amzn.to/3kpH9xo 12.5"
Kneeling mat: amzn.to/3DgeEuH
Toolbox drawer mat: amzn.to/3DimLqC
Battery Operated 1/2" Impact: amzn.to/3mua7yZ
Tons of rad tools used in this video thanks to GEARWRENCH tools!! / gearwrenchtools
Parts Used in this Video:
Brake Kit: amzn.to/2Wo8RlP
www.pistonsandpixiedust.com
IG: @pistonsandpixiedust
FB: @pistonsandpixiedust
TikTok: @FayeHadleyOfficial
Twitter: @SupraFaye

[@charlierosenbusch3007]

I've turned wrenches for decades and even as a seasoned mechanic I find your videos so informative and useful. It goes to show you can never stop learning.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you so much!

[@richhanewald]

I agree. She really makes this nice and simple. I actually learned something from Bogi a few years back on caster/camber that was 100x simpler than any book I ever read on it. These women know their stuff!

[@damien5578]

you speak truth

[@MrRoboto57]

I can also vouch for the PowerStop drilled and slotted rotors. They are awesome. The lateral runout is very low, and they stay that way. I put them on all my cars.

[@FayeHadley]

I've heard great reviews on them. As someone else had mentioned in the comments already I was actually planning on doing the tundra brake upgrade and I had never considered these until I did the ad and then got them for free and so far I'm really stoked!!!

[@johnaustin2276]

@@FayeHadley are these recommended for 4x4ing? I've heard that debris can get caught in the holes or slots.

[@Gowaduv]

I installed Powerstop Z36s on my Tundra about 6 weeks ago and watched your other video as a guide. Zero problems with that install and the brakes are awesome. I hope your 4runner loves these, too!

[@FayeHadley]

Oh BADASS!!! Thanks so much!

[@Schmitty71]

We were told to clean rotors with soapy water after machining in a continuing ed class years ago. The soap, along with a scrub brush lifts the contaminants from the tiny grooves left after machining (even after sanding a non-directional finish, the grooves are still there). Great info on burnishing as well, we do it on all brake jobs, regardless of brand. 🤘✌

[@youssbaraki]

I have a 2002 4runner that I replaced the rotors and brake pads to Brembo and I can assure you that they have a better bite than other brake set out there and saved me from couple of incidents by stopping way before I'm used to in my original toyota brake set rotors and pads, Brembo also are not that expensive and definitely less than oem

[@james1965]

Wonderful video Faye! I love how easy it is to change brake pads, rotors, and even calipers on the Toyota trucks!

[@carltondoorman9145]

Interesting that you use tools you find in junkyards. I do that too, but mostly I'm always finding tools alongside the road. I have a whole big box full of roadside-found tools. I once found where somebody'd lost a whole box just outside the Tennessee line; blazing hot summer day and I was running up and down the highway picking up ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc. Aahhh, nice memories... Anyway, great video!

[@FayeHadley]

Oh wow! That's lucky!!

[@bencanevari4056]

When I bought Alicia (a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse), she needed new brakes. It was my first brake job ever and I was able to do it at trade school!

[@FayeHadley]

AH SO COOL!!!!!

[@NP-kc5qd]

Faye, Love your energy and appreciate all the work you put into filming all the steps. You know your stuff, subscribed. As a fellow vet tech, I know a pro when I see it🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@FayeHadley]

That's so awesome, thank you!!!

[@whocares4464]

Sorting and organizing my tools and found this specialty tool. I know my rotors need to be replaced due to warping but going to use this tool to figure it out for future diagnosis of my customers cars

[@manuelsalvatierra2940]

Peter Miere from Motor Age always talked about cleaning rotors with warm soapy water. Thanks for showing dial indicator. Only channel I've seen that shows their dial indicator drawer

[@markreynolds3850]

Interesting video , thanks for sharing this video.

[@colonelhacker3661]

Thanks for this video. I did my own brakes, full job. Premium rotors and pads, and I had the dreaded "Judder" within a week or less because of a few things you explained in this video.

