why does my Ford Mustang S550 (2015-2023) shake when I brake hard

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure vehicle is on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery if working on electrical components.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors

• Sub-steps:
  • Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.
  • Remove the brake caliper by unbolting it and carefully hanging it to avoid straining the brake line.
  • Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  • Measure the thickness of the rotors; if below the minimum specification or warped, proceed to replace them.
  • Remove the rotor by unbolting it from the hub.
  • Install new rotors, ensuring they are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically 80-100 ft-lbs).

3. Replace Brake Pads

• Sub-steps:
  • Clean the caliper bracket and apply brake grease to the new brake pads where they contact the caliper.
  • Install new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
  • Reattach the brake caliper over the new pads and tighten the bolts to manufacturer specifications.

4. Inspect and Replace Suspension Components (if necessary)

• Sub-steps:
  • Check control arms, bushings, and tie rods for wear.
  • Replace any damaged or worn components with OEM or equivalent parts.
  • Ensure all nuts and bolts are torqued to manufacturer specifications.

5. Tire and Wheel Inspection

• Sub-steps:
  • Check tire pressure and adjust as needed.
  • Inspect tires for uneven wear; replace if necessary.
  • Ensure wheels are balanced and aligned properly.