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Vibrating Brakes on my 2020 Ram 2500 Big Horn

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ram 2500 Big Horn

Hey forum,

I'm experiencing a noticeable vibration when braking in my 2020 Ram 2500 Big Horn. It's got about 40,000 miles on it, and the vibration is most prominent when braking from highway speeds, say 60 mph down to 30 mph. It feels like it's coming from the front end, and I can feel it through the steering wheel and brake pedal.

I haven't done any heavy towing recently, just normal daily driving. Could this be warped rotors already? Or something else I should be looking at? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:33 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A vibration during braking, especially at highway speeds, is a classic symptom of an issue within your braking system, most commonly related to the front rotors on a heavy-duty truck like your 2020 Ram 2500 Big Horn. While 'warped rotors' is the common term, it's more accurately described as uneven rotor thickness or runout.

Here are the primary causes and what to check:

  1. Rotor Runout/Uneven Thickness: This is the most likely culprit. Overheating from heavy braking, improper lug nut torque, or even just normal wear can cause the rotor surface to become uneven. When the brake pads clamp down, they 'catch' on these high spots, causing the vibration.
  2. Sticking Caliper: A caliper that isn't releasing properly can cause one or more pads to drag, leading to excessive heat and uneven wear on the rotor. This can also cause a burning smell or pulling to one side.
  3. Worn Suspension Components: While less common for brake-specific vibrations, worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings can exacerbate vibrations or contribute to a general instability that feels like a brake issue.
  4. Tire Imbalance/Issues: An out-of-balance tire can cause vibrations, but typically these are constant and not just during braking. However, a severely out-of-round tire could contribute.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Visually inspect your rotors for any deep grooves, scoring, or discoloration (blue/purple spots indicate excessive heat).
  • Check your brake pads for uneven wear. If one pad is significantly thinner than the other on the same wheel, it could indicate a caliper issue.
  • Ensure lug nuts are torqued correctly to factory specifications. Improper torque can distort rotors.

When to See a Shop:

  • If the vibration is severe or worsens.
  • If you notice any pulling to one side during braking.
  • If you're unsure about inspecting the components yourself.
  • A professional can measure rotor runout and thickness variation, diagnose sticking calipers, and recommend replacement or machining of rotors and pads. Given it's a heavy-duty truck, proper brake maintenance is crucial for safety.
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