Shaking during breaking

JaySVX · #1 10-16-2007, 03:16 AM

When I'm cruising at high speeds(65+), and tap the brakes, I get very heavy shaking in the front end and steering wheel. Normally, I would associate such shakes with horribly warped rotors, but I know that's not the case. I have 4 newer tires, new suspension, newer rotors, new brake pads, and no idea what's going on.

Also, this does not happen at slower speeds, or on rough roads, only the roads that are fairly smooth, and at high speeds, and not under heavy braking, only light and medium braking.

Drifting slowly at 5-10mph while varying brake pressure would reveal problems with rotors, but it's fine at any other speeds, to the point that there's no way it could be rotors at high speeds.

The shake is very bad. It causes my steering wheel to jump by about 5-8 degrees in both directions if I do not grasp it firmly, which is pretty far at that speed.

I don't know what else to do, I've replaced everything I know of, and really lost.

subarufamily · #2 10-16-2007, 05:04 AM

have you checked your lugnuts ?lets start with the obviosuly easy question

how recently was all the work on the car cone

JaySVX · #3 10-16-2007, 05:10 AM

My lugs have all been tightened to the appropriate specs. The work was done recently. The shaking is intermittent, some times I'll get it, sometimes not. Changing through 3 sets of wheels, and changing suspension, has not changed this. It started just over a month ago. Suspension was about 3 weeks ago, same time with wheels, and front brake pads.

SVXRide · #4 10-16-2007, 06:18 AM

I'd still have the rotors checked....
-Bill

benebob · #5 10-16-2007, 06:39 AM

Ball joint, tie rod, bad control arm bushings (they aren't replaceable).

A tie rod you should be able to feel doing a sweeping turn as just a little steering wheel movement. Ball joint should be easy to check, control arm bushing is a little tougher. Hocrest had very similar symptons about a year ago that we couldn't decifer, Finally he replaced the control arm and all was happy.

wannarace928 · #6 10-16-2007, 06:42 AM

The rack & pinion was bad on a legacy I had, it made it do something very similar to what you are describing, it would do it quite violently, if you would let go of the wheel it would turn all the way left then right. Made it almost feel like the front end was going to collapse on the road.
It took taking it to 6 shops before they figured out the problem.
Might be worth having it checked.

JaySVX · #7 10-16-2007, 06:56 AM

Maybe I'll just assault my friendly neighborhood SVX mechanic...

TOM PLEASE HELP ME MY CAR IS NOT WORKING AS DESIRED!!!

IceBlade · #8 10-16-2007, 08:42 AM

Same thing happens to me when I break from high speeds. I thought it was normal but hey I know dick all about cars lol.

Hocrest · #9 10-16-2007, 08:57 AM

Yeah, like Ben mentioned it sounds like what was happening with my control arm bushings.

Get the front wheels in the air. Use a pry bar between the control arm and the subframe to check for movement. There should be very little.

If thats not it, while its up there check you tie rods and ball joints.

lilbrudder · #10 10-16-2007, 10:43 PM

i had the same thing, bought new rotors and pads from r1concepts for $215 and fixed that problem, now for the other 101 things wrong

it turned out there were deposites on the old rotors from the pads, just something to look into.

TomsSVX · #11 10-17-2007, 07:36 AM

oh N0eZS!!!! Did you get an ailgnment yet?

Tom

JaySVX · #12 10-17-2007, 07:48 AM

No alignment yet... I need to find time when the shop is open to get it. That had crossed my mind but i can't imagine it shaking that badly, and only during braking, due to alignment, though I could be wrong.

TomsSVX · #13 10-17-2007, 07:53 AM

well, there is a simple solution.... I can supply a rope and a tree if you feel its not worth it anymore... just be sure to leave me your car

On a more serious note, maybe we can get it in the air at OT's and see whats going on if u cannot get out to Philly

Tom

CorSVXette · #14 10-17-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

well, there is a simple solution.... I can supply a rope and a tree if you feel its not worth it anymore... just be sure to leave me your car

On a more serious note, maybe we can get it in the air at OT's and see whats going on if u cannot get out to Philly

Tom

Your in a real funny mood today, Tom. "Funny like a clown? What am I here to amuse you. ( Joe Peci)"

TomsSVX · #15 10-17-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorSVXette

Your in a real funny mood today, Tom. "Funny like a clown? What am I here to amuse you. ( Joe Peci)"

"Dance Spider Dance!!!"
represent S. Philly!!

Tom