Hi there,
I'm having this issue when I touch the brakes at motorway speeds (i.e. above 60mph). There is a distinct shudder felt through the steering wheel, but nothing through the brake pedal. The shudder is only present when I touch the brakes, and at speeds below 60mph there is no problem at all.
I originally suspected a slight warp of the front disk(s), but checks suggest this may not be the case and I'm now having some difficulty determining the exact cause.
So far I have done the following:
- Checked front disc runout with a DTI on both inner and outer faces of the discs. The runout is 0.03mm on both discs.
- Stripped & cleaned the front brakes. Nothing sticks or binds. The pads have been renewed recently and are in good condition. The discs also appear to be in good condition, although they are original and now approaching the service limit (they will wear out before the pads do).
- Inspected control arm bushes. The rearward bushes are staring to show signs of perishing at the outer edges, although they appear to be sound with no splits and no discernible play.
- Rocked the front wheels in both axis to try and detect any play in the bearings, bushes, track rod ends or ball joints. I can't feel any play whatsoever on either wheel.
- Spun both front wheels to look for signs of warp or buckling. Both seem fine and there is no sign of a balance weight having fallen off.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions based on their own experience, please? My last idea is to have the front wheel balance checked, although I'm thinking this would produce a permanent wheel wobble, rather than just under braking, if it were the cause?
Stu