Shudder during deceleration

[RoushMustang]

Hey guys,

I have an EX35 AWD Journey, it has 35k on it. I've noticed over the past 5,000k or so I experience a shutter during deceleration. I'm having trouble isolating what is causing this. At first I had thought perhaps the rotors had warped. However, you typically will feel that vibration in the brake pedal and I do not. I find that the vibration is somewhat inconsistent, meaning it isn't necessarily worse during hard vs light braking. I've tried decelerating while the transmission is in neutral, still has a vibration. It has the original Dunlops on it, I did have to replaced one (left rear). I can't see it being a wheel out of balance? I have also noticed that the transmission takes a little longer to go from reverse-neutral-drive. Likewise, during acceleration from a complete stop, I think I'm feeling perhaps some slipping? This could also be me over analyzing.

Based on some reading that I've done on the forums I think a good place to start would be checking the transmission fluid. Any other thoughts or advice, appreciate it!

[XIS]

what year is it? Is it still under wty? 35K is so low, I doubt it is rotors. Mine has 81K on her and one or both front rotors might be starting to warp a tiny bit. I think I feel it more in the steering wheel than the brake pedal, but it is only at super low speeds, like slowing to a stop at a traffic light....and I AM hypersensitive to anything 'not normal'.
Where do you feel it'? have you isolated a MPH range?
I doubt it is transmission fluid, but you should check it to make sure it is at the correct levels.

[RoushMustang]

Sorry, it's a 2008.. You don't feel it in the steering wheel or brake pedal or anything like that. It's the entire car that doesn't decelerate in a smooth way. I haven't been able to isolate to a speed range either.

[RoushMustang]

I just finished installing new OEM rotors on all 4 corners. No more shudder.

[XIS]

Well I think that's actually good news that it wasn't something more serious.

Did you change the pads too? (just curious... my akebono pads are newish but now I am tempted to just replace my front rotors)

[NJGuy]

Did you change the pads too? (just curious... my akebono pads are newish but now I am tempted to just replace my front rotors)

As long as your pads have plenty of thickness left and have even wear, I don't think it should be an issue if you change only the rotors. I believe it's pretty common for dealerships to machine brake rotors without changing out pads to remedy brake vibration. Aside from the overall rotor thickness, I don't see it being much different than throwing on brand new rotors. I'd just recommend that you perform some of the other practices that help to keep the vibration from returning.

[RoushMustang]

After a lot of thought I decided against changing the pads. They had tons of material left, just gave them a good cleaning before reinstalling.

Going to look at replacing the Dunlops that are on the car now. I've been reading terrible things about them. They certainly are noisy, plus they're old now. Was thinking about Michelin Premier LTX.

[XIS]

...tires.... I just replaced my Pirelli's with some BFG's and I LOVE the wet and dry traction improvement. Oh my.

BFG g-force comp-2 a/s (235/55/17)