Steering wheel shake

[typhus]

My 2004 pathy, Ive had to do the front brakes once, but with no visible rotor wear, I never had them turned. Brake job was about 6 months ago, and I just started noticing my steering wheel shaking like crazy when I brake hard. Pulled off the wheels and checked the brakes again yesterday, but everything looks fine. Is this a warped rotor, or could there be something else causing this vibration upon braking?

[timmack]

if it only does it while braking, 99% of the time a warped rotor is the cause. ive also seen that happen due to loose lugnuts though. and you most likely wont be able to visually see the warped rotor....youll have to pull it off and take it in.

[typhus]

Thanks T-mack, are these rotors able to be turned to correct the problem, or do you need to purchase new ones?

[timmack]

ususally yes, depending on if the rotor is within the max runout spec of the rotor, the shop turning them should measure that before doing anything. it all depends on how hard the truck has been driven, and how many miles are on the rotors. mine is a 2002 and i had the brakes done at 73000 miles, they were able to turn the rotors instead of replacing them.