Vibration (Shaking) while Braking - 2016 Limited CrewMax 4x4

2016 Limited CrewMax 4x4, purchased used (26k miles) in 2017.

Not long after purchase, I noticed a pronounced vibration when braking. The dealership would only replace the brake rotors / pads (outside of warranty) as they were convinced this was the only problem. I've replaced rotors and pads multiple times, to no avail.

I'm nearing 200k miles and while recently servicing the truck, I noticed the UCA bushings are all but destroyed. I'm suspect that part of this ongoing and worsening shake (or at least the worsening) is related to worn bushings. If I replace the UCAs, should I do the ball joints, rotors, brakes, bearings, all at the same time?

Any other guidance on what my problem might be?

 

I would assess the ball joints and bearings for any play and use that to determine if they need to be replaced. While its possible they could be a source of vibration, its relatively uncommon. I personally wouldn't just prophylactically change them, especially the bearings because that's a more labor intensive/$ job. Pads and rotors are a common source of vibration on these trucks, especially if you tow heavy. That combined with your UCA's may just be the issue.

 

I have check you tire balance?

 

I would definitely mirror this and add an alignment to your game plan. I had a similar issue on my truck last year and ended up doing pads, rotors and an alignment. If you do new UCA's then obviously you'll already do one, but I'm always amazed at how much better my truck drives after getting an alignment done. I doubt a bad alignment would be the source of your issue, but it certainly wouldn't help.

 

Thanks! I don't tow very often - and nothing terribly heavy. I've been through multiple pads and rotors. ANything else that could be showing excessive play?

 

About every 7500 miles. Have been through multiple sets of Michelins. Lug nut torque values are at spec, too.

 

Thanks! Had an alignment about 10k miles ago and to no avail. After the UCA's, definitely back to the alignment shop.

WRT UCAs, is there an aftermarket brand that's good to go with for a stock 4x4?

 

Bet you could get someone's stock UCA free or cheap. Plenty of people have swapped uca as part of lifting.
That would let you rule it out at minimum cost.

 

Oh yeah there's tons of brands, Icon, Camburg, Total Chaos, Dirt King, take your pick. Take a look at SDHQ.com, the have a ton of options.

 

Since you've done brakes, other softer parts may be worth checking if they are all high milage parts now.

If you're able to see wear in UCA bushings, i wonder what LCA bushings look like. Especially rearward bushing. I know that that one had a lot of movement on one of my past trucks enough that it would cause tire to rub if braking while in a slight turn.

I've noticed vibration while braking if a tire was slightly out of balance or out of round. Like if a tire flatspots from being parked for a long time i might get a vibration only around 60mph driving but then if i brake hard it'll shake all the way down from 60-10mph sometimes until i've gone enough miles for the tire to round itself back out better.

 

I'll take a look at the LCA. This vibration has been happening regardless of which tire, new, old, freshly balanced, etc.

 

Tried everything…its a flaw….. last shop was honest said just do rotors. Lasted just as long as pads and rotors.
Someone at said shop said “ welcome to Tundra land”
I’m