What would cause my 2004 Chevrolet Classic (I believe it is a car made for rental car companies (etc.) and is very similar, if not identical, to the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu) with 64,000 miles (mostly highway) to shake like crazy while braking at highway speeds. I had this problem with my 02 Cavalier and balancing/rotating the tires corrected the shake. So, I had the tires balanced/rotated on this one. I purchased the car in 2004 with 28,000 miles on it and have not changed the brake pads or rotors, if that helps. I've seen that as a possible answer, but wondered what else it could be or if anyone has had the same problem with the same vehicle. Is this something that needs taken care of right away? Money is tight right now and if I can get by (SAFELY) with putting it off, I'd like to. Any suggestions or answers would be MUCH appreciated! Thank you!
2007-03-25 10:40:16 · 8 answers · asked by ☼ grateful ☼ 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First, have your Brakes Checked.
Then, have a *Trusted* Mechanic Test-Drive your Car, to Check Front-End Alignment. You may need an alignment done.
I would just go ahead & replace the Rotors on the Front of your Classic. If that doesn't work, then get a Front-End Alignment done!!
2007-03-25 10:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by Diog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure sounds like warped rotors. I have had similar problems with GM cars. It may be possible to have the rotors turned down on a lathe if they have not been previously turned. It costs about $7 a rotor to have it turned at Pep Boys. This cost is with the rotor off the car.New rotors at an auto parts store like Pep Boys or Autozone are approx. $25 each. You can check the cost by going to www.autozone.com. While the rotors are off you might as well replace the brake pads. They cost approx. $40 at an autoparts store.
2007-03-25 10:53:09 · answer #2 · answered by carman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While driving at highway speeds and you get a vibration, then yes it is tire balance. But if you only get this shake while applying the brakes, then you have warped brake rotors. To determine front or rear, try stopping the car with the emergency brake only, if no vibration, then the problem is the front brakes. If it vibrates with the e-brake then your problem is in the rear brakes.
good luck........
2007-03-25 11:07:45 · answer #3 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the brake rotors are warped from the brake heat, have them turned or just wait now until you have a brake job done which should be pretty soon as your miles are probably getting close to having a brake job done, they will turn the rotors when you have your brakes replaced.
2007-03-25 13:35:16 · answer #4 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you definately have a Brake Rotor warped....this can be run for a while though it does effect your stopping distance....you do need to have it fixed as soon as possible or practical....give yourself a bit more stopping distance until you get the repair made. Good Luck.
2007-03-25 10:55:13 · answer #5 · answered by Allen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have warped brake rotors or brake drums. Have a brake job done and make sure that they machine or replace the rotors and drums.
2007-03-25 10:46:17 · answer #6 · answered by geezerrex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds a lot like your rotors and pads but i would also check the front wheel bearings as well as for the safty aspect if its that bad next time you go to stop you may not id also go to a front end specialist get them to check it and give you a quote how much to fix it and the parts you may need then maybe if you are handy you might be able to do it your self and save your self some dollars
2007-03-25 10:56:34 · answer #7 · answered by denis s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotors are warped or have hot spots replace. them.
2007-03-25 10:46:22 · answer #8 · answered by James B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