[@FayeHadley]

I looked up the word later!! I was like " now they're just adding more words to the ASE dictionary!" 😆

[@TonytheYorkie]

A lot of people also forget that each lug nut has to be torqued to manufacturer specs to avoid warped rotors.

[@clayfist4033]

Wow Faye That was an awesome video explaining about your brakes know what to do and stuff it’s nice to see videos coming out can’t wait to see your next video you’re awesome thanks

[@maingun07]

I did the brakes on the Taco about a year before the clutch failed. She's been sitting for a few years now so I may have to look at doing them again. However, My F350 is going to need all new front brakes including calipers and I've been eyeballing Powerstop. I'm iffy on slotted and drilled rotors though. Some folks have reported premature cracking around the holes. Since you "abuse" your brakes like I will, I'd be interested in a followup a couple years down the road. I've pushed the 5000lbs tow capacity of the Taco and with the Ford I plan on towing 15,000lbs loads. Thanks for the vid, Faye!

[@jzflsrtis300]

Great video Faye.I know this is about brake jobs, but I love your personality enthusiasm and how knowledgeable you are about cars In General. Thanks for your feedback.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you!

[@DM-wp9vq]

OmG your chickens are so cute! I always wait to see them at the end of the videos you create. Where do you find such chill music? It's like the menu music from Gran Turismo. Love the whole vibe of your videos, chill and informative with a nice laid back approach. Thank you for all of your hard work and for making learning about fixing various vehicle parts fun and much easier than reading workshop manuals and TSB's! Much respect from the Central Oregon Coast!

[@FayeHadley]

Oh my gosh, no problem!! Thank you so much for this wonderful comment!!! And I just buy the music online! I use a bunch of different services where you can buy the licenses! I can try to figure out what site I used for this song in particular if you'd like! Is it the one at the end that's kinda lofi that you like? :)

[@jozsefizsak]

This was great. I've done a bunch of these but I knew I could still learn something from a true expert. BTW, judder is sever vibration or shaking so probably scarier than what you had.

[@FayeHadley]

Great to know!!! Thank you!!

[@ctech14367]

Thanks Faye, another cool instructional video

[@MrDLRu]

Just thought I'd mention this...I had a 1973 Olds Cutlass Supreme and what they did back then to prevent brake pads from squealing was, they machined a shallow V groove into the rotor on both sides...That ole school stuff right there.

[@FayeHadley]

Oh wow! Cool!

[@johnwells5314]

I remember Toyota had recalls on defective warped rotors back in the late 80's. The problem would occur very rapidly.. it caused massive vibration on the front end often ending in tire blow outs. For those lucky enough who fell under warranty, the entire front end components, CV joints, arms, struts, springs, rotors, and bushings were changed out. Camrys and Diesel Camrys were affected. God how I loved Toyota diesels. Their fuel injection seals would go bad after they reduced the sulfur in diesel by the end of the 80's. After that, diesel owners had to put in a sulfur additive after each fill-up to prevent the seals from going bad. The mechanical fuel injection could go about 200,000 miles before service being needed. Diesel Camrys got about 42 to 45 miles to the gallon, at 55 mph at that time.. and the turbo substantially improved performance on those small 4 cylinder diesels... oh what a feeling.

[@FayeHadley]

I changed out all the seals on my Volkswagen when it was diesel! Once again back in the '80s when they made the best vehicles ever!! And while I'm too young to remember that happening at the dealership I've definitely read back on some of the technical service bulletins from around that era! So I'm a little bit familiar with what you're talking about!!

[@Micnify]

You just taught me something, because I have that problem, now I have a good idea of what it is. Thanks! Mic'21

[@Razhuan]

Hi Faye Hadley hope all is well and I see the chicks are doing well ,enjoyed the program keep up the good works 🌹

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I’ve had some that are so bad you could see the pattern on the rotor once the wheel was off. Also with the rigid mount caliper these Toyotas use, it will amplify a minor out of parallel. Especially if the inner and outer surfaces are different runout. Nice informative video!

