brake pedal judder

[andrew_27]

Im a bit out of ideas an wondered if anyone could help...

my Toledo has developed a judder through the brake pedal when its depressed (its got drums on the front) so i took both drums off to inspect them, i found one leaky wheel cylinder which i replaced on one side and the other side looked to be fine, so i adjusted the brakes seeing as i was down there and bolted everything up to test. Ive just returned from a test run and the judder is still there! It brake no problem and stops the car fine without any pulling etc. Any ideas? I havent checked the rear ones yet but im planning that for this evening

[cliftyhanger]

Try the handbrake when moving, see if it judders. That will decide if the issue is front or rear.

Leaky cylinder, did it affect the shoes at all??

Could be drums out of round?

[Dolly-Nut]

I had this on a Sprint, caused by a worn bulkhead steering bush.

[gmsclassics]

Excessive play just about anywhere in the hubs or steering can cause a brake judder, although usually it is a gradual change.

Jack each front wheel up and check for worn wheel bearings first, then play in the left end of the steering rack. Could also be upper or lower suspension ball joints or the steering ball joints. Also as above any play in the steering between the wheel and the rack. Basically any clonking or free play anywhere will need fixing.

If you also get judder when driving at a specific speed (usually around 50mph) that could indicate a damaged or out of balance tyre. This can also lead to brake judder and can come on suddenly.

Geoff

[Jordan T]

I had the exact same problem with my old Toledo, which had front drum brakes.

The front cylinder seals had failed and contaminated the shoes with brake fluid.

A new set of shoes transform the front brakes and removed all signs of juddering.

Many thanks,

Jordan