Steering wheel wobble during braking

[brtnstrns]

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

 

[sandiegostang]

Uneven brake wear. Change pads and rotors. I just did mine today and the problem is gone.

 

[40oz]

Your rotors need to be turned or replaced.

 

[trinity_gt]

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]

i 2nd rotors & pads

 

[Lugnuts]

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]

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.

 

[sandiegostang]

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.

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]

Alright I figured as much. Thanks for the input guys.

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.

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.