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Great install video! I know your pain of dealing with cicadas, They are brutal in Texas!

[@ScagsWH13]

Put drilled/slotted Powerstop rotors and pads on my LS years ago and they're still holding up great.

[@thomascoolidge2161]

This would have been a great time for you to have given Grim the Tundra Break upgrade (TBU). The third gens were bad for warped rotors and upgrading to the larger rotors and calipers helps solve that.

[@FayeHadley]

I was planning on that upgrade, but then THESE WERE FREE!! 😆 I totally agree with ya, but so far 8 months and no issues! I'll keep you updated!

[@tilleytristan]

@@FayeHadley I was gonna comment the same thing. Maybe a good video down the road (TBU). I Love home mine stops now.

[@titanjake8640]

Dang I'm sorry I did not see your comment! We think just alike

[@titanjake8640]

@@FayeHadley I apologize I forget $free.99 trumps all!! Hahahah

[@GEARWRENCHTools]

Faye - Awesome job! This video is packed with lots of great information and you are doing a great service to the community! Happy to see all those GEARWRENCH tools at work! The Dial Indicator, Kneeling Pad, PitBull Pliers, 90T Ratchets, and of course that Ultra-Thin Flex Head Work Light! Glad you are enjoying those tools! #GEARWRENCH

[@sarae3344]

Watching ur videos while on break be everything🙌🤩🥰

[@FayeHadley]

AWWWW 🥲🥲🥲 thank you!!!

[@narashrambharose5550]

Good brake job, down to to finest of detail, which I appreciate thank you.

[@FayeHadley]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brucewayne2773]

Super nice perks, free Power Stop brakes for Grim Repo.

[@FayeHadley]

So much needed! I had spent too much $$ around Christmas and had nothing left for mtsy so grim got cheap crap at first haha!

[@Grigory4]

Thank you Faye👍 really interesting video😉

[@gregdiiamond3899]

Aww, I was hoping for a Rabbit vid.lol Seriously, I learned all about Toyota brakes. I did a doc conversation in the front drums rear. I like to try and get the drums off cussing out Henry Ford but it’s fun to keep up with changing drum brakes. A lost art these days. I know you know how Faye. I really am glad you joined All Girl Garage. It’s on Motortrend Sat. and Sun mornings.

[@lexxstarr9700]

I have those towing rotors and pads on my 4runner and they are much better than the factory ones. You'll notice the breaking difference right away!

[@FayeHadley]

Omg I did!!!! Huge improvement!

[@ozziepagan5018]

Thank you for this informative video, I look forward to installing this set over the weekend on my Tundra. Love your videos!

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Faye, helpful video as always awesome score on the brake upgrade👍 I am 100% believer in factory Toyota parts had nothing but great luck but I wouldn’t pass and those either they seem to be very nice. Interesting about the soap and water you would think that the soap would leave a slight residue but probably not enough to make a difference. In your supra video you pointed out the jacking Point marks I’ve seen almost every supra video on KZbin and no one has ever pointed that out and a good percentage of those videos had the car on a lift do you know if those marks are exclusive to the A91 SE if they are I think I love the car even more🙂 either way great catch have a great one🐔🐔🐔👍

[@FayeHadley]

YES!! The stripes are exclusive to the A91 model, but there are companies out there that make them and offer them for sale, so you've got to be weary of fakes! A91s came only in blue and black and also don't have the heads up display.... that's the easiest way to spot a real one!

