Why does my steerting wheel vibrate when braking over 50 MPH?

Question

I have an Infiniti I30 and my steering wheel vibrates when I apply brakes at sppeds over 50 MPH. Had brake pads, wheel bearings and rotors replaced at Midas in February. Took it back to them and they said that a caliper was sticking. Replaced both front calipers and pads again and the problem still exists. Braking feels normal at lower speeds. Do not wanna to go back to Midas because they obviously do not want to stand behind their work and can't seem to get it right. Could someone list the possible causes of this problem before I go to a different shop and get robbed again? At least I'll have some idea of what is ridiculous or not. Thanks.

Answer 1

A sticking caliper will cause the rotor to overheat and warp. The rotor will need to be replaced (generally, if it's bad enough that you can feel the warp, its too bad to just have them refaced.

Go back to Midas. Part of a brake service (when replacing pads) is ALWAYS supposed to be dismantling and rebuilding the calipers, so that they don't stick. They should know this - and should get you NEW (not refaced) rotors. Also the calipers should have been stripped, cleaned, greased and reassembled - you don't usually have to replace them (I've had cars with 30 year old calipers on them, and they worked just great.) Do not accept refaced (turned) rotors. You paid for new, you should have new. Refaced rotors are thinner, and so more likely to warp a second time - they're more likely to overheat, since there's less metal to soak up the heat generated by braking friction.

Next time, I suggest finding a local mechanic that values local customers. They cost a little more, but you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

Answer 2

several answers but start at midas again next the wheel bearings(have midas check them while they look at the brakes) get some one to help you and check the tie rod ends- have them shake the steering wheel back and forth with your hand on the ends if you feel play they're shot you should have rack and pinion one side could be weak and only starts to vibrate a fraction of an inch under the load of braking see if you can find a shop that has a front end tester This machine finds out where the problem is ( the last one I had done shook the wheels in every direction and say the pitman arm was bad) since the problem may still be in the brakes make midas fix it or tell you what is wrong so you can fix it also alot of shops due inspections for a reasonable price and it beats a tow trucks price. see the site below for steering and search it for the brakes to learn more GL

Answer 3

First, be sure that all of the suspension and steering parts are OK.
Second, I does sound like you have a Disc Rotor problem. What must be done is to measure the thickness in 4 places around the rotor. Then the "Run Out" must be checked with a dial indicator.
Thickness variation specs are .001" or less and run out is about .003". Would have to look it up to be sure.
An out side chance is the wheel flange that the rotor mounts on is dirty or rusty.
I would bet on bad rotors. I see it all of the time. Most places I see use the air gun to tighten the wheel lug nuts. WRONG!! Hand tighten only with a torque wrench is the only way it should be done.
The only other cause of rotors warping is, driver brakes to much and over heats the rotors.

Answer 4

I have had both of these problems in my Accord...one at first and then the other after I messed up fixing it:

Warped rotors
Rotors not properly tightened down.

Both will cause vibration when braking at high speeds but might not be noticeable at low speeds. Both will get progressively worse, but the rotors not being tightened will get worse faster.

If the rotors are warped, they'll have to be "turned," have their surface ground down to level again. If they've already been worn too far, they'll have to be replaced. Unless you have ceramic rotors or something like that, replacing them will not be terribly expensive (probably not more than 50 dollars a rotor, most likely less), and is probably easy enough for you to do it yourself. (In many cars, it's as easy as changing a tire)

If a rotor is loose, just tighten it down (as hard as you can by hand will be fine) and it should be back to normal. You are unlikely to have done damage. (I drove 3000 miles like that and mine was just fine)

Answer 5

I,m not familiar with Infinity cars but if your car has rear disc brakes they could just as easily be warped and cause the same vibration as you get from front brake rotors being warped. A good shop should check the run-out with a dial indicator to determine exactly which rotors are warped before replacing parts. Front rotor warpage is most common but rear rotors can warp as well, I've seen it happen many times.

Answer 6

It shouldn't cost you anymore from Midas.They either know another possible solution or they don't.BECAUSE there is more than 1 reason that causes the same thing to happen.
Contaminated brake pads,
uneven rotors,
loose wheel nuts,
loose wheel bearing,
bent wheel,
out of balance wheel,
tire problem,
worn steering connectors,
steering damper worn out or loose,
worn ball joints.
That is the majority off the top of my head. Being a newer car, the last 3 are less likely. Try your luck with either a tire store or an alignment shop.

Answer 7

If it has all been checked out and is mechanically sound, you've got a metering problem in the ABS. The on board computer meters the flow of brake fluid to each wheel. If there is an imbalance, this can cause a pulsing or even a fading effect if not metered properly. Go to an Infinity dealer and tell them you suspect the ABS system to be malfunctioning. It might not make much difference in everyday driving, but the one time you need it in an emergency could be your last.

Answer 8

Your rotors are most likely warped. Warped rotors are a major cause of vibration from the steering wheel. Go to another shop and have it turned. Make sure you get need pads after you get them turned. Also bed you pads right so they will grip better. One last suggestion, don't wash your car right away after doing alot of stop and go driving. This is a cause for warped rotors. When the rotors get hot from stop and go driving and then you get them wet right away without them being cooled off, the metal will warp.

Answer 9

One of the rotors is slightly warped and can be "turned" or resurfaced to stop this. They would most likely resurface both front rotors to correct this.

Any decent shop that handles brake repairs and has one of these brake lathes can do this for probably $30.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Warped rotors. The caliper sticking sorry to say could have warped your new rotors. Next time you drive see if it does it under 50 if you brake hard.