Brake Work
 

I have a 1999 Ranger 4.0L 4x4 and have brakes that shake when going downhill. I read that this is probably due to warped rotors. Could I have the rotors machined? I noticed a squeaky sound when I break and I have read that this could be do to warn brake pads. Is it possible that my brakes can be repaired with new pads and by having the rotors machined?

U can have them machined but if they are not within close enough spec you will have to buy new ones

Yeah if they are not within "safety specification" you will have to buy new brakes. Right now i have to get mine checked out because when i turn the wheel all the way right to go park somewhere i can't push the brake lol

How much does it cost? How hard is it to replace them yourself? Does shaking when going downhill mean that the rotors have to be replaced or can they be machined? I don't recall hearing a grinding sound, just a squeak when braking. What repair shops are recommended? Should I go to a Ford Dealer?

Buy new pads and rotors, it is money well spent. Chances are real good you will have the same problem shortly after you resurface the rotors and replace the pads.

As a note: ceramic brake pads give real stopping power for your vehicle, the down side of this great stopping power is they wear the rotors/drums out faster, so the price of a brake job will include new rotors/drums.

This info was past on to me by from the brake specialist at Les Schwab Tires, when I ask why he was throwing what appeared to be a good set of rotors. He also said he had put those pads and rotors on a couple years earlier.

Do a search online and see what others have to say about ceramic brake pads.

Use you own judgment when you replace your brakes.

Ray