Warped Rotors.. might be the cause of my steering wheel shake.

[vic318ic]

Hey Guys,

I've been having a real bad problem with my steering wheel shaking whenever I break below 60mph down to about 15mph. I've read/heard that it might be because my rotors are warped. The sad part is i had my my car tuned up last year after letting it sit for about a year (through two New England winters). The mechaninc changed the rotors and the pads last summer along with my steering column (said the gaskets cracked and fluid leaked).

Do you think its reasonable that I could have warped 1 year old rotors so quickly? i dont drive that often and when I do im not the type that hard breaks all the time.

Assuming it is the rotors. Is it a simple DIY project? I realy dont want to spend the extra money paying someone to replace it if its something i could do myself buy buying new rotors and a good jack stand.

Are there any DIY projects you know of that deal with rotor removal/installation?

Any help thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

[natem2112]

Originally Posted by vic318ic

Hey Guys,

I've been having a real bad problem with my steering wheel shaking whenever I break below 60mph down to about 15mph. I've read/heard that it might be because my rotors are warped. The sad part is i had my my car tuned up last year after letting it sit for about a year (through two New England winters). The mechaninc changed the rotors and the pads last summer along with my steering column (said the gaskets cracked and fluid leaked).

Do you think its reasonable that I could have warped 1 year old rotors so quickly? i dont drive that often and when I do im not the type that hard breaks all the time.

Assuming it is the rotors. Is it a simple DIY project? I realy dont want to spend the extra money paying someone to replace it if its something i could do myself buy buying new rotors and a good jack stand.

Are there any DIY projects you know of that deal with rotor removal/installation?

Any help thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

I too find it a bit suprising that you would have warped rotors so quickly...unless you had the mechanic install lesser quality rotors.

It's not too big of a job, especially if they were off less then a year ago.

BTW, I'm a new guy on here....hi all =).

[preyash]

Originally Posted by vic318ic

Hey Guys,

I've been having a real bad problem with my steering wheel shaking whenever I break below 60mph down to about 15mph. I've read/heard that it might be because my rotors are warped. The sad part is i had my my car tuned up last year after letting it sit for about a year (through two New England winters). The mechaninc changed the rotors and the pads last summer along with my steering column (said the gaskets cracked and fluid leaked).

Do you think its reasonable that I could have warped 1 year old rotors so quickly? i dont drive that often and when I do im not the type that hard breaks all the time.

Assuming it is the rotors. Is it a simple DIY project? I realy dont want to spend the extra money paying someone to replace it if its something i could do myself buy buying new rotors and a good jack stand.

Are there any DIY projects you know of that deal with rotor removal/installation?

Any help thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

my car does that too its warped rotors my mechanic told me that i am gonna have em changed, the car brakes fine but the shake is annoying.

[Red_Rocket]

yea it isnt that hard to replace rotors, if you have ever done your brakes, it is just an extra step

[WarNox]

yeah it sucks when it shakes, especially when u also have a buckled front wheel and the car pulls to the left even tho its aligned to go straight used:

everything is easy to do if u have the bentley, and a decent set of tools.

[rej487]

check your front control arm bushings as well

[natem2112]

Saw a listing on E-bay for Rotors....front and back @ a pretty good price, plus they are cross drilled, which I have on mine....I love them.


eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices Item #:270023486141

Make sure you actually check your rotors though before you buy a new set, it may be something else.

Good luck!

[Red_Rocket]

Yea definatly check the control arm bushings, there are alot of things that could be causing the shake, and alot of things you might as well replace while your doing the rotors

[vic318ic]

Thanks guys, for the advice. I've heard that it could also be the control arm bushings. I have a copy of the bently manual so I'm hoping it outlines that stuff pretty well so that i can take care of it. As for tools... umm.. i dont really have what you'd call a mechanics tool set, just some odds and ends. But i'd be willing to pick up the necessary tools to get the job done right. I plan on having this car until the engine goes.. and even then i'll drop a new on in. I want this car to be my hobby car.

[vic318ic]

Originally Posted by Red_Rocket

Yea definatly check the control arm bushings, there are alot of things that could be causing the shake, and alot of things you might as well replace while your doing the rotors

What else would you suggest?

[WarNox]

a buckled wheel, unbalanced tires, fully stuffed up alignment...

yeah and those bushings do fail a lot, even on e46's, i know i should be replacing mine, but thats not near the top of the 'to do list' yet.