I'm pretty sure I know the answer but thought I would throw it out here. 2001, 5speed, 249,000, 4 cyl

Having shuddering on braking. First thought is the brakes, warped rotors probably. But. front rotors and pads were just replaced 17,000 miles ago.

I'm assuming rotors are probably warped or glazed? I used the same type of rotors I've been using for years so it would be a first.

Plus, had an issue during a recent cold snap a few months ago. Driving in snow/ice, more ice since the temps were in the single digits. Felt like the brakes locked up when applied. Meaning, hit brakes god awful shuddering/rattling but that was only on first starting out on a trip (which sucked since I have to drive down a big hill to get to the main road). Once we were moving it would lessen and lessen but then when stopped for a extended period of time in traffic, it would do it again, almost like they were frozen solid (is that possible).

 

Look in DIY for a post about "bedding-in" the brakes. It's written for new or resurfaced rotors, but I've had a little success doing that when they're not freshly resurfaced.

 

I found it and it sounds interesting.

I assume the pads must be replaced first? I haven't had a chance to actually look under there yet, have had a Volvo top end project torn apart in the garage but hopefully have that back together next week and will be able to check them out.

 

I'd clean and lube the pins on the calipers to be sure they a moving properly as well.

 

Just to try something, I'd go ahead & do the bedding-in procedure without replacing anything. It might work, might not, but doesn't really cost you anything to try.

If you like dismantling stuff, then clean & lube the caliper slide-pins like Poorman says. AND ALSO take off the rotor and scuff it with some fine emery paper. Try to be even around the surface, but you're really just removing the glaze so it's not shiny/polished any more. THEN try bedding-in.

 

That sounds like a plan. I don't even have to do the work. I'll let the wife drive it this week, she brakes hard just its says; so they should be nice and smooth by Wednesday

 

Kidding aside, the most important thing about that procedure is NOT to come to a complete stop. You don't want to clamp the brakes tight on a real hot rotor that isn't moving.