[@littlerabbit4376]

Awesome video & cool music at end & love the chicken family 💕😊

[@DavidRajulkahf]

I want to ask you, don't you think that starting to unscrew the nuts before lifting the vehicle and fasten them when the vehicle is on the ground is not optimal? (p.s. your labor in editing this video is ohh so worth it)

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you! And no, you HAVE to loosen the lugs when the wheels are on the ground; especially using hand tools. That's the proper way to jack a car when you're stuck on the side of the road as well. If the tire is off of the ground, what will be counter force holding it still while you turn that tiny, foot long life wrench the 120 ft lbs loose (which most are overtightened anyway) absolutely won't happen. You will just be fighting yourself. You need the weight of the car to give you the leverage necessary to loosen the lug nuts. Unless it's a rear wheel, and you can set the eBrake; but then again, you shouldn't be applying excessive, unnecessary torque to the lugs while the heavy vehicle is balancing on that factory-supplied, sketchy scissor jack. This is THE proper way to remove a wheel. Thanks for the question, that was a really good one!

[@rogerreyes3759]

Kool! thank you for the information. The brake pads brake in is the same as the TRD pad that I got for my 2012 Tundra. 😎

[@richardgalindo1364]

Power Stop is an excellent upgrade from stock. Otherwise, get factory original rotors and good brake pads like Akebono. Faye, you called that one right! I had a shudder when driving at speed. A wheels off the ground shake test revealed worn inner tie rods. So like Faye did, test before buying parts.

[@matsuno415]

Another awesome video!! Thank you for putting this together!

[@FayeHadley]

Thanks so much!

[@kenxiong6830]

You’ve just got another subscriber!!! Good work

[@c0mputer]

If anyone feels that their dial indicator holders move or are not rigid enough or are just cheap feeling. Look into NOGA dial indicator holders. They are more expensive than the Chinese made ones but my god, they are life changing. They are solid as a rock and can totally eliminate the frustration of giving you false readings if your indicator is moving slightly as you perform your task. They are the standard in machine shops. Just saying.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you for the tip!!! I haven't had an issue with these (and they're affordable) BUT I'll definitely keep that in mind!

[@joegasparro2395]

I caught a few commercials with you on a tv show. Congrats! Is this a new video, you back from filming the show??

[@cordel666giglesworth6]

Hey Fay love your channel thank you for the 4runner timing belt video really awesome video watched like 4 times to get my self ready for the job thank you again and God bless

[@journeyswithlittletpage1669]

I just think you're totally awsome! I send links to your videos to my granddaughters!

[@FayeHadley]

I'm honored!!!

[@davej652]

Where can I get that awesome looking knee pad you were using? Folded cardboard doesn't cut it for very long.

[@FayeHadley]

GearWrench tools!👍🏻

[@kayakuprising5914]

Thanks for a great vid Faye!

[@titanjake8640]

Faye I love your 3rd gen videos! This was another good one. However you could have done the Tundra/Sequoia upgrade since you have at least 16" wheels and tires. I have done this to all 3 of my 4runners with no regrets as our trucks are heavy and Toyota skimmed on the rotor small size. Just my 3 cents! Keep up the goooooood work

[@titanjake8640]

I have to reply to my own...I forgot the powerstops were free!!! I'm sorry Faye

[@FayeHadley]

Totally! You are spot-on. I intended on doing that upgrade, but these were free, and so far they are AWESOME! But that is definitely on my wish list!! :))

[@michaelskinner896]

Nice video. I can see why you got hired by MT. You make it interesting and fun!

[@paulscalice758]

Nice sanitary job Faye, you're a real pro! 👍

[@projectmustardseed857]

Thank you I haven't even a dial indicator in many moons. They are worth their weight in gold when working on external drive motors. The Girls Garage logo flashed on the screen too fast for me to read. Thanks for making your video's hopefully you are getting sponcers to help pay for your time.

[@jimkoz5052]

Great job Faye. Love all your vids. Love you. Take Care . P.S. Can you maybe work on a 2020 Rogue brakes. Thanks

[@alexv5581]

You are awesome Fate ! Bow I am having vibrating issues as well. Its light vibration from the steering wheel, light body vibration around 30mph and again at around 60mph (only when accelerating) could this be a need of wheel alignment, u joint, tires , or bad rotors ?

