Brake Shudder in Steering Wheel

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Mojo72
Posts: 112
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:13 am
Location: Westland, Michigan

Brake Shudder in Steering Wheel

Post by Mojo72 »

At 60+ mph speeds, I've been experiencing a very pronounced shudder in the steering wheel when I apply the brakes. The wheels were balanced this past summer and the alignment of all four wheels was confirmed to be within specs. I also have receipts from the previous owner for brake shoes and rotors that were supposed to have been installed in 2006. I'm not getting any squelling from the brakes, but I don't know what to think about that shudder coming up the steering column. Does the forum have ideas or suggestions?
2004 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) Vibe (Lava Red)16" Michelin Destiny tires
Herb
Posts: 1406
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 6:14 am

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (Mojo72)

Post by Herb »

Sounds like warped front rotors to me. This can happen if the brakes over heat or if the wheels weren't properly torqued.
Would you agree to debris acceptance? 2003 Vibe GTMods installed GM Top and Mid-Gate Spoilers, Cosmo CAI, TWM Short Shifter with Desert Eagle weighted shift knob, TWM Bronzoil Shifter Cable Bushings, Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust, Unichip, Injen Billet Aluminum Engine/Sparkplug covers and oil cap, Optima RedTop Battery, Lineage Ground Wire KitAwaiting install: Energy Suspension Motor Mounts, DC Sports Header
Mojo72
Posts: 112
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:13 am
Location: Westland, Michigan

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (Herb)

Post by Mojo72 »

Thanks for the point re/ the possible warped rotors. I'll have them checked out.
2004 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) Vibe (Lava Red)16" Michelin Destiny tires
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (Herb)

Post by ehoff121 »

Quote, originally posted by Herb »Sounds like warped front rotors to me. This can happen if the brakes over heat or if the wheels weren't properly torqued.+1 on improper torque on the lug nuts.I have the same issue, but it improved slightly when I loosened the lug nuts to 76 ft. lbs. ('05 AWD).With alloy wheels, I'll be re-torquing them soon.Good luck!
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
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joatmon
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Location: Room 101

Post by joatmon »

mine didn't go away until I replaced the front rotors
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Mojo72
Posts: 112
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:13 am
Location: Westland, Michigan

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (ehoff121)

Post by Mojo72 »

After torqueing my front lug nuts to 76 ft lbs, I also noticed the shudder to have lessened, but not entirely. I'll most likely have the rotors turned and then see what the result is.
2004 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) Vibe (Lava Red)16" Michelin Destiny tires
Sublimewind
Posts: 5140
Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 4:44 am

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (Mojo72)

Post by Sublimewind »

Quote, originally posted by Mojo72 »After torqueing my front lug nuts to 76 ft lbs, I also noticed the shudder to have lessened, but not entirely. I'll most likely have the rotors turned and then see what the result is.that is because the dammage was already done... I had my rotors turned recently and it was nice for a little while, then it came back... torqued lugs FTW..!!
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Brake Flutter in Steering Wheel (Mojo72)

Post by ehoff121 »

Thanks for the update! Please keep us posted on the turned rotors...
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
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