Mitsubishi brake issues?

Hi all, Are front rotor warpage problems common on late model Mitsubishi's? I have a 99 Galant V6 w/ about 90k on it and the front end 'shudders' a little at speed. Not one particular speed like a balance problem, but anything over 45 mph. There isn't any noise associated with this at all. It's more pronounced when braking. Judging by the tire wear, the car doesn't have an alignment problem at all. I'm betting that the front rotors are warped just enough to cause the pads to drag a little against the rotors, transmitting the 'skipping' feeling I'm getting to the steering wheel. The only reason I don't feel it at slow speeds (another guess) is because they're not warped enough to really grab anything, but are just warped enough that when the dragging is at a high frequency, it's transmitted through the steering assembly to the driver. My wife tells me this has been going on for several months.

Anybody have this problem or something else like this before I start tearing it apart in my driveway?

Thanks, - Jeff G

Jeff,

You're probably on the right track. Are you applying the brakes when it shudders? Is it a lot worse when you're taking off-ramps and applying very light brake pressure? If yes, it would be the rotors (usually both front). Not too expensive and basically a maintenance item. 90k is about right. It is not just Galants or Mitsu products, most Hondas, Nissans, GM cars, ... etc. do this as well and many times at much earlier mileage than yours.

If the vibration is there without touching the brakes, things may be a bit more involved. If the car also pulls to one side, it may be a frozen caliper causing the rotor to heat and warp. If the car is not pulling, feel the front wheels after a 10 or 15 min highway ride. The wheels should be at about the same temp. and should not be very hot to touch. If one wheel is much hotter then the others, you have a brake caliper issue. If the wheels are not hot, you should get the car on a lift and have all front-end components checked. look closely at tires, ball joints and tie rod ends. Check half shafts and also look for possible Tx oil leaks at the drive shaft seals.

Hope this helps, Fred