Steering wheel shakes when braking! help

[eskay247]

Modified by stevek247 at 2:57 PM 3/24/2009

[coledog188]

I have the same problem, would like to see the answer...

[mpeatc5]

there usually isn't one answer to mechanical issues is there. but, if you have vibrations under braking, usually it is either a warped rotor or stuck caliper pistons, which cause warping of the rotor. either way time to replace the rotor and brake pads.

when you have the caliper apart, make sure that both caliper pistons are moving freely. try synthetic brake grease around the pistons, don't over do it, as you don't want grease to get on the pads themselves. push the pistons and in and out to lubricate them . if that doesn't work, then it's time for to rebuild the calipers, which is just replacing the seals, usually under $30. or, a rebuild caliper , which is less expensive than a new caliper.

if you have vibration under any condition i.e. braking or not , then it could be tires. if a belt brakes, tires will shimmy, shake and vibrate. try rotating the tires , or get new tires.

there are some great links in this forum to help out with the brakes and wheel bearing service. i just went through what you described and thanks to fueler, was able to take care of my brakes. look under a post with brakes regarding their QX4, just a couple of posts ago.

good luck.

[Metallica98]

Getting new tires fixed that problem for me.

[carnal_c30]

my initial guess would be warped rotors-

if not then I would look at the tires, check the tires for any uneven wear, cupping, flat spots, etc etc.

[AlabamaDan]

I'd say that your rotors need turning. While you're there, change the pads out. While you're changing the pads inspect the calipers. You can probably do all that yourself for less than $100, depending on what kind of pads you pick. If you talk to the guy at a shop he might be able to do it off the books for $20. I'd bet even money that it's a warped rotor.