Tom

Hi  Tom,

Q I own a 2001 Toyota Avalon with 81,000 miles. I had the brakes changed

to long-lasting heavy-duty brakes about 20,000 miles ago. When I step on the
brakes the car stops fine; however, the front end shimmies. What could cause
this shimmy?

Mark—Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Mark,

A Check the brake calipers to see if they are sticking. Also check for a

blocked rubber brake hose, as this would prevent the brake from releasing
after the pedal is released. Both of these conditions could cause the brakes to
stay applied after releasing your foot from the brake pedal resulting in
heating up of the rotors and warping, which ultimately causes the pedal
pulsation or shimmy when braking as you call it.