Can warped rotors cause traction control activation?

So I borrowed my son's 2010 to go snowboarding in WV this week since my RAM is in the shop (yes, I know), and I had some failry significant steering wheel shake on my way back down the mountain this morning. I hadn't noticed it on the way there. It was only happening when the brake was applied. Decceleration by downshifting didn't produce any shake whatsoever, so I assume it isnt' a steering or suspension issue...I would guess warped brake rotors.

We bought the truck with aftermarket brakes put on by the previous owner because he lived on a mountain and wanted an upgrade. I think they're the powerstops with the red calipers, but I havent' bothered to look yet.

Anyway...has anyone experienced traction control activation or ABS activiation as a result of warped rotors? I had two alarming instances during braking in a faily tight turn coming down the mountain that caused the truck to damn near lock up. Steering became unmageable and the truck pulled me into the oncoming lane without warning. It felt similar to ABS activation, but the roads were fairly dry, and I wasn't driving agggressively. The lock up was followed by 4-5 quick beeps...then everything was peachy again. I tried to recreate the issue several times but was unable to do so.

Anyone have similar experience? Insight? I'm going to pull the wheels off tomorrow and look at the brakes, but would like to get some other ideas before getting started.

 

Is the truck lifted?
If so, you need to recalibrate the VSC.
This should fix the ABS and Steering issues.

See this link to reset VSC: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485/

It will not fix the brake/rotor issue thar is causing the steering wheel to shake when braking.
You'll need to have the rotors turned (or replaced), and possibly new pads as well.

 

I think the previous owner put some take offs from a 3rd gen on it. Looks like its about 1-2" taller than stock. I did just put a slightly larger tire on the truck about 2 months ago.

So...this VSC is supposed to modulate the brakes to keep the truck from spinning out of control in hard corners? That's crazy...because it basically caused me to be out of control. I'm not trying to get too deep in the weeds on this, but how does installing larger tires and/or a lift cause this to malfunction?

Thanks for the info regardless. That's a much better solution than the one I was imagining...

 

After reading through that thread I'm convinced that I'm experiencing the same thing. The first time it happened I didn't notice any dash light activiation, but it was a rather abrupt experience and I was pretty much in survival mode. The second time it happend I made a point to look at the dash since it felt like an ABS activation...didnt see any lights. Either way, I'll try the VSC thing tomorrow and hope for the best. Thanks again.

 

In short, it screws with the yaw rate sensor.

The sensor is calibrated for the stock height and suspension.
When you switch to deferent suspension components, it reacts diffrent than the stock components.
The Yaw rate sensor and ABS module see "unexpected" data and activate the ABS to "save itself".


It is much more technical than that. But that is basically what it does.

I've said it for years, The ABS in the 2nd Gen is rudimentary at best. I needs works.
2005-2008 seem to be worse as far as "stopping" when using the abs.

Most 2005-2008 trucks didn't have VSC, and are better suited for lifting.
But the ABS SUCKS.......Pulling the ABS fuse is a better option in some case, in my opinion. (on the 2002008 trucks)

 

Yes, warped rotors can cause steering wheel shake. It grabs harder in one spot vs the rest and this creates a harmonic that will change with wheel speed. This excessive braking in the high spot creates a very mild turning effect and this causes the steering wheel shake. It is basically regular friction followed by excessive friction and repeated at a high frequency. This will not, however, create the stability issues that you mentioned during the turns.

 

Stock brakes warp.

Traction control is not the same as ABS. Older 2nd gens don't have traction control.

ABS is vehicle detecting loss of tire traction, resulting in application of ABS unit pulsing. Likely through ABS sensors at the hub monitoring wheel rotation.

ABS is activation is not the same as pulsation from warp.

 

I’ve never yet warped a set of rotors. And never had pad transfer build up.
Not even on my 1st Gen running a 70 lbs+ wheel tire setup and towing a trailer.
My father is a truck driver, he taught us to use our gears and not ride the brake unnecessarily.
Or maybe I’m lucky?

I won’t say how much weight I’ve towed with my 2nd. And my trailer doesn’t have brakes.
I think a lot of warped rotors (if they warp) are due to driving style.

Now, I will agree that up until about 2017 or so, the Honda SUV and Trucks did have rotor issues.

 

Ideally, braking should be done before entering the turn, not in the middle of it.

 

Not relevant

doesn’t matter

 

Moot.

 

Brake rotors don't warp in practical non-racetrack use. Could be pad deposits burned onto the rotor surface, could be seized caliper (where 1 or 2 out of the 4 pistons are stuck) due to rust.

You were probably just experiencing the outdated ABS algorithm on 2nd gens. Hard to say whether you would've stopped sooner with the ABS fuse pulled. Were you in 4hi at the time? 4WD helps to reduce braking distances due to absence of a center diff.

 

Sounds like you have a brake pulsation and the VSC needs calibrating.

Time for rotors and possibly pads, and check the caliper pistons for any sticking

It doesn't matter if the pulsation is caused by pad material transfer or warping, the fix is the same. Either replace or resurface, I like to replace

 

I was taught this as well. I was downshifting through turns. I've taught my children as well. This wasn't a drving style issue. The steering wheel shake and the ABS/VSC issue were both inconsistent, leaving me to beleive that both issues are stemming from the VSC.