Need Front Brakes, Vibration in Steering Wheel

onecrazyfoo4u · June 21, 2016

So I've been delayed fixing this problem due to work travel...but back at it again. The brake components all seem perfect, everything is tight, the calipers glide easy, rotors are mounted flush on the hub (everything was cleaned smooth with a wire brush). But it's just getting worse, I can really feel a shaky front end whenever I hit the brakes. It's almost violently shaking when I hit the brakes (but only when brakes are active). It's worse the faster you're going, or hotter it is outside. The tires were re-balanced but that didn't help any.

I noticed when slowing down at slow speeds at a stop light, with a light brake pedal, I can feel it catch on every tire rotation. I can feel my body lurch forward slightly each time the wheel rotates around...like the rotor is crooked or something is rubbing at every wheel rotation. Can only feel it at slow 5-10 mph speeds.

Do you think the rotors could be shot already? Or would a bad wheel bearing give that feeling while slowing down? What else would cause it?

muddkatt · June 21, 2016

At least 1 rotor IS warped.

onecrazyfoo4u · June 21, 2016

At least 1 rotor IS warped.

Is that the only problem that would cause my symptoms? Just hard to imagine being warped brand new. I broke them in and bedded properly...

muddkatt · June 21, 2016

The pulsing while braking (only) is a rotor not running true. It could be warped, OR I had one that actually swelled in the center part of the braking surface. It showed up while it was being turned on a lathe. The guy that was running the lathe said he had seen a few do that.

Just an FYI, I have had rotors warp in just a few hundred miles. I have also had them go well beyond 100,000. I never had any luck with the Autozone, Napa, etc. cheap rotors.

onecrazyfoo4u · June 21, 2016

Okay, guess I'll be pulling them and doing a warranty swap at advanced auto! These were the top advanced brand, but I think I'll avoid advanced brand brakes on the future.