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Steering wheel wobble during braking

  • Thread starter Thread starter brtnstrns
  • Start date Start date Aug 15, 2011

brtnstrns

Member
Dec 19, 2003
606
11
19
Lewisville, TX
Aug 15, 2011
#1
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #1
When I'm coming off of the highway my steering wheel starts to get some wobble in between ~40-50 MPH. Its obvious something with the brake system is causing this since it only happens during braking but does anyone know where I should first start looking? Thanks
 
S

sandiegostang

Member
May 19, 2011
75
1
6
Aug 15, 2011
#2
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #2
Uneven brake wear. Change pads and rotors. I just did mine today and the problem is gone.
 
4

40oz

Member
Jan 9, 2006
499
3
18
Minneapolis
Aug 15, 2011
#3
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #3
Your rotors need to be turned or replaced.
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Aug 15, 2011
#4
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #4
I agree with the rotor suggestion. Honestly, don't bother turning them, just replace them.

While down there you might want to double-check the condition of the tie rod ends, the lower ball joints and wheel bearings.
 

usaf_branham

15 Year Member
Oct 30, 2008
927
134
84
Boston
Aug 15, 2011
#5
  • Aug 15, 2011
  • #5
i 2nd rotors & pads
 

Lugnuts

Member
May 11, 2011
128
0
16
Evans, GA
Aug 16, 2011
#6
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #6
Without question - warped rotors. Chances are if you turn them then they will be close to minimum specification and will warp again. They are not that expensive so I too would just replace them. Remember to break them in if you want the best performance and longest life. Break in procedure will be determined by type of pads used.
 

Rusty67

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 3, 2002
3,749
37
109
LA, CA
Aug 16, 2011
#7
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #7
Warped rotors most likely. You need to look deeper. Find out why they warped. Do you ride your brakes hard all the time ? Are you running through canyons on the weekend ? Rotors usually warp from consistent exposure to high heat and hard braking.

If you haven't been beating on your braking system then it is likely that your calipers are out of whack. Check slide pin operation and make sure its smooth and even. Look at your pad wear to make sure the pads are wearing flat and that pads on both sides of the same caliper are wearing evenly. Also make sure the pads on both sides of the car are wearing relatively similarly.

When is the last time you flushed your brake fluid ? You should provably do that for good measure.
 
S

sandiegostang

Member
May 19, 2011
75
1
6
Aug 16, 2011
#8
  • Aug 16, 2011
  • #8
Rusty67 said:
Warped rotors most likely. You need to look deeper. Find out why they warped. Do you ride your brakes hard all the time ? Are you running through canyons on the weekend ? Rotors usually warp from consistent exposure to high heat and hard braking.

If you haven't been beating on your braking system then it is likely that your calipers are out of whack. Check slide pin operation and make sure its smooth and even. Look at your pad wear to make sure the pads are wearing flat and that pads on both sides of the same caliper are wearing evenly. Also make sure the pads on both sides of the car are wearing relatively similarly.

When is the last time you flushed your brake fluid ? You should provably do that for good measure.
Click to expand...

They are problably warped because they are old. The car probably had the pads replaced but never resurfaced the rotor. Over time it warped. Its not complicated. The calipers are fine because he never said that it pulls to either side when braking. He just needs new pads and rotors and it will all be fine. But it certainly would hurt to look at the old pads and rotors and check out how they wear. However unlikely, there could be a problem.
 

brtnstrns

Member
Dec 19, 2003
606
11
19
Lewisville, TX
Aug 17, 2011
#9
  • Aug 17, 2011
  • #9
Alright I figured as much. Thanks for the input guys.

sandiegostang said:
They are problably warped because they are old. The car probably had the pads replaced but never resurfaced the rotor. Over time it warped. Its not complicated. The calipers are fine because he never said that it pulls to either side when braking. He just needs new pads and rotors and it will all be fine. But it certainly would hurt to look at the old pads and rotors and check out how they wear. However unlikely, there could be a problem.
Click to expand...

I bought the car with 107k miles on it and I'm now at 117k miles, so I would also assume its from lifespan as opposed to extreme braking, as the car is pretty much stock and I don't beat on it too badly.
 
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