Shake when braking

[Tim]

When I brake at low speeds (between 15-25 mph), I get a shake in the steering wheel and the whole car kind of shudders. This doesn't occur at high speeds, and I had the brakes checked out about a year ago and the mechanic said they were OK but would eventually need servicing. He didn't go into specifics about anything though.

The front wheel bearings were replaced, as were both lower control arms about 3 years ago. I haven't heard any strange noises from the front end, or any issues with steering.

The tires seem to be wearing OK, although I did notice a little play in the front passenger side wheel when I grab and shake it, and I can hear a quiet knock when the car is parked and I give the steering wheel a sharp jerk to the right.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this? Bad tie rod end? Botched bearing replacement?


Thanks.

-Tim

[gdawgs]

Most likely warped brake rotors. Does the brake pedal pulse as well?

[Gforcefd]

I forget what the name are, but if one of the two bolts that hold the caliper on (the ones that slide and have rubber grommets on them) rust or seezes up, when you press the brake the caliper will engage at a angle and cause a shudder. I just had this happen. Replaced calipers and my shudder when braking went away. Also would shudder without even using the brakes every once in a while too.

[ejp2fast]

I forget what the name are, but if one of the two bolts that hold the caliper on (the ones that slide and have rubber grommets on them) rust or seezes up, when you press the brake the caliper will engage at a angle and cause a shudder. I just had this happen. Replaced calipers and my shudder when braking went away. Also would shudder without even using the brakes every once in a while too.

check that first....

then check for warped rotors.. taking the wheels off and inspecting may reveal some issues in itself.

[batstiva]

Leaning towards warped/cracked rotors myself. Wife's van started doing what you are talking about. Pulled the front wheels, found several big cracks in the pass. side rotor. Swapped 'em both, smooth sailing since then.

[drddan]

My old front brake pads were causing a shimmy. Thought it was out of balance tires. Had 'em balanced and still shimmied. Needed brakes and when I changed the pads, the shimmy went away. Pads were pretty bad shape.

[FestYboy]

if it were the rotors, it would happen at any speed; i'm leaning tward the caliper sliders sticking (lube them and you'll be good)

[Tim]

Hey everyone, thanks for the help.

My car is due for new brake pads soon, so I'll grease everything while I'm down there see if that cures the problem.


-Tim

[Fordverde]

I Have the same thing but at high Speed

[Gforcefd]

Fordverde, yours is more likely a unbalanced rim.

[Zanzer]

^^ +1 My car rode like CRAP untill I went back and balanced all the tires. It made a HUGE difference...even on very worn tires. I guess the previous owners figured small tires didn't need balancing or sopmething.

Also had a warped rim on the front that wasn't helping either.

[batstiva]

if it were the rotors, it would happen at any speed; i'm leaning tward the caliper sliders sticking (lube them and you'll be good)

You could be right, but when the wife's van had its issues, it only shook when braking at lower speeds, going downhill. Be curious what he finds when he gets everything apart.

[TominMO]

I forget what the name are, but if one of the two bolts that hold the caliper on (the ones that slide and have rubber grommets on them) rust or seezes up, when you press the brake the caliper will engage at a angle and cause a shudder. I just had this happen. Replaced calipers and my shudder when braking went away. Also would shudder without even using the brakes every once in a while too.

The caliper bolt goes thru a metal sleeve. on the outside of the sleeve is a full-length rubber piece.

If the caliper itself gets corroded in the bolt hole bore, you can 1. either replace it or 2. hone it out (metal brush on drill, or file) to get rid of the corrosion. John and I honed out the caliper bolt hole bores on my 323; on both sides the lower ones were corroded, and the brakes binded. After honing, the calipers moved back and forth very freely.

So if you hone it out, then put the rubber piece in without grease; it should be snug against the bore. Then grease up the metal tube on the outside; it should slide back and forth against the rubber piece. On the bolt itself, clean it up, grease it and put some anti-sieze on the threads.

Calipers are pretty cheap tho, so just buy them if you don't feel like doing all the work, or just want new ones. But to put new ones on is most of the same work you will do to clean the old ones.

[Fordverde]

Fordverde, yours is more likely a unbalanced rim.

The tyres are new and all 4 wheels are balanced. This has happened since I bought the car and I had the front bearings replaced and the vibration continues. Ideas? You feel the vibration on the pedal.

[Pu241]

Rotate your tires and see if the vibration moves.
I still think it unbalanced tires.
Just because you paid to have you tires balanced doesn't mean they were done properly.