[@johnsmith-si7bj]

I’m here to see your cute chickens

[@Powerchord010]

I have the same issue on a 1998 Toyota Camry XLE. I just replaces the rotors last years and the issue continued along with break pad but not caliper. *Off to do breaks*

[@FayeHadley]

Calipers came with the kit, and I did have one sticking which had made the overheating worse!!!

[@Powerchord010]

@@FayeHadley Really? I’ve been changing different things to narrow down the problem for a year. I haven’t changed the wheel hub. I’m not done replacing every suspension and break component yet. If you find out what is causing the shaking please let me know. I like your videos 😎✌🏾

[@jptrainor]

I have a vehicle that feels like it has a warped rotor but only after the brakes are hot. It's mostly body shake, not much pedal or steering shake. The run out measurement is fine when the brakes are cold. The problem seems to come and go so I ignored it early on, with time, however, it has become worse. The best I can figure out it is related to heat. Cheap rotors BTW. I'll be doing a full brake job with non-cheap brake rotors.

[@charles_wipman]

I didn't knew that you can get vibration on the steering wheel because of the shape of the rotors; nice!, one more thing that i learn to keep in mind.

[@FayeHadley]

YES! But it can be many things: tie rod ends, loose suspension components, rusty hubs, etc so pulling the E-brake helped isolate!

[@MartinX192]

Toyo saying to use soapy water makes sense. In my experience glass cleaner in the metal spray can actually work wonders for brake noise you cant get rid of on new brakes/rotors

[@g.fortin3228]

Nice Job as always , Faye !

[@dogsarefun2]

Been using akebona pro act pads for years on 5 vehicles, never a problem and wear well.

[@patmcnally6]

Fantastic Faye

[@MrDanielSoliz]

Great video and very informative.

[@MrDanielSoliz]

also love your cool tools!

[@FayeHadley]

THANKS DANNY!!!!!!! 😀

[@atticstattic]

"What's with all the measurement tools in the silverware drawer?" -- "It's Faye!"

[@paulgallagher3122]

Nice score on the brake kit!

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

882! OMG I thought you were gone.. seems like forever since I got notice of a new video! :0)

[@leeverink32]

You can also get rotors redone with a disk lathe way cheaper than new ones they do however have to be within factory spec. New and old disks do not realy differ far from each other because the need to fit. the brake material is what wears down way faster than the disk they can warp when they get to thin, overheating, cooled down to fast with water. What people forget is that a little rust is nothing to worry about because they are bare metal and just holding it (with out the oily protection on it) will rust them. WARNING! Always clean the disks before use or you dont have any breaks on your car! It is NOT necessary to replace the brake calipers on your car unless you removed the brake caliper piston(s) and found scratches inside or on the piston(s) or had any other issues with it.

[@dannylister558]

Very good video..thank you!

[@yowaitwhat]

The oem manufacturer site is called Akebono? Like the sumo wrestler? That's randomly rad

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

"Twenty eight ten thousandths of an inch"... lol. Switch to metric America. Another great video Faye.

[@sheldondyck8631]

I thought I had a vibration when braking once too. Turns out, I was just in Nebraska

[@FayeHadley]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ivanferguson2509]

Yea new mexico is the same way. If your front end isn't screwed when you arrive it will be when you leave.

[@Misterpapo...]

15:36 wooow super fast ❤

[@talonduet]

Sweet baby Jesus those are sexy! I remember watching ya pick this runner at the salvage yard waaaay back when! hahaha glad to see it's still getting loving! That's one of my dream rigs as well! ✌

[@tolgaozavclar9444]

Hello Faye :)) A little advice, always use ferodo brake pads, you will never be disappointed.

