My car has this terrible shudder when I brake. It doesn't matter if it's a smooth brake or a sudden stop, the wheel shakes and the shifter moves forwards and backwards. I already know I need new pads, but what is the shaking from?

 

bad rotors!!!

 

well shoot if the rotors are bad, I might as well man up to the LS400 BBK. Or maybe TT setup

 

could be brake judder caused by uneven pad transfer

 

This.

I had the same problem after about 25k miles on my LS400 brakes.

I took them to O'Reilly and had them turned for about $20.

If the rotors are still of acceptable thickness(there is a minimum thickness to be resurfaced), it is a much cheaper route.

 

i have the same problem.i think my rotors are warped and my caliper is sticking which in turn could have helped warp my rotor.