[@stewartmatthews1551]

I will definitely keep that in mind

[@spike736]

loved the end 👍🐣

[@LuisDiaz-oe2lj]

One time my high school mechanics teacher asked me why the engine was missing on a classic car in his shop for a test....I was puzzled because the engine was RIGHT THERE😅 in the car 🚗 so I told him "what do you mean it's right there" he laughed his ass out and sent me back to the class room😂

[@michaelhorner2533]

Hey Faye,,, love your vids, gettin ready for full brake job on my 2000 jeep Cherokee never hurts to brush up alittle beforehand,, never to old to learn new tricks, mostly 2wheel in summer but i need that 4wheel drive for winter , could barley here the chainsaw,, take care girl,,,,, Oh yea, dig all the chicks on ur vids🕶

[@randyperfecto7468]

Thanks Faye awesome as always

[@joedq]

Very informative. I have a 2002 camaro that had violent steering wheel shake mostly while on the interstate, it would stay a few miles and go away. I changed all 4 rotors and all of the pads, car has been fine for 6,000 miles, and this morning it started the violent shaking again for a few minutes at a time, not constant, and not during braking. So are my rotors going south again. I do drive 110 miles a day round trip for work. any idea?

[@Dirkmez]

I think in this case, best to just use metric rather than British units. Not sure why the UK didn't think that there could possibly need units smaller than inches, but there are many reasons.

[@NebukedNezzer]

Nice video. I use Akebono pads on my cars. one thing that I have learned over many years. aluminum wheels contribute to brake rotor warp. steel wheels do not. my cars have steel wheels.

[@Torsee]

9:45 If you live in the rust belt. Spray some FluidFilm or equivalent on the hub before you put the rotor on. The next guy or girl will thank you for it. Hi Faye!

[@FayeHadley]

You may have noticed the color change on the hub ;) even not in the rust belt I do that!!! 😁👍🏻

[@funwithboris1174]

306158 miles, heck yeah 4runner!

[@vladimircampos2993]

Hiii Faye, what beautiful so u are, un addition to an excellent and great mechanic!!!. Where is your workshop to take my three Toyota.

[@cesarpereira5965]

Good video. Thanks

[@SIRIMMY2U]

Yay! Super duper! As foretold ♏🦂

[@DemigodNSX]

Hi Faye another great video. Quick question, if the rear rotors are warped can that make the steering wheel shake also or is it just the fronts have to be warped for the shaking?

[@jytheiowaguy1897]

The rears you will usually feel more in your seat than the steering wheel

[@FayeHadley]

I agree with JY! You will feel it more in your seat, but rear brakes can also manifest in the steering wheel (more likely on smaller cars or vehicles with stiff bodies like the Prius, I've been tricked by that before!) but if you're unsure, definitely do the E-brake trick, just be careful!!

[@DemigodNSX]

@@FayeHadley Thanks Faye and JY for the reply!

[@666kty3]

Also...Tundra brakes are a bolt on upgrade for the pad/rotor eating third gen brakes.

[@pablojimenez5736]

Is possible to use a dial caliper instead of a micrometer? What is an accepted tolerance of a manufactured rotors? Rotors are produced massively and many times the tool nose compensation is not performed in appropriate time. Saying this, what brand do you know follow up good quality control? What do u think of Akebono pads?

[@randalldurk8522]

I'm replacing my brake pads on my 2007 Toyota Tacoma soon, at 214,000 so little tid bits in this video will help.....and save me money.

[@pepperwatson7784]

Your simply amazing

[@bradleypalmer4286]

Hi faye 👋. You mentioned if the rotor is warped to replace the pads and rotor. Do I need to do this on both sides? Or just the side that is warped?

[@paulhoskins7852]

Faye Bae All Day!!! Always great!

[@BlackDragon-xn2ww]

Wow never knew there was so much to a brake job just slap on pads with stick on vib thingy and go never had a prob

[@julioespino7112]

Faye was up shout out from funky town tx

[@amyteng8802]

Are all Toyota OEM brake pads Akebono's? Or more specifically, in 2013 Toyota Sequoia?

[@tlallihouse3126]

Wondering if you put a lift kit on it?.…. Just got my 2000 4runner

[@StraightLineCycles]

Awesomeness

[@woodworker4063]

Vice Grip Garage will be sad you didn't use the Vice Grips 😀

[@FayeHadley]

Haha oh no!!! I do use those quite a bit!!! 😅